The PhD in Interfaith & Ethics Leadership at NIRU is designed for advanced scholars, faith leaders, and policy practitioners who aim to address the challenges of religious diversity, ethical leadership, and global coexistence. The program equips candidates with the skills to foster interfaith dialogue, ethical governance, conflict transformation, and peacebuilding in a pluralistic world.
Delivered in a flexible online or hybrid format, the program integrates rigorous theological and ethical scholarship with practical leadership training, interreligious engagement, and collaborations with global institutions. Graduates will be prepared to lead in academia, civil society, international organizations, and faith-based institutions, influencing policy and shaping ethical responses to global challenges.
Admission Requirements
Academic Qualification: Master’s degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Ethics, Leadership, Peace Studies, Philosophy, or related fields.
Research Background: Previous thesis, publications, or professional experience in interfaith or ethics-related leadership.
Application Portfolio:
Research proposal (1,500 words, leadership and interfaith dimension emphasized)
Academic transcripts & certificates
CV/Resume with relevant leadership/academic experience
2–3 recommendation letters
Writing sample (academic essay, policy paper, or publication)
Language Skills: English required; knowledge of additional sacred or world languages is an advantage.
Interview: Conducted virtually with NIRU faculty.
Program Structure
Year Focus Areas & Activities
Year 1 Core courses: Ethics & Moral Philosophy; Interfaith Dialogue in Global Context; Leadership & Governance; Research Methods. Proposal development & defense.
Year 2 Electives: Religion & Human Rights; Faith-Based Diplomacy; Ethics in Public Policy; Comparative Religious Ethics; Peacebuilding & Conflict Transformation. Begin research, field engagement, or interfaith practice projects.
Years 3–4/5 Dissertation research, applied leadership projects, and writing. Participation in online/hybrid colloquia and interfaith policy forums. Final dissertation submission & defense.
Assessment: Coursework, proposal defense, applied leadership projects, annual progress review, conference presentations, publications, and dissertation defense.
Program Delivery
This PhD follows NIRU’s standard doctoral delivery model:
Online Learning: Courses, seminars, and supervisory meetings delivered via NIRU’s online platform with access to digital resources in theology, ethics, and leadership studies.
Hybrid Residencies (Optional): Short in-person residencies at NIRU or partner institutions for leadership workshops, interfaith symposia, and ethics labs.
Institutional Partnerships: Collaborations with interfaith councils, ethical leadership centers, seminaries, NGOs, and peace institutes.
Workshops & Seminars: Regular online/hybrid events on religious pluralism, applied ethics, conflict mediation, and ethical governance.
Professional Integration: Engagement in global policy forums, interfaith councils, and leadership networks.
Career Prospects
Graduates will be prepared for impactful careers as:
University faculty and researchers in theology, ethics, leadership, and interfaith studies.
Interfaith leaders and facilitators for religious councils and NGOs.
Policy advisors on religion, ethics, and human rights.
Peacebuilding and conflict transformation specialists.
Ethical leadership consultants in government, healthcare, education, and global institutions.
Directors of interfaith and faith-based organizations.
Research Themes & Dissertation Areas
Comparative religious ethics in global contexts.
Interfaith dialogue and leadership in plural societies.
Ethical responses to global crises (climate change, health, migration, inequality).
Faith, ethics, and peacebuilding in conflict zones.
Leadership models in interfaith organizations and NGOs.
Religion, ethics, and public policy integration.
Interreligious education and ethical formation.
Program Highlights
Unique focus on interfaith leadership and applied ethics.
Flexible online or hybrid learning model for international accessibility.
Partnerships with interfaith councils, peace institutes, and NGOs.
Strong applied component with leadership projects and policy engagement.
Preparation for academic, religious, civic, and global leadership roles.
Brochure-Style Summary
“The PhD in Interfaith & Ethics Leadership at NIRU (USA) equips global leaders to bridge religious and cultural divides, foster ethical governance, and advance peacebuilding in a complex world. Delivered online or in hybrid partnership with global institutions, this doctoral program combines rigorous research with applied leadership, preparing graduates to influence academia, interfaith practice, and public policy.”