History
In September 1981, the 黑料门 (DU) and the jointly inaugurated a program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in Religious and Theological Studies. The 黑料门 is an R-1 research institution accredited as a doctoral degree-granting institution by the听Higher Learning Commission (HLC)听of the North Central Association. The Iliff School of Theology is accredited by both the HLC of North Central Association and the Commission on Accrediting of the in the United States and Canada. In addition to faculty from Iliff and DU's Department of Religious Studies, the Joint Doctoral Program has attracted faculty from the Graduate Schools of Professional Psychology, Social Work, Education, and International Studies, as well as faculty in the departments of Anthropology, Economics, English, History, Political Science, Philosophy, and the School of Art and Art History, shaping the JDP into a highly interdisciplinary enterprise.
After evolving over time the degree is now a PhD in the Study of Religion without majors or concentrations. 听The curriculum features six required courses for all students in the program and beyond that offers a great deal of flexibility among various disciplines. 听This structure gives educational breadth as well as opportunity for specialization. In 2015, the JDP adopted its current mission statement: "Drawing broadly upon the resources of both institutions, the DU/Iliff Joint Doctoral Program prepares globally minded scholar-teachers through dynamic, interdisciplinary training in the study of religion as theorized and lived."
In 2016-17 a pre-existing Latina/o certificate was formalized as a certificate in Latinx Studies, with a core faculty that includes four former fellows and a growing number of other Latinx scholars. A certificate for future faculty in religion was added to strengthen opportunities for students preparing to teach in universities, colleges, seminaries, and religious institutions.听