Doctor of Philosophy


The Ph.D. is the highest academic research degree. It is intended primarily to equip for teaching and research in theological schools, colleges, and universities, but may also enhance ministerial practice.

It requires 42 credit hours, two research languages, teaching of two courses in higher education, and five examinations (two general subject, a doctoral candidacy, a research language, and a dissertation defense examination).

Ph.D. requirements:

  • bachelor’s degree
  • master of divinity or its equivalent from an accredited institution
  • 16 graduate semester hours of Greek and Hebrew (at least nine in either Greek or Hebrew)
  • one modern research languages (usually German or French)
  • GPA no lower than 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • acceptable GRE score

Fields of study:

  • Majors: Biblical studies (Old Testament & New Testament)
  • Minors: theology & church history

Degree requirements:

  • Research foundations (14 hours)
  • Methodology seminars (24 hours)
  • Teaching adults (2 hours)
  • Dissertation (8 hours)

Seminar & course format:

A one-week seminar is held prior to the beginning of each semester. Courses are taught in an intensive three-day format once each month during the semester.

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