Dr. Geoffrey Smith

Associate Professor

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Biography

Geoffrey Smith is currently an Associate Professor and the Director of the Institute for the Study of Antiquity and Christian Origins (ISAC) at the University of Texas at Austin. He holds a Ph.D. in Religions of Mediterranean Antiquity from Princeton University, which he obtained in 2013. His academic work primarily focuses on New Testament studies, Early Christianity, Patristics, Nag Hammadi texts, Papyrology, and Coptic language and literature. Smith has authored several influential publications including 'Guilt by Association: Heresy Catalogues in Early Christianity' published by Oxford University Press in 2015, 'Valentinian Christianity: Texts and Translations' from the University of California Press in 2020, and co-authored 'Secret Gospel of Mark: Rogue Scholar, Controversial Gospel of Jesus, Fierce Debate on Authenticity' with Brent Landau, released by Yale University Press in 2023. His research has been featured in major media outlets such as The Atlantic, BBC, and CNN, contributing to broader discussions on religion and history. In addition to his research, Smith teaches various courses across semesters, covering topics that delve deeply into the connections between religion, history, and literature.

Research Interests

Courses

Religion Drugs Paul Social World Religion/Medicine Ancient World Religions of Late Antiquity Coptic II Religion/Astrology in Ancient Mediterranean Coptic Language/Literature Textual Criticism and Manuscript Studies Rise of Christianity Early Jewish/Christian Literature

Requirements for University of Texas at Austin

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE General
TOEFL
Total
Required:79
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

General requirements for the Graduate School at UT Austin apply to all programs unless otherwise specified.