Description
Doctor of Philosophy in Hindu Studies (PHD)
Program Code:
PHD
Course Codes:
5000-9000
Credit Hours:
60 to 78 Semester Credit Hours
Duration:
5 years (full-time)
Program Description
The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Hindu Studies builds upon a solid foundation in Hinduism, advancing students into the realm of research, teaching, publication, and contribution. The PhD in Hindu Studies at HUA is a rigorous 60- to 78-credit program designed for aspiring scholars and educators in the field. This program emphasizes breadth and depth, covering key areas in Hindu Studies while fostering advanced research skills. Students engage deeply with primary texts and develop expertise in Sanskrit and a second language. The program focuses on original scholarship, critical methodologies, and the Hindu intellectual tradition. It prepares students to research, publish, teach, and contribute meaningfully to the understanding of Hindu thought from a scholar-practitioner perspective. To complete the program successfully, students must take 20 courses or 60 semester-credit-hours across three areas: 30 semester-credit-hours or ten courses in Doctoral Studies Foundations, 24-semester-credit-hours or eight courses in a specialization area, and two courses focused on research and teaching. In addition, students must complete a PhD dissertation. Please see the structure of Program for a detailed description of the distribution of courses.
Program Learning Outcomes
Through the Doctoral of Philosophy Program in Hindu Studies, students will be able to:
- Communicate the coherence and continuity inherent in Hinduism’s diverse expressions.
Engage constructively with contemporary scholarship on Hinduism.
Demonstrate expertise in critical editing, translation, interpretation, and commentary.
Evaluate prevailing research paradigms and propose new theories and methodologies.
- Produce independent and original research that advances the field of Hindu Studies.
Written / Video Testimonial
Who is this Program for:
The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Hindu Studies program is designed for students interested in engaging with existing academic discourse, addressing criticisms of Hinduism, and contributing to its study through rigorous, evidence-based responses and innovative perspectives. It is suitable for people who wish to advance theoretical knowledge in Hindu Studies by pursuing novel, independent research. It is meant for students who want to engage with primary texts in their original languages, with philological competence, and engage critically with manuscripts and commentarial literature. The PhD program aims to produce qualified researchers and professors, enabling research, publication, teaching, and scholarly contribution.
Prerequisite:
Prospective candidates can apply for the PHD in one of the following paths upon fulfilling the enrollment criteria. They may apply after the successful completion of either HUA’s Master of Arts in Hindu studies, or HUA-MIT’s Master of Arts in Sanskrit. Students. Alternately, those with master’s degrees in an adjacent discipline from the humanities, liberal arts, or the social sciences will be required to complete surplus coursework beyond the stated requirements.
Those with master’s degrees in a discipline unrelated to humanities (such as in Engineering, Science, or Technology) will be required to complete the Master of Arts in Hindu Studies before being eligible for admission into the Doctor of Philosophy Program.
How long will this program take:
A full-time course load is considered three courses per semester. At this rate, a student can complete the required coursework (not including doctoral study advisement) for the Doctoral degree in 3 years. Part-time study is considered 1-2 courses every semester. At this rate, a student can complete the required coursework (not including doctoral study advisement) for the Doctoral degree in 5-9 years. The time dedicated to research, analysis, writing, and defense of the Doctoral Study is in addition to this and will vary by student. If possible, full-time study is strongly recommended for at least some of the program as this supports the most effective learning experience.
Structure of the Program
The structure of the PhD program varies based on the student’s prior preparation. Students may enter the PhD Program from three different prerequisite streams: Via HUA’s Master of Arts in Hindu studies degree, the Master of Arts in Sanskrit degree, or a master’s Degree in a related field in the humanities or liberal arts or the social sciences. The PhD program consists of 60 credit hours of coursework for students with a Master of Arts in Hindu Studies.
Credits | Courses | ||
Doctoral Studies Foundations in Hindu Studies | Hindu Philosophy | 3 | 1 |
Hindu History | 3 | 1 | |
Hindu Texts | 3 | 1 | |
Hindu Political Thought | 3 | 1 | |
Doctoral Studies Foundations in Research and Writing | Languages | 6 | 2 |
Writing | 3 | 1 | |
Research Methods | 9 | 3 | |
Doctoral Research Area | Specialization | 24 | 8 |
Teaching and Research | Teaching Seminar | 3 | 1 |
Dissertation Proposal Seminar | 3 | 1 | |
Dissertation | Dissertation Advisement | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 60 | 20 |
For students with a Master of Arts Degree in Sanskrit, the PhD Program will also consist of 60 credit hours of coursework, but the distribution of courses is slightly different as follows.
Credits | Courses | |||
Graduate Foundations | Writing in the Humanities (MA) | 6 | 2 | |
Hinduism and the West (MA) | 3 | 1 | ||
Doctoral Foundations in Hindu Studies | Hindu History | 3 | 1 | |
Hindu Political Thought | 3 | 1 | ||
Doctoral Studies Foundations in Research and Writing | Languages | 3 | 1 | |
Writing | 3 | 1 | ||
Research Methods | 9 | 3 | ||
Doctoral Research Area | Specialization | 24 | 8 | |
Teaching and Research | Teaching Seminar | 3 | 1 | |
Dissertation Proposal Seminar | 3 | 1 | ||
Dissertation | Dissertation Advisement | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 60 | 20 | |
For students with a Master’s Degree in a related field in the humanities, such as Religion, Sociology, Philosophy, Psychology, Anthropology, History, and so on, the PhD Program will consist of 78 credit hours of course as described below. However, the exact structure of the program may be tailored to the specific student’s prior preparation and needs. While this pathway assumes that the student has adequate prior competence in writing in the humanities, this will be evaluated. If the student is found to require more training in writing in the humanities, additional coursework may be required.
Credits | Courses | ||
Graduate Foundations in Hindu Studies | Hindu Studies Foundations (MA) | 9 | 3 |
Texts and Traditions (MA) | 3 | 1 | |
Applications of Hindu Thought (MA) | 3 | 1 | |
Hinduism and the West (MA) | 3 | 1 | |
Doctoral Foundations in Hindu Studies | Hindu Philosophy | 3 | 1 |
Hindu History | 3 | 1 | |
Hindu Texts | 3 | 1 | |
Hindu Political Thought | 3 | 1 | |
Doctoral Studies Foundations in Research and Writing | Languages | 6 | 2 |
Writing | 3 | 1 | |
Research Methods | 9 | 3 | |
Doctoral Research Area | Specialization | 24 | 8 |
Teaching and Research | Teaching Seminar | 3 | 1 |
Dissertation Proposal Seminar | 3 | 1 | |
Dissertation | Dissertation Advisement | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 78 | 26 |
Specialization Areas
The PhD Program in Hindu Studies offers the following specialization areas. In the future, the university will add more such specialization areas.
- Hindu Philosophy
- Hindu Texts and Traditions
- Hinduism and the West
- Conflict and Peace Studies
Future specializations not yet offered are:
- Sanskrit Studies
- Hindu History
- Hindu Political Thought
- Vedic Studies
- Postcolonial Hindu Studies
Students should take at least six courses in one Specialization Area and preferably two courses in a second specialization area. They may consult their graduate student advisors or their dissertation advisors if they have identified one in choosing their specialization courses.
Language Requirement
Students meet the language requirements for the PhD by demonstrating research-level proficiency in Sanskrit and one additional language:
Sanskrit: Fluency in Sanskrit is a prerequisite for all advanced-level work with the primary texts of Hinduism. HUA expects its graduates to have mastered the language. Students may complete HUA’s Certificate Program in Sanskrit Proficiency or an equivalent Certificate Program offered by HUA to demonstrate proficiency in the language. Alternatively, students with advanced degrees in Sanskrit or who have passed an equivalent or higher-level exam can apply for an exemption from demonstrating this or taking a proficiency test to complete this requirement.
Second Language:
The ability to read a research language (typically French, German, Italian, or Japanese) is required to access secondary literature in a language other than English. Students may take a 3-credit course in their language of choice, either at HUA or from a different institution, to complete this requirement. Alternatively, students may take a recommended exam in the language or petition to demonstrate proficiency in a second Indian language (such as Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, etc.) relevant to their dissertation topic through an independent study course.
Dissertation
The PhD Program will culminate in a Dissertation, an original scholarly work demonstrating a thorough knowledge of the literature on the student’s chosen topic. The goal of the Dissertation is to demonstrate students’ command of the programs’ learning outcomes through the design, execution, and presentation of original scholarly work. The program will prepare students for the Dissertation through coursework in research methods, writing, and a dissertation proposal seminar. The phases of preparation and assessment for the Dissertation Phase are as follows:
- Qualifying Exam (Written): After completing the four survey courses in the Doctoral Studies Foundations area in Hindu Studies students will complete a take-home qualifying exam. Students must receive a passing score on this exam to qualify for further study in the program.
- Dissertation Proposal Seminar:Development of dissertation proposals for oral presentation. Students are required to take this seminar (3 Credits) before proposing their dissertation
- Proposal (Oral):A formal proposal of the research question, design, and plan, including methodology. When their dissertation committee approves their proposal the students may advance into the candidacy phase, provided they have completed their coursework.
- Research, Analysis, and Writing:Collecting data, analyzing, and writing about their findings. Dissertation papers are typically 100-200 pages or 60,000 to 120,000 words. Students will receive guidance from their dissertation advisor and committee members during this period.
- Teaching Seminar:During the dissertation phase, students must complete the teaching seminar by teaching a course through HUA in one of its divisions.
- Dissertation Defense (Oral):Students present their research findings to their committee. Successful defense is a requirement to graduate from the program and to obtain the degree and title of Doctor.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Hindu Studies (PHD)
The tuition fee per credit hour for the CPHS courses is $200. The total cost of the Certificate program with 24 credit hours is $4,800 plus a one time non-refundable administration fee of $100. However, students have the option of signing up for annual payment plans that will reduce the cost.
The following payment plans are available:
Payment Plan Options:
Pay in Full: $3,600 one-time payment.
- 2-Year Payment Plan:$ 1,900 / year for 2 years.
- 3-Year Payment Plan:$ 1,400 / year for 3 years.
- 4-Year Payment Plan:$ 1,100 / year, for 4 years.
- Pay-as-you-go:$ 300 per quarter.
Before you choose a payment plan, and get enrolled in the Certificate Program in Hindu Studies, please make sure that you have completed the following steps.
1. Applied for the Program.
2. Reviewed the enrollment agreement form.
3. Determined your payment plan.
After all of the above steps have been completed, please choose a payment plan below and pay your fees.
Select a payment plan below:
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Tuition and Payment
The tuition fee per credit hour for the Certificate Program courses is $200. The total cost of the Certificate program with 24 credit hours is $4,800. However, students have the option of signing up for annual payment plans that will reduce the cost.
The following payment plans are available:
Pay in Full: $ 14,400 one-time payment. Saving of $ 3,600.
- Pay in Full: $3,600 one-time payment. Saving of $1,200.
- 2-Year Payment Plan: $1,900 per year, total of $3,800. Saving of $1000.
- 3-Year Payment Plan: $1,400 per year, total of $4,200. Saving of $600.
- 4-Year Payment Plan: $1,100 per year, total of $4,400. Saving of $400.
- Pay-as-you-go: $300 per Quarter, total of $4800. Full Price.
There is also a one-time administration fee of $100 to be paid initially at the time of enrollment in the program.
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FBL Examples
Example # 1:
Priya (a hypothetical student) is interested in learning more about her family’s ancestral lineage and in enhancing her knowledge and practice of yoga in India. She lives in the United States and is the mother of a young child, so she will not be able to stay at a Yoga Gurukulam for an extended period of time. Priya has located a particular site for her FBL, which meets the criteria. They understand her responsibilities and have told her that a one or two-week stay at the Gurukulam is sufficient; she is able to manage this. She will participate in online courses with the Gurukulam, before and after her stay and is already thinking about how she can make connections with her HUA coursework in Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and other Yoga related courses.
Example # 2:
Kevin (a hypothetical student) is a musician who has been drawn to the spiritual foundations of Bhakti music. He lives in the USA, and is part of a Performing Arts Orchestra, who has been dabbling with his own musical creations based on the Vedic teachings. He is able to visit India for an extended period of time, and designs a 3-month immersion experience for his FBL with a Partner institution in India, which specializes in Classical Indian Music. He is also simultaneously learning Sanskrit through HUA and will be working on developing a deeper appreciation of the lyrics and their meanings from within a Hindu spiritual context. He will be making connections between his HUA coursework on Sanskrit as well as in Hindu Philosophy with the compositions of the Bhakti saints of various genres through his FBL.
Example #3:
Darshana (a hypothetical student) is interested in understanding the Ashram experience more fully. She is able to spend a substantial amount of time at an Ashram in the United States. She combines that experience with a quick 3-week Ashram tour of India to Rishikesh, Coimbatore and Belur, where she is able to develop an immersive understanding of the Ashram experience across multiple Hindu traditions. Her FBL is managed through the relationship with the Ashram in the USA and is able to also incorporate the 3-week travel to India to visit and experience several Ashrams. Through these varied Ashram experiences, she is able to incorporate new practices in her own life, after experimenting briefly with multiple practices being offered at these various sites.
Courses in the Program
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- HSF5003 – Shad Darshanas – Introduction to Hindu Philosophy
- HSF6006 – Reason & Revelation in Hindu Philosophy
- HAM7500 – Overview of Hindu History (new)
- TAT7201 – Mahabharata I – The Beginning and End
- TAT7202 – Mahabharata II – Dicing and Exile
- TAT7203 – Mahabharata III – The War Books
- TAT7204 – Mahabharata IV – Dharma and Darshana
- TAT7301 – Bhagavata Purana
- TAT7303 – The Vedas – Text and Ritual
- CPS7502 – A Survey of Hindu Political Thought (new)
Languages (6 Credit Hours – 2 Courses)
- LAN8000 – Advanced Sanskrit Seminar (new)
- LAN8010 – Independent Study in a Second Language (new)
Writing (3 Credit Hours – 1 Course)
Research Methods (9 Credit Hours – 3 Courses)
- HSF7001 – Methods in the Study of Religion
- HSF7002 – Introduction to Research Methods (new)
- HAM8401 – Mahabharata Textual Criticism
- HAM8403 – Historical Methods and Sources (existing – renumbered)
- LAN7201 – Digital Philology – I (new)
- LAN8201 – Digital Philology – II (new)
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Hindu Studies Foundations
- HSF5001 – The Vedic Origins of Hinduism
- HSF5002 – Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita
- HSF5003 – Shad Darshanas – Introduction to Hindu Philosophy
- HSF5004 – Freedom and Reality: An Introduction to Advaita Vedanta
- HSF5005 – Upanishadic Dialogues – Philosophical Reflections
- HSF5007 – Introduction to Dvaita, Advaita and Vishishtadvaita systems of Vedanta
- HSF6003 – Yoga Darshana (new)
- HSF6004 – Sankhya Darshana
- HSF6005 – The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
- HSF6006 – Reason & Revelation in Hindu Philosophy
- HSF7100 – Dharma Shastra
- HSF7101 – Shatapatha Brahmana (new)
- HSF7102 – Manavadharmashastra (new)
- CPS7500 – Philosophy of Shri Aurobindo
- CPS7503 – Gandhian Philosophy
- HSF8000 – The Brahmasutras
Sanskrit Studies
- SAN6101 – Nyaya – Vaiseshika (Basic)
- SAN7101 – Nyaya – Vaiseshika (Advanced)
- SAN7106 – Mimasa (Basic)
- SAN8106 – Mimasa (Advanced)
- SAN6104 – The Vedas, Rig Veda
Independent Studies (Maximum: 6 Credit Hours)
- ISC8001 – Independent Study Course – Supervised by the Student’s Graduate Advisor
- ISC8002 – Independent Study Course – Supervised by the Student’s Graduate Advisor
Itihāsapurāṇa
- HSF5002 – Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita
- HSF6002 – Bhagavad Gita – Advanced (new)
- TAT7201 – Mahabharata I – The Beginning and End
- TAT7202 – Mahabharata II – Dicing and Exile
- TAT7203 – Mahabharata III – The War Books
- TAT7204 – Mahabharata IV – Dharma and Darshana
- HSF7100 – Dharmashastra
- TAT7301 – The Bhagavata Purana
- HSF8000 – The Brahmasutras
Other Texts
- HSF5001 – The Vedic Origins of Hinduism
- HSF6003 – Yoga Darshana (new)
- HSF6004 – Sankhya Darshana
- HSF6005 – The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
- HSF7102 – Manavadharmahastra (new)
- TAT7302 – Ramayana (new)
- TAT7303 – Shaiva Tantra (new)
- TAT7304 – Vaishnavism (new)
- TAT7305 – The Hindu Temple (new)
Independent Studies (Maximum: 6 Credit Hours)
- ISC8001 – Independent Study Course – Supervised by the Student’s Graduate Advisor
- ISC8002 – Independent Study Course – Supervised by the Student’s Graduate Advisor
History and Method
- HAM6403 – Readings in Modern Hinduism
- HAM6404 – The Bhagavad Gita and the West
- HAM6405 – Race and Hindu Reform
- HAM7400 – History of German Indology
- HAM7401 – Aryanism and Indology (Existing Course – To be Renumbered)
- HAM7402 – Philosophy of Race
- HAM7405 – Readings in Western Philosophy
- HAM8400 – Philosophy of History
- HAM8402 – Historicism and the Humanities
- HAM8403 – Christian Theology (new)
Independent Studies (Maximum: 6 Credit Hours)
- ISC8001 – Independent Study Course – Supervised by the Student’s Graduate Advisor
- ISC8002 – Independent Study Course – Supervised by the Student’s Graduate Advisor
Conflict and Peace Studies
- CPS6502 – Hinduism and Conflict Resolution
- CPS6505 – Arthashastra
- CPS7500 – Philosophy of Shri Aurobindo
- CPS7501 – Seminar on Conflict and Peace Studies
- CPS7503 – Gandhian Philosophy
- CPS7506 – Human Rights – A Vedanta Perspective
- CPS7507 – International Politics – A Vedanta Perspective
Texts and Traditions
Independent Studies (Maximum: 6 Credit Hours)
- ISC8001 – Independent Study Course – Supervised by the Student’s Graduate Advisor
- ISC8002 – Independent Study Course – Supervised by the Student’s Graduate Advisor
- PHD9000 – Dissertation Proposal Seminar (new)
- PHD9001 – Teaching Seminar (new)
Elective Distributions: (The remaining 6 credits can be taken from this distribution)
Hindu Studies Foundations
- HSF1005 Lessons from Valmiki Ramayana
- HSF1006 Lessons from Valmiki Ramayana for Teens and Parents
- HSF1007 Discover the contemporary relevance of Hindu Dharma
- HSF1010 Growing Up with the Gita
- HSF1301 Deha – The Principles of Sound Body in Bhagavad Gita
- HSF1302 Gnana – The Principles of Sound Mind in Bhagavad Gita
- HSF1303 Yoga – The Principles of Pure Soul in Bhagavad Gita
- HSF1304 Bodhak – The Gita Vidya Teacher Training
- HSF1403 Experiencing Shiva
- HSF1404 Experiencing Vishnu
- HSF1405 Experiencing Devi
- HSF1406 Experiencing Ganapathi
- HSF1407 Experiencing Aditya
- HSF2201 Understanding Hinduphobia
- HSF3001 Upanishadic Dialogues – I: The Chandogya Upanishad
- HSF3101 The Renaissance of Sanatana Dharma in the Light of Sri Aurobindo
- HSF3102 The Renaissance of Sanatana Dharma in the Light of Sri Aurobindo – Part 2
- HSF3103 The Renaissance of Sanatana Dharma in the Light of Sri Aurobindo – Part 3
- HSF3104 Sri Aurobindo and Sanatana Dharma
- HSF3301 Ramayana for Excellence in Management and Leadership
- HSF4100 Women in Hinduism
- HSF5011 Discover Dharma – A Study Tour in India
- HSF5012 Western Intellectual History – A Study Tour in Europe
Texts and Traditions
- TAT1101 Life Lessons from the Hindu Puranas
- TAT1201 Sri Ramcharitmanas: Continuity in Change
- TAT1302 Bhaja Govindam – A Topical Approach
- TAT2200 Singing Bhakti Music: From Saints to Synthesizers
- TAT3101 Ragas in Shastriya Sangeet and Modern Music
- TAT3102 The History of Shastriya Sangeet
- TAT3103 Indian And Western Music Traditions – A Comparative Study
- TAT3205 Understanding the Vedas
- TAT4001 Advaita, Vishishtadvaita, Dvaita, – The three flavors of Vedanta Sastra
- TAT4002 The Three Vedantic Perspectives on the Bhagavad Gita
- TAT4003 The Three Vedantic Perspectives on Isha Vasya Upanishad
Yoga Studies
- YOG1000 Holistic Yoga – Philosophy and Practice
- YOG2000 Holistic Yoga – Deepening your practice
- YOG2101 Ahimsa and the Art of Non-Violent Communication
- YOG2201 Chakra Healing
- YOG3002 Teaching Holistic Yoga Retreat
- YOG3003 Internship and Practicum in Teaching Holistic Yoga
- YOG3101 Antaranga Mandapam
- YOG3401 Decolonizing Yoga
- YOG4000 Master Class in Yoga
Ayurveda and Integrative Health
Program Context
The PhD Program in Hindu Studies aims to enable students to engage in critical inquiry, evaluate received knowledge, and pursue novel, independent research to advance knowledge in Hindu Studies. The preparatory phases of the PhD Program will allow students to explore Hindu thought comprehensively, spanning its full breadth from its earliest texts (Vedas) to contemporary practices, emphasizing scriptures, philosophical schools, exegetic tradition, and ritual praxis. Students will acquire detailed and extensive knowledge, a deep understanding of Hinduism’s worldview, and the capacity for rigorous scholarship. They will master the primary sources of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and competence in the languages required to work with these primary texts in their original languages. They will develop philological competence and the ability to engage critically with manuscripts and the commentarial literature that constitute Hindu thought. They will gain the capacity for critical reflection on historical approaches and methods of study and integrate them as components into their research agenda, enabling a nuanced understanding of Hinduism’s evolution and contemporary relevance. They will critically examine the received knowledge on Hindu thought, culture, and civilization and question established narratives with careful observation and evidence in an atmosphere of academic excellence and freedom. Students will learn to carefully interrogate the ideas of tradition, modernity, progress, evolution, pluralism, spirituality, and self-discovery in the light of the truth-claims of Sanatana Dharma. They will explore the framework of ethics embodied in the concept of Dharma and its intersection with current trends in thought in one or more domains of philosophy, theology, religion, sciences, and the humanities. Students will demonstrate mastery of the content and methodologies of their discipline while taking responsibility for their continued learning and growth beyond the program or degree. The program will foster the students’ ability to engage with academic discourse, addressing criticisms of Hinduism and contributing to its study through rigorous, evidence-based responses and innovative perspectives. They will investigate the nature, causes, and impact of epistemic injustice and get prepared to engage in generative academic dialogue toward epistemic justice beyond their study. Through their program, students will demonstrate effective presentation, communication, and collaboration skills and embrace innovation and a leadership model committed to serving the greater good. The PhD ultimately seeks to enable scholar-practitioners of this Hindu Dharma, that is Sanatana, to participate meaningfully in academic and scholarly discourse.
The realms of Dharma and Moksha, Jnana, and Yoga are the unique dimensions of Hindu thought. These dimensions take us beyond material success, wealth, status, influence, and power in the temporal world. They take us into a deeper dimension of human possibility i.e., the spiritual or the Adhyatmika realm. In each of us lies dormant a need and a desire for deeper engagement with the world, to converse and communicate (Samvada), contribute, make a difference, and be of service in a profound and meaningful way. In each of us lies as yet unfulfilled the potential for leadership and global impact, sometimes even as yet unimagined. In every one of us, without exception, lies the possibility of going within, exploring the realms of deeper levels of consciousness, and transforming our connection and relationship with the cosmos itself. Hindu thought carries the seeds of a greater possibility, a deeper fulfillment and connection with the cosmos, a more profound self-expression, contribution, and service to humanity. The PhD Program in Hindu Studies is a quest, at once both intellectual and deeply spiritual, and a journey of profound personal transformation and scholarly contribution.
At the same time, Hinduism has gone through many centuries of
What others say about this Program?
None. (This Section can contain a set of YouTube Links to Video testimonials).
