| 70 | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Years to Complete | |
|
Online Learn more
|
||
The Ph.D. in Christian Studies consists of seminars in both Practical Theology and Biblical and Theological studies, preparing students to faithfully serve at the highest levels in the church or the academy.
Online format – relocation to Louisville not required.
This Ph.D. concentration allows students to pursue the highest levels of research and writing regardless of where they are located.
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 81020 | Graduate Research Seminar | 2 |
| 81260 | Foundations for Theological Studies | 2 |
| Prospectus Development 1-4 | 4 | |
| Scholarship in Context | 4 | |
| 8 Seminars | 32 | |
| Readings in Christian Studies | 4 | |
| Research Language | 2 | |
| Empirical Research or | 2 | |
| Ethnographic Research | ||
| Comprehensive Exams | 2 | |
| Total | 54 | |
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 81910 | Dissertation Writing & Defense | 16 |
| Total | 16 | |
Total Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Studies: 70
Incoming Ph.D. students are matched with a supervisor from our world-class faculty who shares their research interests. Seminars in this concentration include:
Research Interests
Southern Baptists
No. The Ph.D. in Christian Studies is offered fully online and does not require students to travel to the main campus of Southern Seminary.
Students will gather for synchronous classes via videoconference. Each course will require at least 10 synchronous online meetings through the semester, in addition to significant independent reading and research.
Applicants should have (or be on track to graduate with) a Master of Arts (minimum 60 credit hours) or a Master of Divinity (minimum 72 hours) with at least 12 hours in biblical studies and at least 12 hours in systematic theology and/or church history.
If you do not have one of these degrees but you have completed theological coursework at the master’s level, 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.
For a complete listing of doctoral admissions requirements, see the “Admissions & Cost” tab.
*International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES approved organization for both admissions consdiration and for equivalency requests.
As a multidisciplinary program, students may pursue a variety of topics in their dissertation.*
Students will work alongside the Research Doctoral Office and their eventual supervisor to determine a final topic.
*Students who enter the PhD in Christian Studies holding a Master of Arts degree will be limited to writing in areas of practical theology.
Virtual meetings for seminars will take place during the traditional semester schedule (and not during modular seminar weeks in May and December).
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 in year 2 of 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
Entrance Exam and Interview
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 RDS general education courses and four installments of Prospectus Development.
Admissions Prerequisites
To be considered for admission in our Ph.D. program we require the following for applications:
*For more information about our equivalency standards, leveling options, or to request an equivalency review based on your master’s level work, please email admissions@sbts.edu.
Application Requirements
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.
Prospective doctoral students are invited to visit Southern Seminary.
Doctoral Visit Opportunities$1,000 down payment, and remaining balance due equally over 48 months.*
| Total Cost | Monthly Payment | |
| Total cost for SBC students | $27,670 | $555.62 |
| Total cost for non-SBC students | $39,140 | $794.58 |
*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.
