Description of program: The joint doctoral program with the University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology is designed to prepare persons for independent research and teaching in the fields of religious and theological studies. In 1999 the program adopted a unitary Ph.D. program with a core curriculum (Theory and Methods in the Study of Religion, Pedagogy in the Teaching of Religion, Dissertation Proposal Seminar) and specialized and flexible concentrations. Advisory committees are composed of 3 faculty members: 2 from a student's concentration and 1 from another concentration. The Religion and Psychological Studies concentration of the joint doctoral program includes tracks in Religion and the Behavioral Sciences and in Pastoral Theology and Counseling. The Religion and Behavioral Sciences track is designed to help persons explore the relationship of behavioral sciences, personality theory, and religion. Students in this track will be prepared to do research and to teach in the fields of religion and personality and psychology of religion. The Pastoral Theology and Counseling track is designed to train persons to relate critically and constructively theological and psychological resources to clinical work, teaching, and research in the field of pastoral theology and counseling. The requirements of this track are consistent with the membership requirements of the AAPC. This track is not designed to prepare persons to meet the requirements for licensing as clinical psychologists.

Faculty and faculty interests: 3 core faculty members make up the Religion and Psychological Studies faculty. In addition, faculty members from various areas of the University of Denver (i.e., Graduate School of Psychology, Deparment of Psychology, College of Education, Graduate School of Social Work, etc.) can participate in the program. Sandra Dixon (Ph.D., University of Chicago) teaches at the University of Denver in Religious Studies. Dr. Dixon's work includes psychological examinations of the religious life of St. Augustine, work in self psychology, and religious ethics. Larry Kent Graham (Ph.D., Princeton) teaches at Iliff School of Theology and focuses in pastoral theology, family systems theory, and sexuality studies. Joretta L.Marshall (Ph.D., Vanderbilt University) teaches at Iliff School of Theology and works in the area of pastoral care and counseling, lesbian/gay/bisexual pastoral theology, and forgiveness.

Program requirements: Preference in admissions has traditionally gone to students with an appropriate masters degree in theology or its equivalent. CPE is strongly encouraged for persons entering the Pastoral Theology and Counseling track.

Clinical component: Normally students in the Pastoral Theology and Counseling track participate in a 1 year clinical internship as part of their program.

Financial aid: Financial aid is available through the joint doctoral program.

Duration of program: Students are expected to complete their degrees within 7 calendar years of their matriculation date.

Contact person: Rhoda Story, Administrative Assistant to the Joint Doctoral Program, Iliff School of Theology, 2201 S. University, Denver, CO 80210, 303-765-3136, rstory@iliff.edu.

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