PhD in Religious Studies
Deepen your understanding of faith, ethics, and human civilization with an online PhD in Religious Studies from International University Canada. Our online doctorate in theology and religion is designed for scholars, researchers, and religious leaders across Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria, Malaysia, India, Nepal, Cambodia, and beyond — who want to contribute original knowledge to the study of religion, theology, and comparative thought.
The online PhD in Religious Studies at IUC is a fully research-focused doctoral degree offered by the School of Religious Studies. It is one of the most affordable PhD in Religious Studies Canada has to offer — with tuition starting at just CAD $4,500 and up to 60% financial aid available. Designed for academics, religious professionals, and researchers, this PhD in Islamic Studies online and comparative religion program allows students to study flexibly while engaging with experienced faculty and a global scholarly community.
Program Highlight
About the Online PhD in Religious Studies Program
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Religious Studies is the highest academic qualification offered by the School of Religious Studies at International University Canada. This fully online doctoral program prepares students to become independent scholars, university faculty, interfaith consultants, and thought leaders in religion and civilization.
This online PhD in Religious Studies combines advanced theological theory with rigorous research training. Students explore key areas including PhD in Islamic Studies online, comparative religion, theology and ethics, philosophy of religion, and the role of faith in modern civilization. The program is ideal for students from Muslim-majority countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria, and Malaysia, as well as students from India, Nepal, and Cambodia seeking an online doctorate in theology or PhD in Comparative Religion distance learning.
The program concludes with an original doctoral dissertation — an independent research project that adds new knowledge to the study of religion.
Whether you are a practising religious scholar, a community leader, or an aspiring academic, this affordable PhD in Religious Studies Canada gives you the tools, mentorship, and academic credentials to lead meaningful research and contribute to global interfaith understanding.
Online PhD in Religious Studies (36–48 Months)
Session: 2025 – 2026
Program Structure
This online PhD in Religious Studies is structured in two phases: Coursework and Qualifying Exams, followed by Dissertation Research. Students can study at their own pace while meeting key academic milestones.
- Duration: 36–48 Months (Full-Time Online)
- Total Credits: 90 Credits
- Format: 100% Online — live sessions, recorded lectures, and one-on-one supervisor meetings
- Dissertation: Original research dissertation required for graduation
Core Research Areas
| Research Area | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Islamic Studies & Theology | Advanced Islamic Thought, Quranic Studies, Hadith Sciences, Islamic Jurisprudence — core focus of our PhD in Islamic Studies online |
| Comparative Religion | World Religions, Interfaith Dialogue, Religion & Modernity — ideal for PhD in Comparative Religion distance learning |
| Philosophy & Ethics | Philosophy of Religion, Ethics & Moral Theology, Religion & Human Rights — central to our online doctorate in theology |
| Religion & Civilization | Religion in Society, Islamic Civilization, Faith & Governance |
| Research Methodology | Qualitative Research in Religion, Textual Analysis, Hermeneutics, Mixed Methods |
Curriculum Overview
Our online PhD in Religious Studies curriculum is structured to deliver a rigorous, research-driven learning journey that supports both academic excellence and original scholarly contribution. It is organized into four key components: Core Doctoral Courses, Research Methodology, Concentration Electives, and Dissertation Research.
| Component | Required Credits |
|---|---|
| Core Doctoral Courses | 30 Credits |
| Research Methodology | 18 Credits |
| Concentration / Electives | 18 Credits |
| Dissertation Research | 24 Credits |
| Total | 90 Credits |
Core Doctoral Courses
The Core Doctoral Courses develop a strong foundation in religious theory, analytical thinking, and evidence-based scholarly inquiry. These courses introduce students to the fundamental concepts of PhD in Islamic Studies online, comparative theology, and interfaith research while strengthening their abilities to critically evaluate and contribute original ideas to the field of religious studies.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | REL901 | Foundations of Religious Studies | 3 Credits |
| Semester 1 | REL902 | Advanced Islamic Thought & Theology | 3 Credits |
| Semester 1 | REL903 | Comparative Religion & World Faiths | 3 Credits |
| Semester 1 | REL904 | Philosophy of Religion & Ethics | 3 Credits |
| Semester 2 | REL905 | Quranic Studies & Hermeneutics | 3 Credits |
| Semester 2 | REL906 | Hadith Sciences & Islamic Jurisprudence | 3 Credits |
| Semester 2 | REL907 | Interfaith Dialogue & Modern Theology | 3 Credits |
| Semester 3 | REL908 | Religion, Society & Civilization | 3 Credits |
| Semester 3 | REL909 | Islamic Finance & Economic Ethics | 3 Credits |
| Semester 3 | REL910 | Faith, Governance & Human Rights | 3 Credits |
Research Methodology
The Research Methodology core develops a strong foundation in academic research principles, analytical thinking, and evidence-based problem-solving. These courses introduce students to the tools needed to conduct and publish original research in PhD in Comparative Religion distance learning and broader online doctorate in theology programs.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | RES801 | Qualitative Research in Religious Studies | 3 Credits |
| Semester 2 | RES802 | Textual Analysis & Hermeneutics | 3 Credits |
| Semester 2 | RES803 | Philosophy of Social Science Research | 3 Credits |
| Semester 3 | RES804 | Mixed Methods Research | 3 Credits |
| Semester 3 | RES805 | Advanced Academic Writing & Publication | 3 Credits |
| Semester 3 | RES806 | Systematic Literature Review & Meta-Analysis | 3 Credits |
Concentration Electives
The Concentration Electives allow students of this online PhD in Religious Studies to specialize in areas most relevant to their research interests — from Islamic civilization and interfaith ethics to contemporary global religious issues.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 4 | REL911 | Advanced Topics in Islamic Civilization | 3 Credits |
| Semester 4 | REL912 | Religion & Contemporary Global Issues | 3 Credits |
| Semester 4 | REL913 | Theology, Ethics & Moral Philosophy | 3 Credits |
| Semester 5 | REL914 | New Religious Movements & Secularism | 3 Credits |
| Semester 5 | REL915 | Doctoral Seminar in Religious Studies | 3 Credits |
| Semester 5 | REL916 | Special Topics in Religion & Society | 3 Credits |
Dissertation Research
The Core Doctoral Courses develop a strong foundation in management theory, analytical thinking, and evidence-based decision-making. These courses introduce students to the fundamental concepts of organizational behavior, strategic leadership, and business research while strengthening their abilities to critically evaluate, investigate, and contribute original ideas to the field of management.
| Phase | Course Code | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | DIS901 | Dissertation Proposal & Literature Review | 6 Credits |
| Phase 2 | DIS902 | Research Design & Data Collection | 6 Credits |
| Phase 3 | DIS903 | Data Analysis & Findings | 6 Credits |
| Phase 4 | DIS904 | Final Dissertation & Defense | 6 Credits |
| Total | 24 Credits |
FACULTY
Our online PhD in Religious Studies faculty are internationally recognized scholars with deep expertise in Islamic theology, comparative religion, and interfaith studies. Each professor brings active research experience and a commitment to mentoring doctoral students from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria, Malaysia, India, Nepal, Cambodia, and across the world.
Dr. Patricia A. Walcott
Senior Lecturer & Research Faculty
Dr. Charles R. Bennett
Associate Professor of Educational Psychology
Dr. Margaret L. Thornton
Professor of Educational LeadershipPrograms Cost
Our program costs are designed to remain transparent competitive and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds. Each academic program includes tuition fees, registration charges and essential learning resources ensuring students receive high-quality education and comprehensive academic support Costs may vary based on program type, course load, and mode of study (on-campus, hybrid, or online) We aim to provide exceptional value through modern facilities, expert faculty, and industry aligned curriculum making your investment in education both meaningful and future-focused.
| Payment Plan | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Full Payment | CAD $4,500 | One-time — pay once, no extra charges |
| 2-Installment Plan | CAD $2,250 | 2 payments — every 6 months |
| 4-Installment Plan | CAD $1,125 | 4 payments — every 3 months |
| Monthly Plan | CAD $375 | 12 monthly payments |
| Your Master’s CGPA | Aid | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 3.8 – 4.0 | 60% | CAD $1,800 |
| 3.5 – 3.79 | 45% | CAD $2,475 |
| 3.0 – 3.49 | 30% | CAD $3,150 |
| Prior publications or research awards | Extra 5–10% | Assessed individually |
| Your Experience | Aid | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 10+ years senior management or leadership | 60% | CAD $1,800 |
| 5–9 years relevant professional experience | 40% | CAD $2,700 |
| Community leadership, NGO, or public service | 25% | CAD $3,375 |
| Military or government service | 30% | CAD $3,150 |
| Entrepreneurship or business ownership | 20% | CAD $3,600 |
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Agent Commission | Available for authorized education consultants |
| How to Register | Email us at info@iuc-edu.ca |
| Commission Payment | Paid after student enrollment confirmation |
| Support Provided | Marketing materials, official letters, application support |
Apply Now
Our program costs are designed to remain transparent competitive and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds. Each academic program includes tuition fees, registration charges and essential learning resources ensuring students receive high-quality education and comprehensive academic support Costs may vary based on program type, course load, and mode of study (on-campus, hybrid, or online) We aim to provide exceptional value through modern facilities, expert faculty, and industry aligned curriculum making your investment in education both meaningful and future-focused.
Apply Now
Our program costs are designed to remain transparent competitive and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds. Each academic program includes tuition fees, registration charges and essential learning resources ensuring students receive high-quality education and comprehensive academic support Costs may vary based on program type, course load, and mode of study (on-campus, hybrid, or online) We aim to provide exceptional value through modern facilities, expert faculty, and industry aligned curriculum making your investment in education both meaningful and future-focused.
Admissions Requirements
| # | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Academic Qualifications |
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| 2 | Required Documents |
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| 3 | Financial Requirements |
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| 4 | Additional PhD Requirements |
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Application Deadlines
| Intake | Applications Open | Deadline | Classes Begin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Intake | October 1 | December 30 | January 15 |
| Fall Intake | April 1 | August 10 | September 5 |
| Rolling Admissions | Open Year-Round | Anytime | Next Available Session |
Requirements and Deadlines
Our program costs are designed to remain transparent competitive and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds. Each academic program includes tuition fees, registration charges and essential learning resources ensuring students receive high-quality education and comprehensive academic.