| 70 | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Years to Complete | |
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On Campus
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The Ph.D. in Church History and Historical Theology trains students to assess significant people, important events, and theological trends in Christian history. Students to specialize in specific historical areas such as the Patristics, the Reformation, American Christianity or Baptist History.
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 81020 | Graduate Research Seminar | 2 |
| 81260 | Foundations for Theological Studies | 2 |
| 81270 | Course Development and Design | 2 |
| 81300 | Higher Education | 2 |
| 8 Seminars | 32 | |
| 4 Colloquia | 4 | |
| Prospectus Development 1-4 | 4 | |
| 2 Research Languages | 4 | |
| Comprehensive Exams | 2 | |
| Total | 54 | |
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 81910 | Dissertation Writing & Defense | 16 |
| Total | 16 | |
Total Doctor of Philosophy in Church History and Historical Theology: 70
Students take 5 courses in their area of study and 3 “flex” seminars in whichever area they are interested. The following are just a few of the courses available to church history students.
| 84261 American Religious History to 1860 | This seminar will cover issues in the development of religious life in America during the colonial, revolutionary, and early republican periods. |
| 84240 John Calvin and the Reformed Tradition | This seminar will cover the thought of John Calvin in the immediate and larger context of the Reformed tradition. |
| 84170 Life and Worship in the Early Church | A study of the spiritual lives, worship, and liturgical developments in the earliest centuries of the church, examining specific theologians, writings, doctrines, and church practices within the ancient context. |
Research Interests
Southern Baptists
Research Interests
History of Religious Nationalism
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.
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.
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
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, 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).
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.
