Degree Programs and Courses > Doctoral Level

Graduation Requirements: The Doctorate of Divinity Degree is awarded to the student who has:

A) received a Masters degree in a Vaisnava field of concentration,
B) successfully completed 30 doctoral credits,
C) and who has passed the Bhakti Sarvabhauma exam.

(30 DOCTORAL CREDIS & BHAKTI-SARVABHAUMA EXAM)

Vaisnava Philosphy Doctoral Semester 1
(6 doctoral credits)

VP301Caitanya Caritamrta Adi Lila, 3 doctoral credits—This course studies the transcendental identity of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His associates as well as an elaborate description of His early pastimes or household life on earth comprising His appearance, childhood, boyhood and marriage.

VP302 Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya Lila, part I, 3 doctoral credits—This course studies the life and teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu for the first six years after He took sannyasa at the age of twenty-four. Topics include: meeting Rupa and Sanatana at Ramakeli, staying at Advaita Acarya's house, the narrations concerning Madhavendra Puri, Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya, the witness Deity Saksi Gopala, Sri Caitanya's tour of South India, talks with Ramananda Raya and travels to other holy places.

Vaisnava Philosophy Doctoral Semester 2
(6 doctoral credits)

VP303 Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya Lila, part II, 3 doctoral credits—This course studies the middle portion of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's life. During this time He traveled extensively throughout India chanting, dancing and defeating deviant philosophies. Topics include: His return to Jagannatha Puri, Rathayatra, Gundica cleansing, His accepting prasada at the house of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya and His attempt to go to Vrndavana.

SA301 Sanskrit, 3 doctoral credits

Vaisnava Philosophy Doctoral Semester 3
(6 doctoral credits)

VP304 Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya Lila, part III, 3 doctoral credits—This course studies: Sri Caitanya's visit to Vrndavana, His instructions to Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami, His explanations of the atmarama verse, His discussions with Prakasananda Sarasvati which caused Prakasananda and all the residents of Varanasi (Benares) to become Vaisnavas, and the conclusion of His travels.

SA302 Sanskrit, 3 doctoral credits

Vaisnava Philosophy Doctoral Semester 4
(6 doctoral credits)

VP305 Caitanya Caritamrta Antya Lila, 3 doctoral credits—This course studies the final pastimes of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Topics include: hearing the dramas written by Rupa Goswami, liberation of Sivananda Sena's dog, punishment of Junior Haridasa, the glories of Haridasa Thakura, Sanatana Goswami sent to Vrndavana, the meeting of Raghunatha dasa Goswami, the curbing of Vallabha Bhatta's pride, the meeting with Ramacandra Puri, Sri Caitanya's extraordinary ecstasies, His being caught in the fisherman's net, and His writing the siksastaka prayers.

Doctoral India Practicum six weeks (intensive)
(3 doctoral credits)

DIP301 Mayapura, 1 doctoral credit—Students journey to the holy birthsite of Lord Caitanya in Nadia, West Bengal, India. Two and a half weeks of parikramas (walking to holy places connected with Lord Caitanya's pastimes), seminars, kirtanas and sadhana. RVC instructor personally guides the students for the pilgrimage during March. Students write an thorough essay of their experience.

DIP302 Vrndavana, 1 doctoral credit—Following the visit to Mayapura, students take a train to Vrndavana, Lord Krsna's place of pastimes. Here students visit many tirthas (holy sites) associated with the pastimes of Lord Krsna five thousand years ago. Students write an thorough essay of their experience.

DIP303 Vaisnava Sanga, 1 doctoral credit—The practicum takes place at the time of ISKCON's annual Mayapura-Vrndavana Festival and joins with many participants from around the world. The students will interact with many devotees of Krsna and write of their experiences.

Vaisnava Philosophy Doctoral Semester 5
(6 credits)

DT301 Doctoral Thesis, 6 doctoral credits—Student writes a two hundred page thesis on a topic approved by the instructor. This work should thoroughly examine and provide new insights into an important area of Vaisnava philosophy and practice.