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The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is jointly offered by HDS and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Find detailed information about PhD fields of study and program requirements on the Committee on the Study of Religion website.

With a focus on global religions, religion and culture, and forces that shape religious traditions and thought, the PhD prepares students for advanced research and scholarship in religion and theological studies. 

Resources for the study of religion at Harvard are vast. We offer courses in the whole range of religious traditions from the ancient Zoroastrian tradition to modern Christian liberation movements, Islamic and Jewish philosophies, Buddhist social movements, and Hindu arts and culture. Some of us work primarily as historians, others as scholars of texts, others as anthropologists, although the boundaries of these methodologies are never firm. Some of us are adherents of a religious tradition; others are not at all religious. The Study of Religion is exciting and challenging precisely because of the conversations that take place across the complexities of disciplines, traditions, and intellectual commitments.

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Top 10 Best PhD in Theology Programs [2024]

A PhD in theology is an advanced degree that will allow you to gain in-depth insights into biblical and theological themes. With a doctorate in the field, you’ll be qualified to hold leadership or senior administration roles in the church, work as a pastor or youth minister , or teach theology or philosophy at a post-secondary level.

Read on to discover the best theology doctorate programs in the country and how many theology PhDs are incredible online doctorate programs .

Table of Contents

Best PhD Theology Programs

Boston university, school of theology.

Doctor of Philosophy Program

Boston University’s School of Theology sets itself apart from other theology schools with its PhD with an emphasis on Christian traditions and the practices, histories, ethical values, and beliefs of Christian institutions. This PhD program offers three tracks: biblical and historical studies, theology, ethics, philosophy, and practical theology.

• Courses:  Object relations theory for pastoral relationships, transformative faith formation & digital media, and political theology.
• Credits:  44
• Duration: 5 years
• Delivery mode: On-campus
• Tuition : Full funding
• Financial aid: Full tuition fellowship, stipend, scholarships, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 20.1%
• Location:  Boston, Massachusetts

Dallas Theological Seminary

Doctor of Philosophy

Dallas Theological Seminary is a well-known non-denominational theological institution with a strong grounding in the Christian faith. Along with theology, it offers a range of programs that link arts, education, and media to religion and theology. Students can major in either biblical studies or theological studies.

• Courses: Theological education in intercultural contexts, advanced old testament biblical theology, and modern theology & theologians.
• Credits: 36 hours (61 for bachelor’s degree holders)
• Tuition : $697 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, and military benefits.
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• Location: Dallas, Texas

Grace Theological Seminary

Doctor of Ministry in Ministry Leadership

With support from the Grace College of Liberal Arts, Grace Seminary, strives to mold students into valuable ministry professionals. This theology PhD program equips students with leadership skills for ministry administration, hiring, training, and mentoring.

• Courses:  Current theological issues, team staffing, mentoring, coaching, and practice of ministry leadership.
• Credits:  30
• Delivery mode: Hybrid
• Tuition : $2,088 per unit
• Financial aid: Scholarships and fellowships.
• Acceptance rate: 75%
• Location: Winona Lake, Indiana

Harvard University, Harvard Divinity School

Doctor of Philosophy in Religion

Harvard Divinity School collaborates with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences to offer programs covering all major world religions. It draws on faculty from many disciplines, such as history, anthropology, and philosophy, and theology. This doctorate degree in theology focuses on world religions, religious thought and traditions, and how culture relates to religion.

• Courses: Judaism & the making of Christianity, Evangelism in America, and Hebrew bible studies.
• Duration:  5-7 years
• Tuition : $30,472 per year
• Financial aid: Institutional grants and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 5%
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Calvary University

Doctor of Philosophy in Bible and Theology

Calvary University offers students affordable education in religious studies and produces scholars with a biblical outlook on life and work. This PhD theology program develops bible experts skilled in the testaments’ original languages.

• Courses: Hebrew intensive, exegesis in the Greek new testament, and biblical young earth creationism.
• Credits: 60 (without biblical language courses) or 78 (with biblical language courses)
• Duration:  4 years
• Delivery mode: On-campus and online options
• Tuition : $347 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, tuition reduction, military benefits, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 78%
• Location: Kansas City, Missouri

The University of Iowa, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

PhD Program in Religious Studies

Iowa University’s Department of Religious Studies’ PhD program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of various religions and their changing faces in the modern world. This PhD program develops advanced theology practitioners as a standalone discipline and equips them with useful knowledge applicable to other fields like law, diplomacy, medicine, journalism , social advocacy, and counseling.

• Courses: Genealogies of religion, Asian religions in the modern world, and methods and theories in religion.
• Credits: 72 semester hours
• Duration: 6 years (5 years for MA holders eligible for credit transfer)
• Delivery mode:  On-campus
• Tuition : $12,065 per year
• Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, and teaching assistantships.
• Acceptance rate: 84.3%
• Location: Iowa City, Iowa

Fordham University, Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education

PhD in Theology

The Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University combines practical spiritual wisdom and academic knowledge to create leaders with a strong outlook on justice, solidarity, and service. This doctorate of theology offers five concentrations: bible, history of Christianity, Judaism & Christianity in antiquity, theological & social ethics, and systematic theology.

• Courses: Biblical Hebrew introduction, history of Christianity, and theological anthropology & human diversity.
• Credits: 36 minimum
• Duration: 7 years average
• Tuition : $960 per credit
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, assistantships, loans, and veteran benefits.
• Acceptance rate: 52.5%
• Location: New York City, New York

Liberty University

PhD in Theology and Apologetics

Liberty University is well-known for its various programs in theological and biblical studies, which features a rare collection of books worth more than $1 million, including a 111-foot 16th century Torah scroll and a functioning replica of the Gutenberg Press. This PhD program in Theology and Apologetics is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and designed for Christian students who aspire to become church leaders.

• Courses: Theological method, apologetic method, and bibliology.
• Credits: 57 credit hours
• Duration:  3.5 years average
• Delivery mode: Online (following initial one week on-campus)
• Tuition : $410 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 50.1%
• Location: Lynchburg, Virginia

Columbia University in the City of New York, Department of Religion

PhD in Religion

Columbia University is one of the nation’s leading institutions for religious studies, giving students access to valuable sources of knowledge, including the Jewish Theological Seminary, New York Public Library, and the Asia Society, along with its own collection of ten million volumes. This doctorate program is not standalone — it starts with a MA or M.Phil. and ends with a PhD.

• Courses: Economic theology, law & medieval Christianity, and theories of transmission & community formation.
• Duration:  7 years
• Financial aid: Fellowships, teaching assistantships, and stipend.
• Acceptance rate: 6.7%
• Location:  New York City, New York

The University of Notre Dame, Department of Theology

The University of Notre Dame’s Department of Theology is internationally renowned for its excellence in Latino theological studies. With a strong focus on diversification and globalization, the department boasts close connections with the Church in Africa. This doctorate in theology offers concentrations related to Christianity, Judaism, world religions, and ethics.

• Courses: New Testament and the Greco-Roman world, medieval Jewish-Christian encounters, and liturgical theology.
• Credits:  42
• Duration:  4-6 years
• Tuition : $59,644 per year
• Financial aid:  Full-tuition scholarship, stipend, fellowships, and assistantships.
• Acceptance rate: 19%
• Location: Notre Dame, Indiana

What Do You Need to Get a PhD in Theology?

The exact prerequisites vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically need a master’s degree in theology or a related field to apply. Some programs accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree, though you may need to complete extra credits.

To earn your doctorate, you must complete core and elective courses and pass exams, often including classical languages such as Greek or Hebrew. Most PhD in theology programs require you to conduct extensive research and complete a dissertation.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Theology PhD Program

Here are some important considerations for choosing your PhD in theology:

• Niche: Do you want to study at a secular institution, or would you prefer a devout Christian or Jewish school? Explore specializations offered to ensure the program is aligned with your interests.
• Career Goals: Do you want to work in academia or serve the church directly?
• Costs:  Review the school’s tuition costs and weigh them against potential financial aid opportunities.
• Format: Think about whether you have the capacity to study on-campus, or if you prefer an online or hybrid program to balance your doctorate with work or other commitments.

Why Get a Doctorate in Theology?

A doctorate of theology qualifies you to work in education, media, social work , and Church leadership. While you may start as a junior pastor, a PhD will help you progress into advanced leadership and managerial roles.

Even better, you might score a dual teaching and pastor role simultaneously. Finally, graduates are in high demand. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, professionals with a theology major boast one of the lowest unemployment rates , at less than 2%.

Doctors in theology may work in a range of jobs, including:

• Senior Pastor ( $63,525 )
• Professor, post-secondary/higher education ( $87,873 )
• Pastor, Ministry ($48,095 )
• Assistant Professor ( $70,459 )
• Professor of Theology ( $84,724 )

Doctorate in Theology Key Facts

• 1,946 PhD degrees  in theology were conferred in 2019.
• Doctorates made up 7.8% of all theology degrees awarded in 2020.
• Theology is a male-dominated field: of the total doctorates in theology, more than 72% were completed by men.

What is the Average Cost of a PhD in Theology?

The cost can vary widely, depending on the university or theological institution. Tuition can be anywhere between $6,000-$60,000, and living costs, books, and other expenses may total $5,000-$15,000 per year. Some universities offer full funding for deserving candidates, along with other financial aid options.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Theology?

A PhD in theology usually takes 3-7 years to complete, depending on the program and individual factors. You can expect to take longer if you’re admitted with a bachelor’s degree compared to already having a master’s qualification. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely you’ll find any one-year PhD programs  in theology.

Skills You Gain from Doing a PhD in Theology

Like any doctorate, a PhD in theology will allow you to develop skills such like:

• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Verbal and written communication
• Presentation skills

These programs will also help you develop a deep understanding of abstract concepts around divinity and how to apply them in the practical world.

Key Takeaways

A PhD in theology gives you the highest possible level of knowledge in theology. It will qualify you for leadership roles in the church or help you pass on valuable knowledge to others in an academic career. The best theology PhD programs help you reconcile the divine and the practical worlds to serve others.

Interested in a meaningful theology career? Check out our guide to the best master’s in theology !

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a phd in theology take.

A PhD in theology typically takes 3-7 years to complete, depending on the program.

Is a Doctor of Theology the Same as a PhD?

Doctor of Theology (ThD) and PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) degrees are both doctorates. However, a ThD usually has a Christian focus, whereas a PhD can concern various religions. Additionally, ThD programs are most commonly offered by a Theology school, while you can earn a doctor of theology degree from science and liberal arts colleges.

What is a Doctor of Theology Called?

Common designations for a professional with a doctorate in theology include pastor, associate pastor, and professor in theology.

What Jobs Can I Get with a PhD in Theology?

The most common roles for PhD-holders in theology are leadership and managerial roles in the church or post-secondary teaching positions.

What is the Highest Degree in Theology?

A PhD is the highest degree in theology.

Can I Study Theology Online?

Yes, many universities offer fully online and hybrid theological doctoral programs for students who require more flexible study.

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Degree Completion Requirements | Faculty

PhD in Theology

School of mission and theology, center for advanced theological studies.

The PhD in Theology program at Fuller Seminary equips faculty and other leaders through the cultivation of research capacities and skills, global sensibilities, ecclesial commitments, theological discernment, personal and vocational formation, and the craft of teaching and learning.

Rigorous Scholarship

Ecclesially Located

Diverse Learning Community

Mentor-Driven

Request More Information About the PhD in Theology

Contact Information

Faculty mentors work with PhD students in three primary concentration areas, New Testament, Old Testament, and Theological Studies.

In the Center for Advanced Theological Studies (CATS), “Theological Studies” is defined integratively, with students in this concentration working with faculty mentors specializing in Christian ethics, church history and historical theology, public theology, political theology, practical theology, Pentecostal studies, systematic theology, and theology and culture.

RESIDENTIAL AND HYBRID STUDY

Students may complete their work either in residence on Fuller Seminary’s Pasadena Campus or in a hybrid format.

Students participating in the hybrid modality complete the bulk of their coursework from a distance through synchronous and asynchronous participation in doctoral seminars. Hybrid modality students must complete 26 quarter units through hybrid coursework, which entails visiting campus on four separate occasions for approximately one week at a time.

Before You Apply

Fuller’s PhD in Theology prepares graduates for vocations as faculty in theological programs in seminaries, colleges, and universities; and as leaders in ecclesial and paraecclesial institutions and organizations devoted to serving the church in the world. The PhD program equips faculty and other leaders in several ways:

• Cultivating research capacities and skills
• Encouraging global sensibilities
• Nurturing ecclesial commitments
• Promoting theological discernment
• Fostering personal and vocational formation
• Training in the craft of teaching and learning

CONCENTRATIONS

PHD IN THEOLOGY STUDENTS PURSUE RESEARCH IN ONE OF THREE CONCENTRATION AREAS:

• New Testament
• Old Testament
• Theological Studies

THEOLOGICAL STUDIES CONCENTRATION STUDENTS PURSUE RESEARCH IN ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING RESEARCH DISCIPLINES:

• Christian Ethics
• Church History
• Historical Theology
• Liturgical Theology
• Practical Theology
• Public Theology
• Systematic Theology
• Pentecostal Studies
• Theology and Culture (arts and media)

GRADUATES OF THE PHD IN THEOLOGY PROGRAM SHOULD EVIDENCE THE FOLLOWING:

• A comprehensive knowledge of their field of theological study
• Research skills appropriate to an area of theological exploration, sufficient to engage in original research and writing that advances theological understanding in the service of the global church
• Critical reflection on the vocation of ecclesially informed theological scholarship, particularly with regard to teaching and learning, as well as research
• Hospitality toward diverse theological approaches and positions, traditional and emerging, characteristic of the church catholic
• Capacities for the cultivation of theologically reflective practices of Christian discipleship

Faculty Mentors

Explore a collection of videos featuring PhD faculty mentors discussing their areas of expertise and their thoughts on formational doctoral studies

Applying for Admission

Admission requirements.

Applicants must have a first theological master’s degree with a foundation in biblical languages (either an MDiv or Fuller’s MA in Theology, or its equivalent, from an ATS-accredited school), and a cumulative graduate grade point average of 3.5 or above. Applicants wishing to have their transcripts assessed concerning this requirement should contact the Office of Admissions for details.

During the PhD program, students will need to acquire skills in up to three research languages (in addition to required biblical language requirements), as needed for their concentration. It is highly recommended that applicants begin their study of research languages prior to beginning the program.

To be considered for admission to the PhD in Theology program, applicants must submit an online application, essay responses, writing sample, three academic references, and official transcripts from all prior post-secondary study. Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide test scores from an approved English language proficiency exam. Some requirements vary by concentration and/or research area of interest. Learn more about application requirements for Fuller’s PhD in Theology.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Online application opens: August 1 Application and file completion deadline: January 2 Notification date: March 15

Payton Lectures

Fuller Seminary's annual event brings in leading theologians from around the world for a multi-day series of lectures and conversations

Degree Completion Requirements

The phd is awarded upon successful completion of the following:.

• Research language requirements
• Coursework consisting of 58, 800-level units through seminars or directed readings
• Comprehensive examinations
• A dissertation proposal
• A scholarly dissertation based on research in the area of the student’s academic focus

The PROGRAM INCLUDES THESE COMPONENTS:

Stage One of the PhD program consists of 46 units of seminars and directed readings, including a methods seminar or foundational course in the student’s theological studies track. After 46 units have been completed, students will take four comprehensive examinations. Students who pass the comprehensive examinations will become candidates and move into Stage Two.

Stage Two of the PhD program consists of completing another 12 units of directed readings related to dissertation research and writing. Students will pass a dissertation proposal and write a dissertation demonstrating knowledge of field research, evidence of independent research, an original contribution to the field, and appropriate presentation and format.

• Students will have a primary mentor under whom they design their 58-unit program of seminars and directed readings.

You May Also Be Interested In

Doctor of Intercultural Studies (DIS)

The DIS helps experienced leaders integrate theory and practical research to effect change in their context of service

PhD in Intercultural Studies

The PhD ICS enables practitioners to build a missiological framework on top of previous graduate work in theology to produce a thesis and be equipped for intercultural ministry or PhD research

Doctor of Ministry

Fuller’s practice-oriented Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program encourages ministry leaders to think creatively, cultivate new skills, and nurture their hearts to pursue their calling with excellence and passion in an ever changing world.

Get to know your admissions counselor | Joel Short

I came to study at Fuller in 2004 and have worked on Fuller’s admissions team since I graduated in 2007. I am inspired by the many people I meet who are seeking to change the world by changing hearts and minds. I am privileged to listen to so many wonderful stories and to help pour light on the path. I love history and enjoy books, podcasts, museums, maps, antiques and anything else that helps me understand how the past relates to the present and the future.

[email protected] 626.584.5400

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Department of Theology

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The University of Notre Dame is one of the most important Catholic and ecumenical centers in North America for advanced study in theology.

As a doctoral student at Notre Dame, you will be mentored by world-class scholars, access vast research and learning opportunities, experience both depth and diversity in your curriculum, and be a member of a community of students from a wide range of churches, as well as from other faith traditions, who are preparing for careers in research, teaching, and church service.

The doctoral program places a high percentage of its graduates in academic positions, the vast majority of which are tenure-track.

Areas of Concentration

The doctoral program offers six areas of concentration and two joint areas of concentration.

• Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity (CJA)
• History of Christianity (HC)
• Liturgical Studies (LS)
• Moral Theology/Christian Ethics (MT)
• Systematic Theology (ST)
• World Religions and World Church (WRWC)

Joint Programs/Area of Concentration

• Peace Studies/Theology
• Theology/History and Philosophy of Science

Distinctive Strengths

The Department of Theology has become the international locus for Latino theological studies and our ambitious program of globalization and diversification is increasing its connections to the Church in Africa—leading to a growing program of exchanges with African clergy and religious.

As part of a world-class research university, Notre Dame scholars and students enjoy the benefits of resources in other academic units across the university.

Please contact [email protected] , to learn more about our Ph.D. program. 

• Best Doctorate In Theology Online Programs

Best Doctorate In Theology Online Programs Of 2024

Published: Mar 18, 2024, 1:53pm

If religion plays an important role in your life, it’s possible you’ve considered a career rooted in faith. From churches to academia, religious careers abound, and earning a doctorate in theology is one of the gateways to entering faith-based leadership positions in all kinds of organizations.

Theology doctorate degrees apply academic principles to religious concepts and theories. They provide research and networking opportunities while strengthening students’ leadership and analytical skills.

If you’re interested in pursuing high-level roles in faith-based organizations, earning an online Ph.D. in theology could be a smart move for your career. Keep reading to discover six of the best online doctorate in theology programs available.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
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• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked six accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctoral degrees in theology in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of June 2023. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

We listed all six schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best doctorate in theology online options, should you enroll in an online doctorate in theology program, accreditation for online doctoral programs in theology, how to find the right online doctorate in theology for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online doctorates in theology, columbia international university, st. thomas university, liberty university, saint leo university, oral roberts university, regent university, featured online schools.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

Graduate Tuition

$530/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Columbia International University is a private school located in Columbia, South Carolina. Its theology Ph.D. program is fully remote and accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Full-time students can earn their degree in roughly 36 months.

This mostly asynchronous program enables students to learn on their own schedule. However, it also includes a synchronous component that involves a two-hour discussion group session. These discussion groups occur five to eight times per semester.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $25
• Degree Credit Requirements: 45 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Issues and methods in theological studies; principles of teaching, learning and course design
• Concentrations Available: Biblical studies, practical theology, theological studies
• In-Person Requirements: No

$700/credit (in-state)

St. Thomas University , based in Miami Gardens, Florida, holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Its theology and leadership Ph.D. program emphasizes Catholic beliefs and prepares students for positions such as hospital chaplain, priest and university campus minister.

The fully online program covers four areas of focus: theological foundations, leadership, theological research and a dissertation. Students pay a technology fee of $100 per course.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Application Fee: N/A
• Degree Credit Requirements: 58 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: N/A
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Scripture studies for practical theology; theology, leadership and integral ecology
• Concentrations Available: N/A

$395/credit (in-state)

Liberty University ’s 100% online theology Ph.D. is offered through eight-week courses. The program covers topics related to ministry in the 21st century, practical theology, and teaching and research methods. Graduates can pursue positions like parachurch ministry leader, church staff leader, professor and pastor.

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC and offers discounted tuition rates to current and former military members and their spouses. The school operates out of Lynchburg, Virginia.

• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 51 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Dissertation concept development for practical theology
• Concentrations Available: No

$780/credit (in-state)

Saint Leo University ’s doctorate in applied theology consists of online and in-person instruction. Students learn largely asynchronously and online, though some online components include synchronous discussions. Learners must also attend in-person residencies held at the university’s St. Leo, Florida campus. Residencies last three to four days.

This program prepares students to enter fields such as school administration, nonprofit leadership, and parish and diocesan management.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Interfaith leadership, fundamental moral theology
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for in-person residencies

$770/credit (in-state)

Oral Roberts University delivers its contextual theology Ph.D. program in a hybrid format. Some classes are entirely online; others include an in-person component that requires attendance at the university’s Tulsa, Oklahoma campus. The degree program is ATS-accredited.

This program emphasizes leadership development and centers around four core tenets of theological study: history of the Christian doctrine, inspiration of the Bible, cultural context of a particular nation or region, and global trends in Christianity.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Seminar in Old Testament theology, history of Christian doctrine
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for on-campus classes

$670/credit (in-state)

Regent University ’s online Ph.D. in renewal theology includes an in-person residency. Students must complete the two-week residency at the university’s Virginia Beach, Virginia campus each fall semester.

Learners can complete the program in four to seven years, depending on how long they take to finish the dissertation component. The university carries institutional accreditation from SACSCOC, and the school of divinity is accredited by ATS.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Advanced hermeneutics, advanced cosmogony and anthropology
• Concentrations Available: Biblical studies, Christian theology, church history, practical theology
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for an in-person residency

Online college is convenient for many reasons, but it also poses unique challenges. Before you enroll in an online theology program, consider the following:

• Your learning style. Remote learning usually involves asynchronous coursework. Online programs could suit you well if you have sharp time management skills and can stick to your own study schedule. However, in-person classes might be better if you prefer classes with more structure and real-time instruction.
• Your schedule. Flexibility is one of the key benefits of online programs. If you have obligations outside of school, remote learning might be easier to fit into your schedule.
• Your budget. Distance learning often translates to significant cost savings. You won’t need to pay for student housing or commute.
• The school’s accreditation. Degrees from accredited programs and institutions are more likely to be recognized by potential employers.

Many colleges and universities undergo evaluations by accrediting agencies to demonstrate their adherence to rigorous quality standards. This is known as institutional accreditation . Specific programs within an institution can also earn programmatic accreditation.

Earning a Ph.D. in theology from an accredited school or program bolsters the validity of your degree. It signifies that your education comes from a peer-reviewed institution that meets standardized criteria. Additionally, financial aid is only awarded to students attending accredited institutions.

Many schools and programs list their accreditation information on their websites. Sometimes, you’ll find an entire webpage dedicated to accreditation information. This information might also exist in FAQ sections or downloadable fact sheets.

You can also confirm a school or program’s accreditation status through the accrediting body. For example, you can find institutions accredited by SACSCOC on their website. If you aren’t sure which accrediting agency to check, the U.S. Department of Education provides a database of accredited institutions .

Programmatic Accreditation

Several programs on our list advertise accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). ATS evaluates individual graduate programs based on their curriculum, student learning outcomes, faculty and governance. While employers may not require programmatic accreditation, you may find peace of mind if a prospective department meets high standards.

Consider Your Future Goals

Earning an online doctorate in theology opens the door to numerous career opportunities, usually in leadership positions. Ask yourself what you’d like to accomplish after you earn your degree. If you’re interested in working in academia or publishing, earning a Ph.D. is a good fit. Many graduates pursue leadership positions in schools, churches and other faith-based organizations with a doctorate in theology.

Consider whether you’d like to pursue a concentration of study while earning your degree. Many doctorate programs offer specialized concentrations that can help you narrow your research focus.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

The cost of earning an online theology doctorate ranges. Some schools on our list charge less than $400 per credit, while others cost nearly $800. On average, a degree at our ranked schools costs about $35,100. Keep in mind that some institutions charge technology fees, too. Several programs require in-person components, which can add to your transportation costs.

Several avenues provide financial aid for qualifying students. Here are a few common options:

• Scholarships: Eligible students can access this financial aid through universities, organizations or individuals. Students may earn scholarships based on need or merit. Scholarships don’t need to be paid back.
• Fellowships: Fellowships are awarded to students based on merit; they typically fund research.
• Grants: Local and state governments award grants. Applicants must establish financial need to be eligible for a grant, which does not need to be repaid.
• Loans: Students can obtain loans through a public or private lender, such as the U.S. government or a financial institution. Loans must be paid back in full and will accrue interest over time.

How long does it take to get a doctorate in theology?

It depends on the program and how long your dissertation takes. Some programs can be completed in as few as three years, but it could take much longer—three or four more years, in some cases—to complete your dissertation.

Is a Doctor of Theology the same as a Ph.D.?

The two degrees are similar, but they’re not the same. In general, a Doctor of Theology degree (Th.D.) emphasizes the study of Christian theology. In contrast, a Ph.D. in theology focuses on theology in the context of other academic and professional disciplines, such as leadership and teaching.

Can you get a Ph.D. in theology without a master’s?

Most standalone Ph.D. programs require master’s coursework for admission. However, some universities offer a combined master’s and doctorate program, which enables students to complete both degrees directly after earning a bachelor’s in ministry or a related field.

Can I get a Ph.D. fully online?

Yes, several schools offer a fully online Ph.D. Be sure to check the requirements of each program; while many offer completely online coursework, some include an in-person residency requirement.

Cecilia is a freelance writer, content marketing strategist and author covering education, technology and energy. She is a current contributor to the Forbes Advisor education vertical and holds a summa cum laude journalism degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

• Doctor of Theology (Th.D.)

Rigorous theological training with an interdisciplinary focus

Why This Program?

Program overview, affording duke.

Duke Divinity’s Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) program provides students with academically rigorous training informed by an understanding of theology as critical reflection on Christian practice and belief in the light of Holy Scripture.

Entering students work within theological disciplines such as Bible, church history, theology, ethics, homiletics, and Christian formation, and also at the intersection of these disciplines with fields such as political science, peacemaking and reconciliation, medicine, and the arts. The program is intentionally interdisciplinary, and students have access to the resources of both the wider university and partner institutions (including UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina Central University, and NC State University).

Like the Ph.D., the Th.D. at Duke is a rigorous research degree: the  Ph.D. is awarded through and supported by the Graduate School of the university, while the Th.D. is awarded through and supported by the Divinity School. While many Divinity School faculty members are also members of the University’s  Graduate Program in Religion (GPR) , the Th.D. allows students to pursue their study under the direction of any regular-rank Divinity School faculty member—including those in disciplinary areas that fall outside the purview of the GPR, such as homiletics, evangelism, and Christian formation.

"My Th.D. was in New Testament, but in my current context teaching undergrads in a Jesuit university, I get to teach a wide variety of courses in Scripture, theology, and ethics. The Th.D. program was excellent preparation for this variety; it equipped me to think of myself as both a biblical scholar and a theologian."

Distinguished Faculty

At Duke Divinity School, you'll join the scholarly conversation with some of the top theological minds. Duke’s mentoring approach will give you access to faculty across disciplines and schools to enrich your academic project.

Interdisciplinary Scholarship

Our Th.D. students explore the intersection of theological disciplines with other fields, including political science, ecology, medicine, the arts, and peacemaking and reconciliation. Read about some of our recent students.

The curriculum for the Th.D. includes two academic years of full-time residency and completion of a dissertation that represents significant and original scholarly research.

The range and breadth of the Th.D. program is evident from a sampling of the dissertations completed. Recent graduates have investigated such topics as “The Censored Pulpit: Julian of Norwich as Preacher,” “Feeding and Forming: John Calvin, Materiality, and the Flourishing of the Liturgical Arts,” “Spiritualties of the Displaced: An Ethnographic Study of Homeless Lived Faith,” and “Lord, Teach Us How to Grieve: Jesus' Laments and Christian Hope.” 

See a list of recent dissertation topics:

We designed the Th.D. program to deepen the ways in which we cultivate scholars, teachers, and pastors who embody the integrative theological task—ranging across the boundaries between the traditional academic disciplines of biblical, historical, systematic, and ministerial studies—to encourage and support theological reflection on matters of faith and practice in Christian communities.

Graduation Requirements

• Ordinarily at least two academic years of full-time (three courses per semester) residency; continuous registration in a “continuation” status from completion of coursework to completion of the dissertation
• Twelve courses: ordinarily at least six courses related to a primary concentration and at least three courses related to a secondary concentration
• The Th.D. core seminar, taken in the Fall semester of the first year, which may count as one of the primary or one of the secondary concentration courses
• Maintenance of a cumulative grade point average of 3.0; a student who falls below this level will likely be dismissed from the program
• Demonstrated competence in two modern languages other than English; additional proficiencies may be required in light of the student's particular research interests. Students whose work focuses on Scripture will also be required to demonstrate proficiency in Hebrew and Greek.
• Written preliminary examinations, including at least one in the primary area, one in the secondary area, and a dissertation exam
• An oral preliminary examination during which members of the student's examination committee ask the student to discuss the issues treated in the written examinations
• Completion and defense of an academic dissertation within four years of completing preliminary examinations

Certificates

Each student admitted to the Th.D. program receives the same financial package, which includes tuition, fees, and a stipend for five years as well as funding for health insurance, language study, and conference presentations. Students typically serve as research assistants during their first year and as preceptors (teaching assistants) in subsequent years of residency. Applicants should complete a  FAFSA  to allow the Financial Aid Office to determine loan eligibility, if needed.

Lifelong Dividends

In addition to earning a degree from Duke Divinity School, you also receive benefits that continue to impact your life long after you leave. You will have access to the best academic resources in theological education and will use those tools throughout your career. By being able to fully participate in a top tier research university, your scholarship can create room for surprising and creative interdisciplinary connections. Th.D. students also have access to  career and professional development resources  while at Duke. The overwhelming majority of our students say their investment is worth it.

Ready for the Next Step?

Duke Divinity School accepts applications to the Th.D. program from September to December 15. For admission, applicants must have earned or be a candidate for earning a Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.), or comparable master’s degree from an ATS-accredited school prior to the intended date of enrollment.

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PHD IN THEOLOGY

Augustine famously linked faith and true understanding. But Augustine was also acutely aware of his own complex cultural context and its impact on both his faith and on the process of understanding.

Retrieving and adapting the Augustinian tradition for contemporary theological reflection is what orients us. For us, theology is interdisciplinary and integrative. Admission to our program necessitates the engagement of two theological subdisciplines and the pursuit of them through their own lens as well as through those of other academic disciplines, all within the broader faith engaging culture framework. Our program also emphasizes the study of theology as lived experience, an emphasis which asks you to join theory and practice and the mind with the heart, so that the ability to analyze, to articulate, and to communicate faith impactfully will become what defines you.

FAITH & CULTURE: LEAD THE CONVERSATION

Application Deadline Applicants seeking program admission (with or without an assistantship) must submit a completed application by January 8, 2024.

Please note that the Villanova Theology PhD program will not be admitting self-funded students for Fall 2024.

Admission Overview We envision a small program that permits us to dedicate resources to fulfilling program outcomes responsibly. Consequently, we admit four funded full-time students, selected competitively, to the program per year. We also admit a limited number of select self-funded full-time and part-time students. 

We will review all completed applications for full-time studies in January and aim to notify you of the status of your application during the course of February. We will notify applicants for part-time studies of the status of their applications by mid-April.

Admission to Areas Because learning in the program is governed by the interrelationship of two primary areas of theological inquiry, applicants are admitted to specific area combinations. It is, however, permitted to change one's specific area combination within the first year of studies. Within the second year, you will concentrate on your two primary areas of inquiry. While further adjustment of one's specific area combination may still be possible after the first year, this will prolong one's studies (because all area requirements must be fulfilled).

Studying Full-time or Part-time The doctoral program is designed primarily for full-time study. Full-time students normally complete the program in six years.

Because of our goal to prepare students for both the academy and a variety of  professions (e.g., careers in secondary school education and ministerial leadership), we also admit a limited number of select students on a part-time basis. Part-time students may take up to 12 years to complete all degree requirements for the combined Master's/PhD program.

Please not that University scholarships are awarded to full-time students only.

Application Requirements The items listed in the following checklist are all that we need in order to review your application. Please do not submit any materials beyond what is requested below. Any additional materials that are submitted will not be considered as part of your application.

You are not required to submit all application materials together. However, we will consider applications only when an application is complete, that is, only after all materials have been received and uploaded. To ensure a timely review, consider submitting your application well ahead of the posted deadlines.

Application Checklist:

• Completion of Online Application
• Application Fee (Nonrefundable) 1
• CV or Resume
• Three Letters of Recommendation (Academic) 2
• Bachelor's Degree (completed by June 1 of year of admission)
• Transcripts 3
• 18 undergraduate credit hours in Theology, Religion or the equivalent 4
• GPA (UG/G) of 3.75 or higher 5
• Application Essay 6
• (For non-native speakers of English), a score of 135 or higher on the Duolingo English exam or a score of 100 or higher on the TOEFL English exam. 7
• The application fee is waived for the following individuals: 1) Those who already hold a Villanova University degree (undergraduate or graduate). 2) Those who have attended a Villanova Event (open house, virtual or in-person information session). 3) McNair Scholars. We ask McNair Scholars to have their program administrator send a letter or email to us confirming your participation in the program.
• Please contact us if you cannot meet this requirement. Please note that if you are a member of a religious order or have been ordained within a Christian denomination that is governed by bishops, one of these three letters must be requested from your immediate superior or bishop.
• Transcripts of all previous college work (undergraduate and graduate where applicable). Unofficial copies may be uploaded in your online application for review. Official copies are required for international applicants and for all applicants who receive an offer of admission. Have official transcripts sent to: Office of Graduate Studies College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Villanova University 800 Lancaster Avenue Villanova, PA 19085 [email protected]
• We also welcome your application if you majored in other fields in the Humanities, the Social Sciences, the Sciences, Law, etc.
• Please contact us if you do not meet this requirement. In some cases, exceptional applicants with a GPA below 3.75 are considered.
• A Villanova PhD in Theology commits you to studying the intersection of faith and culture within the Catholic tradition. Which two or three texts have done the most to inform your interest in this intersection? How exactly have they done this?
• A Villanova PhD in Theology also commits you to two areas of specialization. Which questions and/or readings have motivated your choice for these two areas? How will studying in these areas improve your ability to understand and/or address them?  
• Please contact us if your test score does not meet the relevant requirement. Our program’s evaluation of an applicant’s linguistic competence does not rely exclusively on these tests and, in some cases, exceptional applicants with scores below these thresholds are considered.

Learning Goals

Goal 1: Formulate Faith/Culture Relationship(s)

Objective A Generate original understandings of the faith/culture relationship(s), with attention to the experiences of diversity/inclusion, power, privilege, & marginalization.

Objective B Formulate advanced, interdisciplinary, integrative, and/or inclusive approaches to the analysis of culture(s) & the dimensions of faith and lived experience.

Goal 2: Communicate Knowledge

Objective A Advance theological knowing in the Catholic Augustinian tradition as a basis for transformative action in the world.

Objective B Assume the role of a productive, ethical, intellectual, and socially responsible leader, scholar, and teacher.

Program Requirements

Credit Hours To fulfill the requirements of the combined  Master’s/PhD program, students complete:

• 78 credit hours in graduate THL course work;
• Up to 6 credit hours in language courses if required;
• 1 dissertation writing course (0 credit hours);
• 9 credit hours in religious/theological education and supervised teaching.

Languages Ordinarily, each student must demonstrate reading and comprehending competency in those languages that are relevant to the student’s fields of study. Precise requirements are determined in consultation with the PhD Program Co-Director for Programming and the two Dissertation Co-Directors as soon as the student has chosen his or her directors.

Portfolio The student’s continuation in the doctoral program is based on three reviews of the materials included in the Portfolio. The Portfolio is an academic archive, a comprehensive, organized and cumulative electronic record of the breadth and depth of a student’s accomplishments over time in coursework, research, teaching, and other academic and professional experiences in the program.

Dissertation Writing and Co-Direction Students pursue theology engaging culture through the lenses of two areas of specialization and acquire expertise in both areas. To assure that all students graduating from the program are familiar with, and competent in, studying the relationships between faith and culture from interdisciplinary theological perspectives, each student will have two dissertation co-directors from the student’s two areas of specialization.

For a detailed description of all program requirements, please consult the Handbook .

Areas of Specialization

To relate faith and culture in a critical way, students choose two areas for advanced course work and dissertation research, sufficiently mastering the two for conducting interdisciplinary, integrative research and college level teaching. We offer four areas of specialization.

Biblical Interpretation

Biblical studies in the Augustinian Catholic tradition prepares students to reflect critically and theologically upon scripture in research and teaching. Its focus is the deep inner unity of the biblical narrative as a whole as well as the contributions of individual texts to this unity as they shape a theological narrative concerning the relationships among God, human beings, and the world through time and culture(s). Students in the area demonstrate competency in

• the use of a range of analytical methods and critical approaches to the biblical corpus and the scholarship of the field;
• the analysis of the literature, history, culture, and religion pertinent to the interpretation of Old and New Testament texts.
• the study of the theological dimensions of the scriptures as well as their reception in Christian history and thought.

Courses taught in the past in this area have included:

• Wisdom Literature
• Prophetic Tradition
• Gospel of Mark
• The Pauline Tradition
• The Johannine Tradition
• The Bible in Popular Culture

Systematic and Constructive Theology

God’s revelation in events, words and especially in the person of Jesus Christ compels systematic and constructive theology to engage with culture. Steeped in the long and rich Christian tradition, systematic and constructive theology explores the diverse layers of that tradition and brings the truths of the tradition to bear on the contemporary situation in language that finds a hearing in that situation. In this way, as theology explores Christian belief and practice, theology and culture engage each other.

This area of theology pursues these questions in a number of ways, understanding that human experience and its diverse cultural expressions and power vectors act as critical resources for theological reflection. It applies the insights of other disciplines as it reflects on the breadth of human experience. This is faith seeking understanding in the Augustinian tradition.

• The Future of Christology
• Trinity and Non-Duality
• God in the Twenty-First Century
• Liturgy and Culture
• Ecclesiology via the Prism of Church Architecture
• Humanity at the Threshold
• Aesthetic Theology
• The Future of Apophatic Theology

Christian Spirituality

The study of spirituality aligns with the Augustinian mission of Villanova. Just as Augustine sought to unite head and heart, belief and practice, mind and body, so does spirituality aim to bring together the plurality of modes in which the divine is known and experienced in human life, from philosophical speculation to cultural praxis.

In the Christian tradition, spirituality has taken its starting point from the Bible, which speaks of the “spirit” (ruach/pneuma) of God and, through it, the promise of new “life.” In a variety of ways, this overarching motif has been explored and developed over the centuries, from the apophatic theology of Gregory of Nyssa to the ecstatic and visionary poetry of Hadewijch of Antwerp to the theme of imitatio Christi in Søren Kierkegaard. And yet, consideration of Christian spirituality takes up not only thought but also practice, including the habits of contemplation, prayer, penance, liturgy, devotion and asceticism. As Bernard McGinn has put it, “The study of spirituality requires a desire to try to appreciate how religious people actually live their beliefs.” Moreover, Christian spirituality ranges into affective life, investigating the purpose and the role of the emotions in religious growth. This holistic approach to spirituality integrates bodily existence. Indeed, despite stereotypes equating spirituality with “individualism,” Christian spirituality is rooted in, if not always in agreement with, the Christian ekklesia (“assembly”) or church. Consequently, spirituality engages social life and extends to socio-political movements and communities.

Given its multifarious concerns, the study of spirituality may be approached from a number of disciplines, including history, anthropology, ethics, philosophy, literary studies, education and theology. Thus, it is an inherently interdisciplinary field, and, for that reason, it often draws on voices of those traditionally marginalized, including laity and women. Furthermore, its objects of study are diverse. To be sure, formal theological reflection is essential, and yet cultural forms such as visual art, film, music, liturgy, popular devotions, novels, hagiography and manuals are increasingly important, shedding new light on familiar ideas and figures.

• The Rise of American Spirituality
• (Post)Modern Spirituality
• Affect and Devotion
• Mysticism, Mourning and Melancholia
• Spiritual But Not Religious
• Conversion / Transformation
• Protestant Mysticism
• Spanish Mysticism

Christian Ethics

Christian ethics is the branch of theology explicitly tasked with articulating the moral, social, political and economic implications of Christian faith for both Christian disciples and the broader public sphere. The discipline thus underscores and elaborates on the nexus between theological beliefs and their significance for personal and communal living in particular cultural contexts. Christian ethics evaluates the positive influence of culture on Christian beliefs and practices, such as the modern human rights and environmental movements.

At the same time, it also develops critiques of culture, and its influence on the church, in the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Christian theological doctrines. For example, Christian ethicists reflect upon and challenge elements of culture such as the “culture of death,” racism/white privilege, consumerism, jingoism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, imperialism, economic oppression and environmental degradation. At the heart of such critiques is the belief that God became human, thereby establishing the ongoing “indwelling” of Jesus Christ in all of God’s creation. Sacred scripture and Christian tradition generate norms and virtues to guide us towards respecting the presence of Christ’s Spirit in all of creation.

However, Christian ethics done in the spirit of Augustine also utilizes tools and sources such as philosophy, the social sciences, the physical sciences, literature and the arts, to interpret the Christian faith and the existential realities of the world, and to specify and apply the moral wisdom of the tradition to the pressing problems of God’s creation. In short, Christian ethics engages culture to both infuse it with the spirit of the incarnate God and to learn from its positive achievements how to better understand and enhance the situation of the human person and the created order.

• Faiths, Cultures and Sexuality
• Racism and the Catholic Church
• Catholic Sexual Ethics
• Moral Philosophy and Christian Ethics
• Prisons, Punishment and Ethics
• Economic Ethics
• Ethics of Higher Education
• Christian Environmental Ethics

The Heart of Teaching Program

The Heart of Teaching  provides graduate students with instruction, supervision, and mentorship in pedagogical theory and practice, as well as mentoring in professional and leadership competencies. In light of our Augustinian identity, graduate student formation in theology at Villanova prioritizes an apprenticeship-in-community model of education set within the context of friendship.

The Department recognizes the need for educational leaders committed to the common good who can teach effectively in various contexts, including schools, colleges and universities, as well as parishes, congregations and parachurch and community organizations. 

Higher education today demonstrates increasing concern for pedagogy, with the recognition that how people learn affects what they learn - and who they become. Moreover, as a discipline that integrates theory and practice, theology calls for educators who critically reflect on the mutual mediation of subject matter and pedagogy. 

For PhD students, the Heart of Teaching curriculum includes coursework in Theological Pedagogy and Contextual Education, in addition to a Teaching Practicum. The Heart of Teaching also sponsors recurring pedagogical workshops for faculty and graduate students.

Timothy Hanchin, PhD , serves as the director of The Heart of Teaching .  

Further details about this program can be found in the Heart of Teaching manual.

Handbook, Timeline and Manuals

• Handbook of Policies and Procedures
• Master Timeline
• Portfolio Manual
• Heart of Teaching Manual

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT - REV. REBECCA IRWIN-DIEHL

"I have always said I would be a professional student if I could afford to be! But after completing my seminary degree, I was immersed in career and family for the next 15-20 years. Only after an “Xtreme” season in parenting, and at a time when I was seeking significant vocational transition, did my dream of pursuing doctoral studies reawaken. I found Villanova’s program by a circuitous route. I was exploring distance-learning options because my full-time job and family excluded relocating for a traditional program. But while scouring the Internet for doctorates in Christian spirituality, I was also reading Into the Silent Land , a book on contemplative prayer by none other than Villanova’s Martin Laird, OSA. The book inspired my visit to Nova’s website to see if Dr. Laird was speaking at a public event I could attend. Instead, I discovered Villanova’s PhD in Theology, offering an interdisciplinary focus in Christian spirituality and ethics. The perfect combination for an American Baptist pastor with a bent toward practical theology! My ongoing sojourn in this learning community has been both a place of scholarly enrichment and growth and a village of compassionate support when I suffered family tragedy last winter. We have learned much from one another, this Roman Catholic university and I, and for that I am deeply grateful. "

Ready for the Next Step?

Related topics.

• PhD Student Profiles by Specialization
• PhD Student Profiles by Name

Jennifer Jackson, ThD Director of Master's and Certificate Programs 610-519-6476

Rachel Smith, PhD Co-Director, PhD Program - Programming & Advising

Hector Varela Rios, PhD Director of Admissions, PhD Program

Department of Theology and Religious Studies Villanova University 800 E. Lancaster Ave. St. Augustine Center Room 203 Villanova, PA 19085

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FOLLOW THE THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES DEPARTMENT

January 8: For admission to the PhD program with or without assistantship

February 1:  For admission to master's programs with funding consideration

August 1:  For admission to master's or certificate programs without funding for the fall

December 1:  For admission to master's or certificate programs without funding for the spring

If you have missed a master's or certificate program deadline, please contact the program coordinator  to discuss your options.

Begin your application .

STUDENT NEWS

Elisha Chi, doctoral candidate, was named the recipient of an Honorary Dissertation Fellowship, Louisville Institute, August 2023. Chi was also awarded a 2023 Villanova Graduate Student Summer Research Fellowship.

Perdian Tumanan, doctoral student, was selected as one of the Roothbert Fund Fellows for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Christ-centered academic inquiry and spiritual leadership Biblical & Theological Studies (Ph.D)

Wheaton College trains evangelical scholars to serve the church worldwide as teachers, researchers, pastors, and leaders.

Our Biblical & Theological Studies Ph.D program fosters faithfulness to the teaching of Scripture and theology in combination with creative and critical reflection on its significance for the church and contemporary culture. 

Credential Type

Major credits required.

• Residential

6 Students Admitted

Small cohorts enable us to provide more opportunities and attention to each Ph.D. student. 

17 Countries

Our 90+ Ph.D. graduates serve churches and communities around the globe.

100% Funding

All Ph.D. students receive full tuition funding plus a research fellowship and travel stipends. 

Request Information

Or reach out to us anytime at [email protected] .

Contact a Program Mentor

It’s not too early! Connect with one of our program mentors to discuss dissertation topics, learn program distinctives, and explore vocational pathways.

Why Wheaton for Your Biblical and Theological Ph.D.? A Holistic Approach to Biblical-Theological Studies

In a world of highly specialized scholarship, we are intentional about bridging the scholarly gap between the Old and New Testaments, and especially between the disciplines of Biblical Studies and Theology.

Concurrent Coursework

Unlike most doctoral programs in North America that operate with a sequential, step-by-step model, our program is concurrent. This means students begin work on their dissertation proposals during their first semester, while taking seminars, honing their modern language skills, completing required readings for breadth and depth of knowledge in their field, and engaging in fellowship work.

Globally Minded Curriculum

Students will be exposed to perspectives from around the world through class discussions, the periodic presence of visiting international scholars, and an academic community engaged in global issues. Additionally, Wheaton is a member of the Hispanic Theological Initiative, a consortium of 25 institutions dedicated to increasing the the number of Latino/a Ph.D. candidates and graduates in related fields.

Integrated Research

Wheaton's Ph.D. program emphasizes the connections between disciplines. Our dissertation requirements call for original research that has integrative, biblical-theological significance.

Program Goals

In today’s academy, Biblical Studies and Theology are often treated as separate, autonomous subjects, but our Ph.D. program is designed to hold them together: We want our students to engage the entire canon of Scripture to discern its unified message. Likewise, our program explores the scriptural roots of theology and the theological roots of Scripture.

Our Curriculum

The length and specific components of the program will vary from student to student, but will include seminar-style courses and directed independent studies.

Ph.D. candidates also will write a dissertation that is distinctly theological in nature. This original research will focus on one of the traditional academic areas: Old Testament, New Testament, Systematic Theology, or Historical Theology.

View Curriculum

Sample Courses

Much of the Ph.D. program is rooted in independent studies, but common seminars include:

• Biblical Interpretation and Theology
• Old Testament Ethics
• Gender and the New Testament
• Doctrine of Creation
• Christ and Culture

Our Faculty Compassionate and Intelligent Educators

From the very start of their program through their dissertation defense, Ph.D. students will build strong personal and academic relationships with the program faculty. The following professors are the primary Ph.D. mentors.

Andrew Abernethy, Ph.D.

M. Daniel Carroll R. (Rodas), Ph.D.

Marc Cortez, Ph.D.

Esau McCaulley, Ph.D.

Rev. Amy Peeler, Ph.D.

Richard Schultz, Ph.D.

Daniel Treier, Ph.D.

Our staff here to help.

Amy is happy to help Biblical and Theological Studies students navigate every aspect of the program. 

Dr. Andrew Abernethy to Serve as New Ph.D. Mentor in Biblical Theological Studies

The Ph.D. Committee in Biblical and Theological Studies is pleased to announce the addition of  Dr. Andrew Abernethy as a new Ph.D. Mentor in Old Testament. His areas of interest are Isaiah, Psalms, and the Prophets, Theological/Canonical Interpretation, Literary-thematic approaches to the Old Testament, Old Testament theology, Integration of ancient context, literary analysis, and reception. 

Meet Faculty Mentors

Success After Wheaton What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Biblical and Theological Studies?

In partnership with our Center for Vocation and Career, many find employment in higher education, as well as church and parachurch agencies.

Who Hires our Graduates?

• Colleges and universities
• Parachurch agencies
• Religious organizations
• Publishing houses

Where are Our Ph.D. Alumni Serving?

Alumni from the program have gone on to work at the following organizations and many more:

• Reformed Theological Seminary
• Institut Biblique et Missionnaire
• Northern Seminary
• Talbot School of Theology(Biola University)
• The Urban Ministry Institute
• Oak Hill Theological College
• Grace Theological Seminary
• Zondervan Publishing
• Gordon College
• Singapore Bible College
• Bethlehem Bible College and Seminary
• Crossway Books
• Planetshakers College
• Knox Theological Seminary
• Visoko Evanđeosko Teološko Učilište, Croatia
• Truett Seminary (Baylor University)
• Africa International University
• Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
• Moody Bible Institute
• Taylor University
• Liberty Presbyterian Church
• Life on the Vine Christian Community

What Career Paths Have Our Alumni Taken?

Alumni of the Ph.D. in Biblical & Theological Studies program have gone on to faithful careers in a variety of different fields. Many hold teaching positions at seminaries as well as both Christian and secular colleges and universities around the country and the world. Beyond that, our graduates pastor churches large and small here in the local area, on both coasts of the country, and in many other countries across the globe. A number of graduates also serve in publishing and other media-related fields.

See alumni placements

Author & Educator

“Wheaton was an ideal place in which to prepare for a lifetime of scholarship and teaching.”

Dr. Carmen Imes, an associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University in Alberta, Canada, is the author of Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters. She has appeared on more than 50 podcasts and radio shows and is a guest blogger for Christianity Today , The Political Theology Network, and The Well . Imes frequently speaks at churches, conferences, and retreats, and she's even launched a YouTube channel where she releases weekly "Torah Tuesday" videos.

Before earning her Ph.D. from Wheaton College, Imes and her husband served as missionaries in the Philippines with SIM International.

Congratulations, Ty!

Ty Kieser , Ph.D. 2020  was recently hired as Assistant Professor of Theology and the Program Director of the M.A. in Theological & Biblical Studies at Criswell College in Dallas, Texas. His teaching is split between undergraduate and graduate theology and church history classes. Ty has published and presented extensively within his areas of research: Christology, trinitarian theology, post-Reformation theology, and theology of the atonement, including his forthcoming co-authorship, with Kelly M. Kapic,  John Owen Among the Theologians (Under Contract; due 2024).

See where our alumni are now

More About This Program Frequently Asked Questions

We've put together a few common questions (and their answers) about this graduate program.

What do you look for in applicants to this program?

Our program is highly competitive and intensive and seeks six scholars per year who can serve the church worldwide as teachers, researchers, pastors, and leaders.

A full tuition scholarship, as well as a research fellowship, for each of the six students accepted per year, will allow you to devote yourself to advanced learning as a fully involved member of the academic community.

See full admissions requirements.

Can I complete this program without living in Chicago?

The Ph.D. in Biblical and Theological Studies is a residential program.

What advice do you have for Ph.D. applicants?

Considering Ph.D. work is an important decision. Our faculty member Dr. Daniel Treier has written advice to evangelical students who are pursuing doctoral programs. Read his advice, here.

Financial Wellness

The Biblical & Theological Studies Ph.D. program offers full tuition scholarships, as well as a research fellowship, to each of the six students accepted per year.

This financial award enables Ph.D. candidates to devote themselves to advanced learning as a fully involved member of the academic community.

Interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Biblical and Theological Studies at Wheaton? Request more information or start your application today.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is designed to equip you for teaching and research in colleges, theological seminaries, and universities, and for advanced church leadership.

Home / Programs / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

What Is a Doctor of Philosophy?

A doctor of philosophy, also known as a PhD, is a doctoral degree in a specific area of study. At Calvin Theological Seminary, this terminal degree is available in the area of theology.

What Is a Theology PhD Program?

Calvin Theological Seminary’s PhD focuses on Christian theology. The graduate program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is designed to afford students advanced training in independent inquiry, academic research, critical analysis, and scholarly writing as they define their own theological positions in dialogue with other points of view. It is aimed at equipping scholars from all parts of the world for teaching and research in colleges, theological seminaries, and universities and for general ecclesiastical leadership.

Theology Doctorate Career Opportunities

A PhD can prepare you for many roles, including:

• Professor: Share your knowledge through undergraduate- or graduate-level teaching. 
• Pastor-Scholar: Help lead a congregation and a denomination as a pastor who engages with and produces scholarship that feeds the church.
• Author: Curate your learning and research through written works.
• Center or institute staff: Serve as a leader for a faith-based center, institute, think tank, or other organization that values theology.

Our PhD in Theology Program

Seminary phd concentrations.

PhD concentrations are offered in the History of Christianity, Moral Theology (Ethics), New Testament, Philosophical Theology, and Systematic Theology.

• History of Christianity: If you love studying history and the life of the global church, this concentration offers you a deeper study of the development of Christian communities and Christian thought over time.
• Moral Theology (Ethics): For students who have a passion for ethical living, personally and communally, this concentration offers a philosophical and practical look at moral theology.
• New Testament: Does the life of Jesus, and the acts of the early church, excite you? Do you pore over Scripture with an eagerness to understand more deeply? This concentration offers an up-close look at the New Testament of God’s living Word.
• Philosophical Theology: If you are drawn to the work of thought-provoking authors throughout time, energized by philosophical conversations with your peers, and curious about the implications of philosophy for the church and the world, this concentration is your key to open doors of the mind.
• Systematic Theology: What is theology? Why does it matter? How can we respond to basic questions about the Christian faith? What is the story being told in the whole of Scripture? Explore these questions and more through the systematic theology concentration. 

Theology PhD Coursework

Students are required to complete a total of twelve PhD courses for credit in biblical or theological content areas. Full-time students take six courses per year (typically three per semester) for two years. Part-time students take either four courses per year for three years or three courses per year for four years. At least three courses must be taken in the student’s discipline of specialization and at least two courses in each of the other three areas.

In addition to the twelve required PhD courses in biblical and theological content areas, students in the program must take seminar 9103RP, “Teaching & Student Formation,” during the first two years in the program and are expected to take seminar 9102RP, “Dissertation Seminar,” if they have completed the required PhD courses and are working on their dissertation. Students ordinarily will take the dissertation seminar during more than one semester. These seminars are offered on a credit/no credit basis and do not count toward the twelve required courses in the program. Students living outside of the Grand Rapids area can join by video call.

Learning in the Reformed Tradition

Calvin Seminary is committed to the confessional and theological standards of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), but students from all Christian traditions are welcome to apply. The academic freedom to probe the foundations of Reformed theology and to explore the validity of other approaches is a fundamental assumption of the PhD program.

Get Your Theology Doctorate in Michigan

The residential PhD program allows you to learn in our newly remodeled smart classrooms alongside your peers and mentors. Experience true community, below-market housing (optional), and a vibrant city at your fingertips.

Academic & Vocational Support

As an option, PhD students may use the services of the Vocational Formation Office, including formation groups with peers and personal assessment tools such as the Birkman.

Finishing Your PhD

How long does a phd take.

The PhD program at Calvin typically takes between 4–5 years to complete.

Program Details and Requirements

In addition to this summary of the PhD program, further details and requirements can be found in the PhD Handbook.

Program Outcomes

PhD graduates will leave the program with the following skills and competencies:

• Academic research skills
• Critical analytical skills
• Scholarly writing skills
• Ability to teach across the entire field of biblical and theological studies, with mastery of one biblical or theological discipline
• Ability to provide thoughtful, fair, and respectful analyses and interpretations of positions with which they agree and of positions with which they disagree
• Ability to articulate their own biblical and theological positions and engage in informed, respectful dialogue with other points of view
• Understanding of and appreciation for Christian thought from around the world and from diverse points of view
• Ability to strengthen the church’s biblical and theological understanding and its ministry, including the ministry of proclaiming the gospel and discipling believers for Christ-like service in everyday life

What Makes the PhD Program at Calvin Different from Other Seminary PhDs?

• International learning community: Calvin Seminary offers an international community of Christian scholars eager to learn from one another. Calvin is a truly global community, with students coming from over 20 countries around the world. Over 30% of students come from outside the United States and Canada.
• Reformed : Calvin Seminary is a learning community in the Reformed Christian tradition that forms church leaders who cultivate communities of disciples of Jesus Christ. Here you will receive a thorough grounding in confessional Reformed thought. 
• Diverse scholarly literature: The program helps develop an awareness and appreciation of scholarly literature representing diverse points of view in the worldwide church today and of ways in which cultural and religious contexts challenge and enrich theological education.
• Know your Christian history: Students will learn about key figures and issues in the history of Christian thought and throughout church history. 
• Solid methodology: The Calvin Seminary PhD program teaches and practices a solid methodology of theological research. You will be introduced to proper research methods and their application as well as to important theological issues and developments.
• Broad range of biblical and theological topics: Calvin Seminary enables teaching competency across a variety of biblical and theological topics through a broad range of coursework and comprehensive examinations. In addition, each PhD concentration provides depth and breadth of learning in a specific area.
• Insightful pedagogy: The PhD program offers instruction in pedagogy that provides insights, skills, and practice in teaching. Courses are innovative and engaging, built on the learning and expertise of world-class professors. 
• Supportive community: At Calvin Seminary, you will find a supportive community from the first course to the last chapter of the dissertation. Faculty, staff, and fellow students are here to support you throughout your seminary journey.
• Significant financial support: Calvin Seminary PhD students will find substantial financial support and options for reasonable living expenses. You are guaranteed to receive tuition support between 25% and 100%.

Library and study space resources: Calvin Seminary offers high-quality literary resources and study space. Here you will discover Hekman Library—the largest private library in Michigan, and home to an entire floor of resources devoted to theology, biblical scholarship, and ministry practices.

How to Apply

Begin the journey to your potential PhD by applying now and submitting supplemental materials. Our application process will walk through the items you need to submit, and our Enrollment Management team is available for help and questions along the way.

Calvin Seminary offers a wide range of scholarships and other financial assistance. In fact, in recent years, nearly $1.5 million in scholarship funds were awarded annually.

Application Requirements

The PhD committee, in partnership with the admissions office, will make all admissions decisions. 

A Master of Divinity , Master of Theological Studies , Master of Theology , or an equivalent degree, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 (B+), from an accredited institution. All applicants must show transcript evidence that they know Hebrew, Greek, and a modern foreign language (preferably German, French, or Dutch). Applicants must also submit scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and a research paper that demonstrates their ability to do theological research and analysis at an advanced level. 

Additionally, an Autobiography (250-500 word autobiography, focusing on personal history, academic/professional background, and church/ministry involvement) and a Statement of Purpose (500 words describing your academic interests and vocational goals in pursuing a PhD at Calvin Seminary) are required.

For more information on the PhD admissions process, please see the PhD Handbook .

Applicants who are non-native in English must submit official TOEFL exam results as a part of their application for admission. A minimum internet-based total score of 90 with a score of 23 in the writing section is required. Use Calvin Theological Seminary’s institutional code 1096 to order scores.

For information on international student application requirements, visit the international student information page .

Admission Deadlines

The deadline for PhD application materials to be submitted is January 15. 

The PhD program has one start date: the Fall Semester. Admitted students will typically be required to be on-campus for an orientation in mid-August.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), like a ThD (Doctor of Theology), is a terminal degree. PhD and ThD degrees from seminaries and theological schools generally have equivalent standing. Some institutions choose to use the degree title of ThD as a way to designate a focus on Christian theological study or include Christian formation. However, many PhD programs, like Calvin’s, also focus on Christian theological study and include Christian formation.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is designed to equip students for teaching and research in colleges, theological seminaries, and universities, and for advanced church leadership. Calvin Seminary’s DMin program allows ministry professionals to develop advanced ministry leadership skills and spiritual formation.

The PhD can enhance pastoral and other ministry roles, but it is not required for ordination .

Start your PhD journey today when you apply now.

Get to Know Calvin Theological Seminary

Meet Your Faculty

Faculty at Calvin Theological Seminary carry out the seminary’s mission as inspiring thought leaders, invested teachers and mentors, and committed followers of Christ.

Student Stories

Past graduates have applied their learning to a variety of ministry-based opportunities. Here are some of their stories.

Academic Support

In addition to contextual learning, the Vocational Formation Office offers students other forms of support, including formation groups with peers, vocational mentors, and assessment tools to help students identify and cultivate their strengths.

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Areas of Study

The PhD program operates in the following areas of study:

• Biblical Studies : Old Testament, New Testament
• History and Ecumenics : Early Christianity, Medieval Christianity, Reformation, Religion and the Americas, World Christianity and the History of Religions (WCHR)
• Practical Theology : Christian Education, Pastoral Theology, Homiletics
• Religion and Society
• Theology : Christian Ethics, History of Doctrine, Philosophy and Theology, Systematic Theology

Program Overview

The program of any particular student may deviate from the following outline at some points, but this sketch indicates in general what may be anticipated.

Complete Course Offerings

Orientation

Orientation and registration for incoming PhD students is held immediately before the opening of the fall term in September. During the preceding May, students will be assigned temporary advisers who will help with first semester registration. Early in the semester a three-person residence committee will be appointed to work with the student throughout the residence period. From this committee and especially its chair, the student should secure counsel regarding courses and other aspects of the program up to the comprehensive examinations.

First Two Years

Language requirements.

After fulfilling the initial modern language requirement, the student enters a two-year period of full-time resident study prior to the completion of the comprehensive examinations. During this residence period, students are required to complete successfully a minimum of eight doctoral seminars or their equivalent (course load varies by area of study). Full-time resident study is generally understood as enrollment for two or more seminars, courses, or directed readings per term, in accordance with faculty advisement, with availability Monday through Friday for library research and interaction with colleagues outside of scheduled class meetings. In no case is advanced standing granted at the time of acceptance for admission. In exceptional cases the PhD Studies Committee may later reduce the time of residence preparation for the comprehensive examinations on recommendation of the student’s department. Under no conditions will the minimum requirement of two years’ full-time tuition be reduced.

First and Second Year Reviews

In the first term of the second year, the student’s work is reviewed and evaluated by the residence committee. The student completes the first-year review self-evaluation form through his or her profile in the online campus directory by September 1. After reviewing the student’s self-evaluation form and meeting with the student to discuss progress, the chair of the residence committee completes the online residence committee evaluation form by October 1. If the student’s committee feels there is cause for concern at the end of the first year, this review may take place in May of the first year. A second-year review is required for all doctoral students. This review provides an opportunity for the residence committee and the student to discuss the student’s progress in the program as well as their evolving vocational interests and to determine whether the student will continue to comprehensive examinations.

Comprehensive Exams

The format of the comprehensive examinations will be specified by each department. The examinations will be followed, within ten days to two weeks, by an oral examination, usually two hours in length. Refer to the “Areas and Fields of Study” section for a more detailed description of comprehensive examinations. Variations in testing procedure must be approved by the PhD Studies Committee. In the oral examination, which is conducted by the faculty in each area, the student’s competence across the breadth of the field is assessed, and a determination is made as to whether the comprehensive examination as a whole has been passed, provisionally passed (with required revisions), or failed.

All seminars must be completed, and grades recorded before comprehensive examinations begin. An exception to the requirement for a recorded grade will be made for any seminars in which a student is enrolled during the term in which comprehensive examinations are being taken. Upon successful completion of the comprehensive exams, the student becomes an official PhD candidate and is qualified to write a dissertation proposal.

Dissertation Proposal

The student is urged to give thought to possible dissertation areas and topics from the very beginning of residence. Seminar and course paper topics may be selected in part to explore such possibilities. After the successful completion of all required written and oral comprehensive examinations, the PhD candidate is eligible to form a dissertation committee. The process for forming the dissertation committee may vary by department or program but should involve consultation between the candidate and those faculty members who are to serve on the dissertation committee. Once the committee’s composition is determined, the chair of the department is responsible for recommending the composition of the dissertation committee to the appropriate department or program, which formally acts on that recommendation and reports the resolved action to the Office of Academic Affairs, PhD Studies. The dissertation committee is normally composed of three members of the Princeton Theological Seminary faculty, one of whom is to serve as chair of the committee and main adviser of the dissertation. In cases where the dissertation project anticipates needing to engage areas of expertise not adequately supported by current members of the Seminary faculty, a non-PTS affiliated scholar (of appropriate qualification and rank) may be appointed to serve as a third member of the dissertation committee (in place of a PTS faculty member) at the discretion of the department or program. The external member of a dissertation committee (except for Princeton University faculty) is entitled to a small honorarium. Such an appointment, as in the case of the dissertation committee’s composition more generally, is to be reported to the Office of Academic Affairs, PhD Studies, which then offers the formal invitation. In all cases, the chair of the dissertation committee and main adviser of the dissertation is to be a full-time member of the Princeton Theological Seminary faculty. Variations in the composition of the dissertation committee beyond what is described above are subject to the approval of the PhD Studies Committee upon the recommendation of the appropriate department or program. Under the guidance of the dissertation committee, the candidate develops a formal dissertation proposal that is submitted to the appropriate department or program for approval by the time of the next to last department or program meeting of the year. The comprehensive examinations must be passed and the dissertation proposal approved no later than the last meeting of the PhD Studies Committee in the third year. Failure to meet this deadline may result in dismissal.

Faculty are expected to read, assess, and return students’ dissertation work within six weeks of submission. Other appropriate faculty members may be appointed as substitutes for dissertation committee chairs who are on leave.

Years Four and Five

Dissertation.

The PhD Studies Committee has set a maximum length of 250 pages for a Princeton Seminary dissertation. Permission of the dissertation committee is required in advance for a significantly longer work. Final manuscripts of all dissertations should be prepared using the current PTS Dissertation Style Guide. The student’s dissertation committee, led by the chair of the committee, is responsible for determining that a dissertation is defensible and thus ready to be circulated to an external reader for evaluation.

Dissertation Defense & Degree Completion

Upon satisfactory completion of the dissertation defense and receipt of all required documentation by PhD Studies, the dissertation committee recommends the candidate to the faculty for the PhD degree. The degree may be conferred only after the satisfactory completion of all degree and graduation requirements.

Degree Duration

The PhD program is designed to be completed in no more than five years of full-time study. The candidacy will be terminated if the dissertation is not successfully defended within nine years of the date of entrance into the program.

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The PhD program is a rigorous, interdisciplinary course of advanced study that prepares students for careers in research, teaching, and publicly-engaged leadership.

Doctoral students conduct original and advanced research in pursuit of expert knowledge about the human phenomenon of religion. Students study the world's religions using a variety of methods including constructive, historical, social scientific, and modes of literary and visual analysis. Students may focus their work in one of the School's Areas of Study or through a multidisciplinary course of study. Students develop a sophisticated grasp of methods and theories in a chosen Area of Study, gain a broad understanding of religion as a phenomenon, and join others in the creation of new knowledge. 

Program Overview

The program consists of coursework, languages, pedagogical training with teaching, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation. All doctoral students work with a faculty advisor and area faculty to progress through the program. 

OUR CURRENT PHD STUDENTS

PHD HANDBOOK

Admission Information We offer admission to the doctoral program annually.  Applicants to the PhD program must have a Master’s degree in religion or closely related field. 

Application Deadline     

January 4, 2024

Beginning in the 2020 PhD admissions cycle, there  will not  be an internal doctoral admission petition process for current Divinity School MA or MDiv students and recent alumni. Current and former students are required to submit the same documentation as external candidates, using the same deadline. 

Admission & Funding Information

Students admitted to the PhD program in 2016 and beyond receive a fellowship package that includes full tuition coverage, health insurance coverage for the student through the University Health Insurance Plan (U-SHIP), and an annual living stipend. The doctoral student fellowship is renewed annually for the maximum registration period. 

Required Application Materials

Applicants to the PhD program must have a Master’s degree in a program of study related to the proposed area of doctoral study.

• Divinity School Application for Graduate Admission
• Candidate Statement 
• Academic Transcripts 
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Current Resume or CV
• Writing sample, should not exceed 25 pages
• Application fee: $75 (waiver available)
• International students:  TOEFL or IELTS score

Director of Doctoral Studies, Dr. Richard A. Rosengarten is Associate Professor of Religion and Literature; also in the College.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree program is offered to students wishing to enhance their knowledge and competence in teaching and research and to contribute to scholarship in a specialized area of theological studies. As the PhD is a research doctorate, it provides five years of funding for full-time study, and requires students to give evidence of the highest standards of scholarship at every stage of the degree program. Boston University School of Theology PhD degrees are to be distinguished from other PhD degrees by their focus on theological approaches to the histories, communities, practices, beliefs, and ethical values of Christian institutions and traditions, and by their intention to prepare students for scholarship and teaching in a broad range of institutions, including seminaries, schools of theology, divinity schools, and religiously affiliated colleges.

Deep faculty support and mentoring is embedded in the program and extends beyond the classroom. Our PhD alumni have an average placement rate of 83% within one year of graduation.

PhD Handbook and Plans of Study

• PhD Plan of Study
• The STH Bulletin contains the official description of the degree program along with admissions and financial information.
• The PhD Handbook contains the policies and procedures by which the degree program is governed.

Current PhD Student Profiles

• PhD Student Profiles give a glimpse into the kind of research our students are undertaking.

Former Students

• Want to see where our PhD (and ThD) grads are now?

Track 1: Biblical and Historical Studies

• Biblical Studies: PhD students in Biblical Studies at Boston University School of Theology engage in academic study of the biblical Christian canons—the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament (with Apocrypha), the New Testament—within the contexts of biblical scholarship and the life of the Church. A rigorous research degree, the PhD focuses on advanced study of the languages, histories, immediate and broader cultural and social milieus, and literatures whence the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and the New Testament emerged. Students select either the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, or the New Testament as their primary field of study, while pursuing the other Testament as their secondary field. Expertise in the full biblical canon is expected upon graduation, with particular depth in the student’s chosen area of study.
• History of Christianity: The concentration in Church History and World Christianity builds on the discipline of ecclesiastical history and contemporary interests in Christianity as a world religion. Seminars and colloquia are meant to prepare doctoral students for vibrant careers as teacher-scholars. Students in this concentration will be introduced to a diversity of historiographical approaches that may include gender studies, institutional and social history, history of Christian thought, cultural history, and history of literacy. Careful consideration is given to the social dimensions of Christianity as a global religion, including the study of ancient, medieval, and Renaissance-era Christianity, modern Christian missions, urban expressions of Christianity, and manifestations of Christian progressivism such as the Social Gospel. Areas of specialization include the history and literature of ancient Christianity, Reformation Europe, early modern Catholicism and the history of European expansion, modern Christian missions, Christianity and colonialism, American Christianity, and local Christianity in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
• Liturgical Studies: (Including Sacred Music and Hymnology) The PhD in Liturgical Studies focuses on the history, theology, and practices of liturgy from Christian origins to the present, and includes within the program research in sacred music. In consultation with the advisor, the student will develop a multi-disciplinary plan of study, which may include coursework in biblical studies, systematic and dogmatic theology, sacramental theology, ecumenical studies, ritual studies, sociology of religion, intercultural studies, homiletics, hymnology, and musicology. Students are encouraged to study with liturgical specialists teaching in other BTI schools. Previous students in their individualized programs wrote dissertations on such topics as Ephrem the Syrian as mystagogue, theological shifts in Marian hymn texts, worship and spiritual formation at New England camp meetings, music as a mode of cultural exchange in African American churches after the Civil War, meanings of Sabbath for Seventh-day Adventists, a sacramental ecclesiology of disability, schemes derived from liturgical biography for evaluating emerging worship practices, and the hymnic and practical theological contributions of Georgia Harkness.
• Mission Studies: The PhD in Mission Studies focuses on the history and theology of mission, and world Christianity. The program is one of the top producers of the professoriate in mission studies and world Christianity, with particular strengths in the history of mission and evangelism, the history of Christianity (early modern to contemporary), African studies, and Asian studies. Its location in a major research university gives students access to resources in anthropology and sociology, history, area studies, world religions, and other cognate fields. In consultation with his or her advisor, each student will develop a customized study and research plan to ensure an integrative approach to the study of mission and world Christianity. By special arrangement, students may pursue the degree in collaboration with mission studies faculty at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
• Alejandro Botta
• Christopher Boyd Brown
• Katheryn Pfisterer Darr
• Christopher H. Evans
• Robert Allan Hill
• Dana L. Robert
• Rady Roldan-Figueroa
• Luis Menéndez-Antuña
• Shively T. J. Smith
• Karen B. Westerfield Tucker

Track 2: Theology, Ethics, and Philosophy

• Constructive Theology (including Systematic Theology and Comparative Theology)
• Religion and Conflict Transformation
• Theology and Philosophy
• Theology and Science
• Rebecca Copeland
• David Decosimo
• Filipe Maia
• James McCarty
• Shelly Rambo
• Bryan Stone
• Nimi Wariboko
• Wesley J. Wildman

Affiliate Faculty

• David Eckel
• Diana Lobel

Track Description

The Theology, Ethics, and Philosophy course of study at Boston University School of Theology supports work in theology and ethics that is historically engaged, philosophically informed, interdisciplinary, and transformative for communities of scholarship and religious life. The program emphasizes the importance of studying the history of Christian theology and comparative theology in critical and constructive engagement with diverse fields of inquiry and with attention to important questions and problems, whether longstanding or contemporary. The program operates with the understanding that our collective task is not simply to underscore or reiterate claims within Christian or other traditions nor simply to discard them but to generatively and critically interact with them. In a word, to engage them constructively and in robust conversation with disciplinary partners outside of theological studies. The term “constructive,” then, does not so much designate an arena within theology, as an ethos animating our approach to theology and ethics. The aim of this work is to contribute to the construction of knowledge and action within theology and religious communities and without. In all this, we seek to partner with other units of the university and other sources and modes of knowing in order to pursue common questions – and to seek answers that, in keeping with BU’s legacy, “enrich the academy” and advance the cause of “peace with justice in a diverse and interconnected world.” Faculty research, teaching, and doctoral preparation models this constructive dimension of scholarship and nurtures the development of the student’s ability to articulate their own theological position.

Current Faculty and Student Research

Track 3: Practical Theology

• Congregation and Community
• Church and Society
• Evangelism and Missiology
• Leadership and Administration
• Pastoral Theology and Psychology
• Religious Education (Please Note: Religious Education will not be accepting applications for Fall 2023)
• Spirituality Studies
• Eunil David Cho
• Courtney Goto
• Choi Hee An
• Robert Hill
• David Schnasa Jacobson
• Nicolette Manglos-Weber
• Dana Robert
• Steven Sandage
• Chris Schlauch
• Andrew Shenton
• Karen Westerfield Tucker
• Claire Wolfteich

The purpose of the PhD degree program in Practical Theology is to discover and extend knowledge and to enhance teaching competence in practical theology. Practical theology is the theologically positioned, interdisciplinary study of the practices of religious communities and of the traditions and social contexts that shape and challenge those practices. The practices of any religious community sustain and transform that community by embodying its shared values and enacting its foundational narratives. Examples of such practices include liturgical rituals; acts of service, justice, and compassion; practices of nurture, education, and formation; and the transmission of a community’s tradition to others within new cultural and social contexts. Religious practices appear in all faith traditions, though with their own unique histories and institutional settings and in relation to their own distinctive sacred texts, rituals, symbols, and theological understandings.

The PhD program in practical theology at Boston University School of Theology, while positioned as a theological study of Christian practices in relation to the texts, ideas, history, and institutions of that particular tradition in its various manifestations, encourages the comparative study of those practices in relation to other religious traditions and from the standpoint of cognate disciplines and methodologies such as history, sociology, psychology, cultural anthropology, ritual theory, philosophy, and ethics. As with all programs of study at Boston University, students need not identify themselves as adherents of Christianity or of any religious tradition to engage in this study.

In studying the practices of religious communities, the doctoral program in practical theology is designed to prepare students to understand and assess the contemporary situation, to reflect historically and systematically on the church’s embodied witness of faith, and to develop faithful and effective strategies for Christian practice. This preparation, while it has a common structure and an ecclesiological center, emphasizes the particularity of context and requires a diversity in focus that requires strong interdisciplinary skills and a highly integrative acumen. The primary interdisciplinary partners and methodological approach in studying religious practices will need to be chosen in relation to the particularity of the practices in question and so as to address specific problems identified. At the same time, there are shared tasks for which the PhD program prepares every student.

First, students must be able to provide a thick description, analysis, and interpretation of practices. The individual student will typically approach this description primarily from within a single particular discipline (as a historian, or as a sociologist, for example), and therefore the student must become conversant with a particular language and method of research. Still, the study of practical theology requires strong interdisciplinary skills and a highly integrative acumen. A theological understanding of practices within their context is never only an empirical or historical science but starts from a hermeneutically defined situation and employs interpretive skills that bring to light the meaning of human actions, making possible richly textured ‘readings’ of them.

Second, students in practical theology must engage in critical and comparative theological reflection. The discipline of practical theology moves beyond an initial and more descriptive moment toward the ongoing creative task of re-imagining and transforming practice. In doing so, the discipline requires of all PhD students an ability to think systematically and historically about the beliefs and practices of the Christian faith and to ask questions and form judgments concerning the shared visions of goodness, beauty, and truth contained within the sacred texts, rituals, and patterns of community of that tradition, always in conversation with other religious and secular traditions. In this way practical theological research is never reduced to mere description, on the one hand, or a capitulation to practical considerations, institutional inertia, and contextual forces, on the other hand.

PhD Learning Outcomes

• A breadth of knowledge in theological and religious studies and in other cognate disciplines with mastery of knowledge in a particular academic discipline;
• Capacity to conduct advanced scholarly research and writing that makes an original contribution to the discipline that is significant for religious communities, academy, and society;
• the ability to access appropriate resources in the study of one’s discipline, to analyze and assess critically the findings of others, and to synthesize existing knowledge with one’s own findings;
• the ability to employ primary doctoral-level research methods appropriate to the study of one’s chosen discipline; and
• the ability to communicate one’s research appropriately to scholars within one’s discipline and to other scholars, professionals, or publics beyond one’s discipline;
• the ability to design a course with appropriate, achievable, and measurable learning outcomes;
• the ability to facilitate and evaluate learning within a course through a variety of methods;
• familiarity with the teaching profession and the academy; the responsibilities and expectations of a faculty member; and the ethical standards of one’s discipline;
• a commitment to collaborative inquiry, mentoring, publication and other modes of transferring knowledge, and personal professional development through learned societies.
• Growth in one’s capacity for a robust embrace of and engagement with social and theological diversity and one’s capacity to relate across difference.

Related Resources

Degree Programs

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Faculty Research

See our faculty in action and watch recent videos focused on current faculty work.

Meet Our Faculty

​Experts in a wide range of fields, our faculty is among the most published and cited in the country.

PhD student La Ronda Barnes (’26) published in Black Theology: An International Journal

September 3, 2024

The following is an excerpt from the Black Theology: An International Journal...

BUSTH announces Faculty Publications and Presentations for Summer and September 2024

September 2, 2024

The School of Theology is pleased to announce the following faculty publications...

BUSTH Announces Distinguished Alumni for 2024

August 29, 2024

The Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH) is pleased to announce this...

• 9 Sep STH Library Book Sale
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• 10 Sep SpiritualiTea
• 10 Sep CGCM Open House

College of Arts & Sciences

Graduate Program

Georgetown offers a Ph.D. in Theological and Religious Studies, an interdisciplinary program that allows students to pursue the critical and comparative study of theology and religion. With over twenty full-time faculty members, the Theology and Religious Studies Department has specialists in Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism. Our faculty have particular expertise in the following areas: religion and public life, comparative theology, philosophy of religion, religious ethics, scriptural interpretation, and religion and globalization. The Doctoral Program welcomes applications from students whose research interests grapple with questions of interreligious understanding and contemporary issues of religious pluralism in an increasingly globalized and multicultural world.

Students admitted to our program receive five years of full funding, which includes tuition, health coverage, and a generous stipend. Our program also allocates funding for conference travel, and our current students regularly present at national and international conferences. Current students have also received grants and awards from outside fellowships for summer language study and dissertation research.

Academic Resources

Our Ph.D. students join a vibrant scholarly community–both within the department and beyond. Our strengths as a department are augmented by a wealth of other resources at Georgetown, including the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding , the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies , the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs , the Program for Jewish Civilization , the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures , and the Department of Arab and Islamic Studies .

Thank you for your interest in Georgetown University’s Ph.D. in Theological & Religious Studies program.

To learn more please fill out the Theological & Religious Studies Inquiry Form here .

Application Deadline: December 15th

Administration

• Chair: Ariel Glucklich
• Department Administrator: Margit Silva
• Director of Graduate Studies and Director of Admissions & Recruitment, Graduate Program: Michael Slater
• Director of Intellectual Life, Graduate Program: Brandon Dotson
• Director of Undergraduate Studies: Stephen Wilson

Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies

45 credit hours

Program Length

as few as 36 months

Accreditation

Nationally Accredited by ATS

Prepare to Teach the Next Generation — Earn an Accredited PhD (Theological Studies) Fully Online

At Columbia International University, our PhD (Theological Studies) program is designed specifically for individuals like you who have a passion for teaching in postsecondary theological higher education. If you are seeking an academic/philosophical doctoral program that equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in scholarly research and writing and make a meaningful contribution to the field of Theological Studies, our PhD (Theological Studies) program is designed to help you reach your goal.

You will engage in rigorous academic study explores the profound truths of Scripture, with a focus on the functional authority of Scripture.

You will develop advanced research and writing skills that allow you to contribute significantly to the field of Theological Studies.

You will gain valuable skills in presenting your scholarly work in a professional, organized, coherent and structured manner, both in written and oral form.

You will engage in a supervisory relationship with an experienced faculty mentor, who will help you navigate the responsibilities of your academic pursuits while embracing spiritual growth and exemplifying Christian character.

Throughout your journey in Columbia International University’s online PhD (Theological Studies) program, you will receive excellent academic instruction, intentional professional mentoring, and consistent academic support. You will develop the advanced research and writing skills necessary to make a scholarly contribution to the field of Theological Studies. You will present your research findings in a professional and compelling manner. You will embrace the transformative journey of intellectual growth while embodying the principles of Victorious Christian Living. You will prepare to become a well-rounded scholar and educator, equipped to make a lasting impact in postsecondary theological higher education both nationally and internationally.

Theological Studies is one of three concentrations within the PhD degree. Within the Theological Studies concentration, you may pursue a wide variety of research topics. You might wish to consider a topic in an area such Apologetics, Historical Theology, Systematic Theology, or Theological Ethics. If you have questions about how your anticipated topic might fit into the concentration, contact the program director for guidance. Note: In February 2022 the ATS Board of Commissioners approved a three-year experiment to offer a non-residential PhD degree as an exception to Standard 5.15, through a combination of online courses (synchronous and asynchronous) and one-on-one faculty mentoring sessions.

The other concentrations within the PhD degree are Biblical Studies and Practical Theology. (See the Concentrations below.)

Why Choose Columbia International University?

At Columbia International University, we are committed to providing you with a comprehensive and enriching educational experience through our ATS-accredited PhD (Theological Studies) program. Designed to equip you as a well-rounded scholar and educator, our program offers a unique blend of research-focused curriculum, individualized mentoring, and flexible online modality.

As a student in our PhD (Theological Studies) program, you will have the opportunity to delve deeply into your chosen area within the field of Theological Studies. Through rigorous research and academic exploration, you will gain a thorough understanding of your topic, contemporary biblical studies issues, and the methods scholars use in your chosen discipline.

Mentoring lies at the heart of our program. You will receive individualized guidance and support from an experienced faculty mentor who is a renowned scholar in his or her respective fields. Your mentor will provide personalized attention and expert advice as you navigate your research journey and develop your scholarly voice.

Our online modality offers you the flexibility of pursuing your doctoral studies while balancing other commitments in your life. Through our innovative online platform, you will have access to engaging course content, interactive discussions with faculty members and peers, and valuable resources that will enhance your learning experience.

Throughout your PhD journey, we are dedicated to preparing you to make a significant contribution to scholarship in your discipline. You will develop advanced research skills, critical thinking abilities, and scholarly writing expertise that will empower you to produce high-quality academic work. We believe in fostering a collaborative academic community, where you will have opportunities to engage in scholarly conversations and present your research findings to peers and faculty.

In addition to equipping you as a scholar, our PhD (Theological Studies) program prepares you to excel as an educator in theological higher education. Our curriculum includes pedagogical training, enabling you to teach and mentor future generations of students effectively in theological institutions both inside and outside the United States.

Benefits of our PhD (Theological Studies) Degree 

Our unique PhD program is fully-online, dissertation-focused and follows the modified-European model. It offers you the opportunity to:

• Complete your entire program using fully online modality without relocating or coming to campus.
• Pay affordable tuition that saves you up to 50% of the cost of other seminary PhD programs and includes the cost of textbooks.
• Develop your skills in research, writing and teaching, while you pursue a wide variety of research topics.
• Focus your coursework on refining your anticipated dissertation topic before beginning your research.
• Engage in synchronous small group discussion sessions that foster a sense of community with your classmates.
• Work closely with a mentor whose areas of interest and expertise align closely with your dissertation topic.
• Develop a well-rounded understanding of the knowledge related to your discipline through tutorial discussions with your mentor.
• Engage regularly and intentionally with your dissertation mentor throughout the research and writing process.
• Complete your entire program in as few as three years.

Featured Faculty

John D. Harvey

Professor of New Testament and PhD Program Director

David A. Croteau

Dean, Seminary and School of Counseling

Associate Professor of History and Theology

What Will I Study?

You will survey significant contemporary issues in Historical Theology or Systematic Theology and review key methods used in theological study. You will then identify an issue and a method related to the area of your proposed dissertation topic and will explore each in depth. (3)

You will review biblical perspectives on teaching and learning, survey principles of adult education, and explore best practices of course design and development. You will learn how to design lessons and courses that go beyond the communication of content to the facilitation of learning and will apply those skills to the creation of a course related to the area of your proposed dissertation topic. (3)

You will engage in guided practice of bibliographic (text-based) research that will prepare you to write a doctoral dissertation in Theological Studies. You will learn to craft a research problem, identify appropriate research methods, locate, evaluate, and document scholarly sources, structure argumentation, and write at the doctoral level. Building upon those skills, you will write a dissertation proposal that must be approved by the Dissertation Proposal Committee before you begin the dissertation research courses. (3)

Upon successful completion of the dissertation proposal course, your supervising professor will guide you as you engage in research for a 90,000 - 110,000 word dissertation in a selected area of Theological Studies. (3-6) Repeatable.

Upon successful completion of the dissertation proposal course, your supervising professor will guide you as you engage in research for a 90,000 - 110,000 word dissertation in a selected area of Theological Studies. (3-6) Repeatable. Prerequisite: THE 9901

Upon successful completion of the dissertation proposal course, your supervising professor will guide you as you engage in research for a 90,000 - 110,000 word dissertation in a selected area of Theological Studies. (3-6) Repeatable. Prerequisite: THE 9902

Upon completing your dissertation research, you will continue working under your supervising professors direction to draft your 90,000 - 10,000 word dissertation. (3-6) Repeatable. Prerequisite: THE 9903

Upon completing your dissertation research, you will continue working under your supervising professors direction to draft your 90,000 - 110,000 word dissertation. (3-6) Repeatable. Prerequisite: THE 9904

Upon successful completion of the dissertation research and writing courses and upon your supervising professors recommendation, you will submit the final draft of your 90,000 - 110,000 word dissertation to the Dissertation Defense Committee comprised of your supervising professor and two additional faculty members. Once the committee has read the dissertation, you will appear before them and defend it orally. (6) Repeatable. Prerequisite: THE 9905

You will demonstrate acceptable competency in a research language related to your dissertation.

You will demonstrate acceptable competency in a second research language related to your dissertation.

Admission Requirements

• Online application
• Official transcripts from accredited institutions (all graduate level work)
• Completed MA, MDiv, or ThM with 3.5 GPA
• Major research paper, (20–24 pages)
• Proposed research topic (1 page plus bibliography)
• Transcript evidence of having completed four semesters of Greek and/or Hebrew (in any combination)
• Two academic references
• Interview with admissions committee
• *International requirements when appropriate

Accreditation and Accolades

Career Path Opportunities

• Seminary Professor
• International Theological Educator
• Bible College Professor
• High School Teacher

As a Theological Studies student, you may choose to focus your study in the areas of Systematic Theology, Historical Theology, Apologetics, Theological Ethics.

The Ph.D. program is accredited professionally by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), as well as regionally by SACSCOC and nationally by ABHE.

The entire PhD program uses online modality, so that you never need to come to the Columbia campus.

The three foundational seminars are largely asynchronous, but with a synchronous component. Instructors facilitate two-hour discussion group sessions of six to eight students that meet five to eight times throughout each semester.

In February 2022 the ATS Board of Commissioners approved a three-year experiment to offer a non-residential PhD degree as an exception to Standard 5.15, through a combination of online courses (synchronous and asynchronous) and one-on-one faculty mentoring sessions.

The modified-European model combines the strengths of both the North American and European models. You enter the program with a preliminary idea of the topic for your dissertation, and the coursework in the three foundational seminars helps you refine your topic to be substantive, coherent and focused. After those seminars, you engage in your dissertation research, writing and defense, which comprises 80% of your studies.

Total tuition for the program is 25–50% lower than the cost of other seminary PhD programs and includes the cost of textbooks.

As a PhD student, you will receive a free copy of Accordance Bible Software that you may use as long as you are pursuing your doctoral studies. Upon graduation, you own the software.

If you are pursuing work related to Theological Studies, you must show transcript evidence of having completed four semesters of Greek and/or Hebrew in any combination.

In order to have as wide access as possible to scholarly literature related to your dissertation topic, Theological Studies students demonstrate proficiency in two theological research languages as part of their PhD studies. The process of collecting a working bibliography for your dissertation usually helps you identify the specific languages you will pursue.

The wordcount for your dissertation is 90,000–110,000 words, including the introduction, the body, the footnotes, the conclusion and the bibliography, but not the front matter.

We will work with you to recruit a dissertation mentor whose areas of interest and expertise align as closely as possible with your topic. Since the majority of our mentors come from outside the seminary, the range of topics you may pursue is broad, and you have the opportunity to work closely with an expert in your field of research.

You may also be interested in

Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies

Doctor of Philosophy in Practical Theology

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Doctor of Philosophy

Current students: looking for your degree requirements visit the academic resources on the registrar page ..

Apply Today

The program offers advanced study in the disciplines of theology with major specialization in one of the areas listed below. Additionally, students select a minor concentration in one of these areas or in an allied academic discipline such as philosophy, sociology, psychology, or religious studies.

• Theology/Ethics
• Interreligious Engagement
• Practical Theology

The major-minor structure in Union’s Ph.D. program enables interdisciplinary cross-fertilization and “mutual illumination” that is intended to generate original scholarship. This structure also equips graduates with academic versatility and expanded teaching competency that will serve to optimize their employability in a competitive market.

The interdisciplinary nature of the Union Ph.D. program is further enhanced by the doctoral seminar in which all students participate. By attending to the interplay between the methods of the theological disciplines and those of religious studies, the program cultivates in graduates a sense of the ongoing dialogue between Theology and Religious Studies that marks contemporary religious education; it prepares graduates to teach and to lead in the diverse, multi-religious, and multicultural contexts of today’s world.

Applying to Union’s Ph.D. Program Information Session

This information session, moderated by Dr. Jan Rehmann, Director of the Ph.D. Program, allowed prospective students to ask questions and gain more information about applying to Union Theological Seminary’s Ph.D. program. Panelists included:

• Olusola Adegbite, PhD student, New Testament
• Pamela Cooper-White, Academic Dean, Professor of Psychology & Religion
• Vanessa Hutchinson, Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid
• Aliou Niang, Professor of New Testament
• John Thatamanil, Professor of Theology & World Religions

If you have any questions about Union’s Ph.D. Program, email Dr. Jan Rehmann at [email protected] .

Review the Application Procedures and Deadlines before you apply.

GET THE LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS IN YOUR INBOX! Register Here

Doctor of Philosophy

SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

Program Snapshot

Prepare for more faithful service to the church or the academy.

With a combination of academic excellence and personal mentoring in an environment of confessional scholarship, Ph.D. students at Southern Seminary are trained to advance Christian scholarship for effective kingdom ministry.

3 Reasons to Study the Doctor of Philosophy

Faculty supervision.

One of the most influential components of the Ph.D. process is the mentorship and guidance that comes from a faculty supervisor. At Southern Seminary, not only will you be supervised by a member of our world-class faculty, but you will also be paired with your supervisor from day one.

Proven Excellence

Ph.D. graduates from Southern Seminary hold more teaching positions at ATS member schools than any other evangelical institution. Our graduates are presidents of seminaries, professors, and faithful church leaders around the world.

Scholarly Community

Doctoral studies are most impactful in a robust community like the one you will find at Southern Seminary. Our faculty, current students, and graduates create a community where the highest level of scholarship is cultivated both in and out of the classroom.

Available Concentrations

Southern Seminary offers one of the largest selections of Ph.D. concentrations among evangelical seminaries today.

• Biblical Counseling and Practical Theology
• Biblical Spirituality
• Biblical Studies
• Christian Apologetics
• Christian Missions
• Christian Philosophy
• Christian Preaching
• Christian Worship
• Christian Ethics and Public Theology
• Historical and Theological Studies
• Philosophy and Theological Studies
• World Religions

Residential

• Biblical Theology
• Church History and Historical Theology
• New Testament
• Old Testament
• Systematic Theology

Modular format allows students to study without relocating to Louisville.

Students will complete modular programs with trips to campus twice each year for doctoral seminars. Each seminar session will last two weeks. Travel to campus only required during the Ph.D. coursework stage.

Training at the forefront of Christian scholarship

Frequently Asked Questions

Any concentration offered in a modular format does not require relocating to Louisville.

Winter seminars are typically held during the last week of November and the first week of December . Summer seminars are typically held during the second & third week of May each year.

Refer to the academic calendar for current year seminar dates.

If you do not have an M.Div. but you do have a M.A. or other masters-level divinity credit, you may submit a  doctoral equivalency evaluation  to the admissions office to find out if you qualify for SBTS PhD programs.*

• A minimum master’s level cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale is expected.

During the application process you will indicate your preferred supervisor and be asked to describe your research interest but both can be subject to change until you are accepted and enrolled in the program.

During your faculty interview and during on-boarding to the program (if accepted) you will have the opportunity to discuss and receive advising on both your supervisor and your research topic.

Your final research area(s) will be determined in close consultation with and approval by your supervisor, this generally occurs during the coursework stage of your program.

Admissions for the Ph.D. program consists of:

Initial Application Submission

• All required materials must be submitted to the Office of Admissions by the appropriate deadline (see “Admissions” tab above for more information).

Entrance Exam and Interview

• Students who are believed to have a reasonable possibility of acceptance are invited to participate in entrance exams and faculty interviews.
• Exams and interviews are held remotely via Zoom (travel to campus not required) on the third friday of each month.
• For more information on Entrance Exams, click here .

The Ph.D. program is structured for 48 months (4 years). Students who take longer than four years will be assessed an additional $2,000 fee for each semester of extension beyond the four-year limit.

During the PhD student stage (coursework stage), students will complete eight seminars, usually five seminars in their major and three seminars that may be completed in any area.

Some concentrations, such as biblical studies, historical and theological studies, and philosophy and theological studies , will require four seminars in each of two separate areas. All students will take the four general education courses, four colloquia, and four installments of Prospectus Development.

In addition, students must demonstrate proficiency in two research languages (for School of Theology concentrations) or research methodology courses (for Billy Graham School concentrations).

All students must complete 2 research languages related to their dissertation research during the coursework stage of the PhD program. There are 3 options for completing these languages:

• Complete an online, video-based research language course offered by Southern Seminary (currently, Theological French and Theological Latin are offered).
• Self-study and complete a proficiency exam administered by the Research Doctoral Studies office during the semester.
• Complete a doctoral-level language course at another institution and have the transcript sent to SBTS after completion.

Admissions Prerequisites

To be considered for admission in our Ph.D. program we require the following for applications:

• For the PhD concentrations in Christian Apologetics, Christian Philosophy, Christian Ethics, Ethics and Public Theology, and Philosophy and Theological Studies, the 72 hours may consist of an M.A. or equivalent in the field (60 hours minimum in specific disciplines), with the addition of 12 credit hours in biblical languages
• For the PhD concentrations in Christian Worship, Biblical Counseling and Practical Theology, Leadership, Missions, Evangelism, and World Religions, an M.A. or equivalent in the field (60 hours minimum in specific disciplines) may be acceptable.
• Students requiring additional coursework may attend Southern Seminary as a “Doctoral Leveling Student” online or on-campus.
• International transcripts will require an official evaluation from a NACES approved organization (World Evaluation Services is preferred).

*For more information about our equivalency standards, leveling options, or to request an equivalency review based on your master’s level work, please email  [email protected] .

Application Requirements

• All applicants must receive a reference from the local church where they are a member. Family members may not complete this reference. If you are the pastor of your church, please select another church leader (associate pastor, elder, deacon, etc.) to complete the church recommendation.  Recommendation forms are automatically emailed to references via our online application.
• Two additional academic recommendations. We suggest that a professor or a business acquaintance who can speak to academic performance complete the 2 additional recommendations required for doctoral students.
• Transcription from the educational institution or institutions that conferred  any required degrees  should be submitted to the Admissions Office. Contact the registrar or academic records office of your previous institution(s). They may e-mail the transcripts (directly or via 3rd party such as Parchment) to [email protected] or mail copies to our physical address.  Transcripts must come directly from schools either electronically or in sealed/unopened envelopes.
• A graduate level research paper  in the same field to which the applicant is applying  must be submitted along with the application.  You may upload this research paper directly onto the application.
• $40 application fee –  paid after application submission.

Application Deadlines

All application materials must be received by:

September 1 – Spring matriculation

March 1 – Fall matriculation

Entrance Exams and Interviews

Entrance Exams are exams designed to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their comprehension of the subject area in which they are applying and sometimes in related fields. Students will be notified soon after submitting all application components as to whether they are invited to participate in the entrance exam and interview.

Exams and interviews are held on one Friday each month  and are administered remotely (travel to campus not required). Click here to learn more.

Ready to learn more?

Prospective doctoral students are invited to visit Southern Seminary.

Program Cost

$1,000 down payment, and remaining balance due equally over 48 months.*

*Program tuition shown is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Additional fees are subject to the current fee schedule.

Financial Aid

Southern Seminary does not offer fully-funded scholarships or grants for the PhD program. Limited financial aid may be available for students that meet certain criteria. Click here to view our financial aid page to learn more.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to demonstrate a thorough acquaintance with literature in area of specialization and the ability to engage critically and productively in this area.
• Students will be able to demonstrate conversance with the literature in the general field of study and fields closely related to the areas of specialization.
• Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to use standard research tools and methods in the chosen field of study.
• Students will be able to plan and conduct research in the area of specialization and to communicate its results effectively.
• Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of the professor inside and outside the classroom in institutions of Christian higher education.

Contact Admissions

Phone: (502) 897-4200

Text: (502) 305-3554

Email: [email protected]

Are you ready to become a pastor, counselor, or church leader who is Trusted for Truth?

Request information, preview day, friday, oct. 11.

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Doctoral Degrees at Liberty Theological Seminary

Ascend to the pinnacle of ministry with a doctoral degree from liberty theological seminary.

If you are an experienced ministry professional with a Master of Divinity degree, a Master of Biblical Studies, or a Master of Arts with a thesis, you may want to consider a doctoral degree program from Liberty’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity. At Liberty, we offer a committed faculty of esteemed experts in ministry, apologetics, and theology – allowing you to gain valuable knowledge from ministry scholars whose passion for your success is preceded only by their love for Christ.

At Liberty, our mission is to Train Champions for Christ . In keeping with that mission, our doctoral religion degrees seek to prepare academic scholars and Christian community leaders at the highest level of scholarship. Under the guidance of our seasoned faculty, you can graduate from your doctoral divinity program with the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to shepherd believers and evangelize to the lost.

By partnering with us for your doctoral degree, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a career-enhancing credential that can challenge you to grow in your faith, grasp key theological concepts, and help you take your ministry to the next level.

School of Divinity Doctoral Programs

Doctor of philosophy (phd) in biblical studies.

Our PhD in Biblical Studies is a 57-credit-hour program designed to give you an advanced knowledge of Scripture and the research skills needed to become a scholar in the field. Whether you want to teach at a university, conduct research, or lead a church, this PhD program can help you dive deep into God’s Word and develop a strong biblical basis for carrying out your unique calling.

PhD in Biblical Studies Format

• Residential
• 57 total credit hours

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theological Studies

Our PhD in Theological Studies degree is a 57-credit-hour program that can help you gain an advanced understanding of scholarly theological concepts as you prepare to train up the next generation of church leaders. Our doctoral divinity program may be a great fit for you if you work full time in ministry and have a Master of Divinity or a Master of Arts with a thesis.

PhD in Theological Studies Format

Why Choose Liberty Theological Seminary for Your Doctoral Degree?

We understand that you need a doctoral degree that can help you stand out as a biblical scholar. At Liberty, we invest in you by offering professors with years of ministry experience, world-class facilities, and academics that are firmly rooted in Scripture.

In addition, there are several other benefits that come with pursuing your doctoral divinity studies at Liberty – including marketability. Our PhD programs can help prepare you for a career as a lead pastor, professor, ministry leader, or university administrator.

Here are a few other reasons why you should consider choosing Liberty for your doctoral religion degree:

• Our John W. Rawlings School of Divinity is the world’s largest accredited school for religious studies and ministerial training.
• Our 17-story Freedom Tower contains top-notch facilities – including a 7-projector immersive classroom, an interactive meeting space that utilizes teleconferencing capabilities, and a state-of-the-art homiletics teaching lab.
• Our Freedom Tower’s Scriptorium houses a $1 million collection of rare books and Bibles donated by the Rawlings family.
• You can pursue internship opportunities with churches and parachurches locally, nationally, and globally.

Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Freedom Tower

Liberty Theological Seminary Doctoral Degrees Information

• Transfer in up to 50% of your credits
• These programs fall under the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity
• View our course catalog

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– Sarah Blanke ‘19, B.S. in Fashion Design and Business Entrepreneurship

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Ph.D. Program

• Dissertations & Placements
• FAQ for Applicants

The doctoral program in theology forms theologians to excel in intellectual contributions to the church, the academy, and society. It is confessional in nature, and envisions theology as "faith seeking understanding." It recognizes that creative theological discussion and specialized research today require both serious appropriation of the great philosophical and theological traditions of the past and also ecumenical, interdisciplinary, interreligious, and cross-cultural cooperation.

Program Structure

The five-year program includes the following components. Areas of study define specific academic content:

• 2 years of coursework (12-16 courses), including courses through the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium
• Demonstrated proficiency in research languages  
• First year Proseminar, including mandatory training in responsible conduct of research (RCR) and Title IX responsibilities.
• Area Colloquia
• Training in Pedagogy through BC’s Apprenticeship in College Teaching .
• Teaching Assistant for departmental faculty, four semesters, either years 2-3 or 3-4
• Teaching Fellow in the undergraduate Theology core curriculum, year 5
• Comprehensive exams during one of three exam periods in the student’s third year.
• Dissertation: Proposal due by September 30 of the student’s fourth year.
• Regular professional development seminars on a variety of topics.
• Optional: Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) through the School of Theology and Ministry, Catholic Health Care Track, Certificate in Digital Humanities, Certificate Program of the Center for Human Rights and International Justice.

Goals of the Program

The fundamental goal of graduate education in Theology at Boston College is to offer intellectual leadership to the academy, the church, and society.

The Ph.D. in Theology is intended to equip men and women both for academic vocations and for other ministries such as church and university administration, theological renewal, health care ethics, and other careers for which theological expertise is increasingly seen to be necessary. The courses of study offered towards this degree accordingly aim at nourishing a community of faith, scholarly conversation, research, and teaching that is centered on the appropriation of Christian life and thought, past and present, in ways that contribute to this goal.

The Doctoral Faculty endeavors to provide its Ph.D. students with an education which is integrative rather than narrowly specialized; which is set within the context of the Christian churches in all the richness of their ecumenical and confessional diversity and in their relation to contemporary culture; which is itself ‘confessional’ in nature; and for which theology is done as ‘faith seeking understanding.’ Nevertheless, the confessional background or stance of applicants, whether Christian or not, will not of itself influence any decision as to their admission.

Learning Outcomes

Doctoral students are expected to:

• Acquire a rigorous mastery of the Christian tradition, enabling them to critically probe the foundations of various theological positions.
• Command the tools and techniques of research particular to their field and to organize and integrate their knowledge in such a way as to make an original contribution to the academic study of theology. 
• Engage in ecumenical, interreligious, interdisciplinary, and cross-cultural academic conversation as appropriate to their discipline.
• Acquire the skills and competencies necessary to present papers at appropriate academic conferences and to publish the results of their research in respected peer-reviewed journals.
• Acquire the skills and competencies necessary to succeed not only as an active scholar but as an effective teacher. This is achieved not only through service as Teaching Assistants and Teaching Fellows, but through certification upon completion of the university’s Apprenticeship in College Teaching.

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Theology Department Stokes 310N

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UP theology graduate, 66, upbeat about life as a pastor focusing on trauma counselling

After 36 years in a corporate environment, peet bloem pursued his calling.

Retrenchments at petrochemicals producer Sasol proved to be a life-changing moment for one of its employees, Peet Bloem, who pursued a calling to become a man of the cloth.

Bloem enrolled at the University of Pretoria (UP) to study theology after a 36-year career at Sasol.  “I had the calling to become a minister all my life, but life had other plans,” he said in an interview with the University of Pretoria at his graduation. 

The journey began when Sasol's restructuring in 2019 led to Bloem's early retirement. With a severance package in hand, Bloem seized the chance to pursue his long-held dream.

Starting his studies at 62, Bloem’s experience at UP was marked by a mix of challenges and profound rewards as he was the oldest student in his class. “The admiration I received motivated me, and I realised I am doing the right thing,” he said.  Bloem’s academic focus at UP was practical theology, with a special emphasis on trauma counselling. His MDiv (Master of divinity)  thesis, which delves into the impact of trauma on the human psyche and body, underscores his commitment to addressing emotional and psychological wounds. The focus is deeply personal for Bloem as he aims to offer healing and support to those in need.

The practical aspects of his studies included community engagements. He worked with residents in an informal settlement, where Bloem said he gained a deeper understanding of social issues and the pressing needs in underserved communities. “It was an eye-opener to realise the need people have. We all have a responsibility to help people on the streets to get food and shelter,” he said.

Bloem is poised to begin this new chapter in his life.

His advice to those considering a similar leap is practical and motivational. “Start to plan, and pray that things will work out for you to pursue your passion or calling. You need to realise it will be hard work, and there will be some sacrifices to make. What will make you achieve your goal is how serious you are about getting what you want. That will be the difference between failure and success.” 

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They arrived in cuba with a suitcase and returned to sa as doctors: we followed 5 to see where they are today, celebs who bagged ‘fake’ doctorates from trinity international bible university, california university cancels muslim valedictorian’s speech, citing safety concerns, another honorary doctorate for esther mahlangu, for 'mathematical prowess', uj confirms mp boy mamabolo’s diploma after anc axed him from parliament over qualifications fiasco.

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