Doctoral Student Professional Development
The Professional Development Program (PDP) supports doctoral students in the development of academic and non-academic skills that contribute to professional success. The PDP offers workshops throughout the year, a regular newsletter, and online resources that prepare students to be leaders in communities and the academy. Our workshops include one-on-one feedback and cover topics including academic CVs and cover letters, writing and editing, conference proposals and abstracts, job interviews, dissertation planning and writing, stage presence and public speaking, and teaching in-class and online.
Generally, Professional Development offerings fall into three program categories: Scholarship and Research, Teaching, and Career Development. Click on the links below to find helpful articles and resources that provide information for developing skills in each of these categories.
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Scholarship and Research Skills - enhancing doctoral-level research and writing.
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Teaching Skills - developing teaching experience and presentation skills.
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Career Development - successfully entering the religious studies and theology professions.
The workshops offered during the spring 2025 term will focus on preparing for the job market. The workshops cover various aspects of the application involved when applying for teaching or non-teaching jobs. The workshops are primarily aimed at the GTU doctoral students but all students from the GTU consortium are welcome to join as well.
Fall 2025 PDP Workshops will take place on Zoom. Please contact the Manager for Student Services at dmorita@gtu.edu if you have any questions.
Professional Development Workshops and Events: Fall 2025 Schedule
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm PT
Orientation to Doc Council - Zoom facilitated by the GTU Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Christopher Ocker and Student Representatives, Joby Joy and Evan Underbrink
Thursday, October 9, 2025
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm PT
Newhall Application Process - Zoom facilitated by the GTU Associate Dean, Dr. Diandra Erickson
Thursday, November 13, 2025
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm PT
Comprehensive Exam Proposals - Zoom facilitated by a Student Panel
Stay tuned!
Exciting new workshops coming in spring 2026! We value your input and welcome your ideas! If you have a workshop session in mind, please share your suggestions by completing the PDP Workshop Survey here: https://forms.gle/uin63TyKiEdqFgkDA
GTU AAR/SBL 2024 Presentations
Our students, faculty, and alumni are presenting at various sessions at the AAR/SBL. Please check out this spreadsheet to learn more.