宗教学哲学博士学位由研究生院宗教系提供。学生可以被录取为博士学位。从获得学士学位的认可大学或获得学士学位后的认可的神学院或研究生院毕业后获得该课程。M.Div。的学生 或MA学位可直接录取为博士学位。程序。通常，只有学士学位的学生首先被录取为MA课程。后者的成功完成为博士研究奠定了基础，但不能保证可以攻读博士学位。程序。建议拥有学士学位的申请者不仅要考虑研究生院的文学硕士课程，还要考虑范德比尔特神学院的两年制MTS（神学硕士）课程，以准备攻读博士学位。工作。
The objective of the program in Religion, Psychology, and Culture (RPC) is to provide advanced study for students in religion and the psychological sciences in preparation for careers in teaching and scholarship. The program includes the study of theories and dynamics of personality, the praxis and theory of pastoral theology and care, and critical and constructive reflection on the methods and substance of both theology and psychology. Students are expected to develop competence in understandings of the human person in the social sciences and religion. In order to pursue work in RPC, students must have general knowledge in religion, history of religious thought, scriptural study, systematic and contemporary theology, ethics, and philosophy, either through prior course work (B.A., M.A., M.Div., or M.T.S.) or courses taken after enrollment in the Ph.D. If students enter with 24 hours or less of such work, they should expect Ph.D. course work to be somewhat lengthened.