Funding opportunities for PhD students

The Institute for Religion, Culture and Public Life at Columbia University is pleased to announce two funding opportunities for PhD students. Proposals must relate to the study of religion and/or secularism. 

2020 SCHOLARSHIP FUND 

The 2020 Scholarship Fund is a new source of fellowship support for PhD students at Columbia University, Union Theological Seminary, Jewish Theological Seminary, and Teachers College. The 2020 Scholarship Fund places an emphasis on meeting unexpected expenses, on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, that are affecting students’ ability to pursue their research and writing. Each award is $3,000. Please note that funds cannot be used for travel until the current restriction is lifted. See more details here.

All proposals must be submitted through the online application form. Please include:

1.     A curriculum vitae, not to exceed two pages.
2.     A description of the research project, three-five pages.
3.     A printed transcript, though unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
4.     One letter of reference from a faculty member who will serve on your dissertation committee or supervise your research. This should be emailed to ircpl@columbia.edu. 

Applications for the 2020 Scholarship Fund are due on Monday, May 25, 2020 at 12pm.

DISSERTATION FELLOWSHIP

The IRCPL Dissertation Fellowship provides students with $5,000 towards the completion of the dissertation. The fellowship is available to students registered full-time at Columbia GSAS who have completed the 5th year of the PhD program. Fellows are expected to attend a monthly seminar with the Director of IRCPL during the Fall semester, either in person or virtually. See more details here.

All proposals must be submitted through the online application form. Please include:

1.   A curriculum vitae, not to exceed two pages.
2. Proposal (no more than five pages, double spaced, in Times New Roman 11-point font)
3. One-page timeline for the expected completion of dissertation writing and defense/filing
4. Bibliography (no more than two pages)
5. One completed chapter of the dissertation
6. A printed transcript, though unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
7. A statement from the applicant’s department indicating the faculty on the dissertation committee, expected submission date, and other sources of funding.
8. One letter of reference from your dissertation advisor, including a section which attests to the viability of the proposed timeline for completion. This should be emailed to ircpl@columbia.edu.  

 Applications for the 2020 IRCPL Dissertation Fellowships are due on Monday, June 15, 2020 at 12pm. 

Email Marianna Pecoraro at mp3699@columbia.edu with any questions.