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OBJECTIVE :Religious Studies in the International Ph.D. Program at the College of Religious Studies (CRS) is the scholarly study of religion seeking to understand religion as a cultural phenomenon in strictly value free terms while at the same time appreciating believers’ worldviews and value systems as vital components of their life experience. Religious Studies seeks to examine and understand the structure and function of religion in its social and cultural contexts. A variety of academic disciplines – history, sociology, anthropology, psychology etc – are used in the study of religion. This academically objective study of religion is rather unique at institutions in Southeast Asia.CRS plans to become a center for the academic study and teaching of religion in Southeast Asia with a research and teaching focus on contemporary belief, practice, and development of Thai and Southeast Asian religion in regards to ethics, politics, the environment etc and of course in regards to personal spirituality. The International Ph.D. Program will aid students in understanding the dynamics of religious adaption in response to modernization and globalization. It is hoped that education and research in the field of religious studies will help enhance the mutual understanding, cooperation, and respect among people of different religious traditions.CRS produces graduates with appropriate professional ethics and work habits who are capable of understanding complex belief systems, practices and their socio-cultural context. Graduates are capable of reading and understanding religious and academic texts, conducting research, writing academic reports and papers, and serving as advisors on variety of cultural, political, economic etc issues in which religious belief forms an important part. CRS graduates can communicate and interact in different religious and cultural backgrounds and as well as in the secular modern world.THE PROGRAM :The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Religious Studies (International Program) provides students with the opportunity to concentrate their studies and research on one of two tracks: Buddhist Studies, and Religion in Southeast Asia.The program aims to produce graduates with a thorough understanding of the academic study of religion capable of carrying out rigorous research in religious studies. It hopes that through this understanding graduates can also contribution to human well-being and harmony among communities of different cultural traditions.With the knowledge gained, the graduates could become competent teachers and researchers, and promoters of peace, interreligious understanding and cooperation to make the world a better place.THE COLLEGE :The College of Religious Studies was established in 1999, located at the Namthong Building, Salaya Campus of Mahidol University.The College is currently offering Bachelor’s and post graduate degrees to produce competent teachers and scholars of religion to increase the academic understanding of religion and to serve modern needs of Thailand and the wider global community.The majority of our students enter graduate or professional school either immediately after graduate or the following year. Many of them find employment in various professions.The College has established cooperative partnerships with many agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, in the effort to contribute to the wellbeing of the people and the nation. In addition to the University Computing Center and internet access for its staff and students, CRS provides its own computer facilities for staff and students. The College has a computer laboratory for teaching, data analysis and other needs of its staff and students. The CRS library contains over 12,000 titles of books, journals and academic materials on religions, philosophy and related subjects. The library provides training in the use of the internet to access libraries and organization with religious and related materials throughout the country and aboard.VISA REQUIREMENTS :It is the responsibility of the admitted applicants to acquire a non-immigrant visa to enter Thailand for study. Upon admission, the program will provide assistance in obtaining a visa at the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate.ACCOMMODATION :A variety of accommodation with facilities can be found in apartments near the campus. Residence for Buddhist monk students can be arranged at the College monastic housing and meditation training center.CONTACT ADDRESS: :Program DirectorM.A. International Program in Religious Studies,College of Religious Studies,Mahidol University,Salaya, Phutthamonthon,Nakhon Pathom 73170ThailandTel: 02-800-2630 Ext. 212, 217, 306Fax: 02-800- 2659E-mail : crwww@mahidol.ac.th, parynya.chw@mahidol.ac.th, matthew.kos@mahidol.ac.th, miloshubina@yahoo.comWebsite: www.crs.mahidol.ac.th