Divinity (Doctoral)

Degree
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) 
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
     Theology of the Church  
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Starting Spring 2024, Beeson Divinity School will offer the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in theology of the church.

Beeson Divinity School ceased admitting students to the doctor of ministry (D.Min.) degree program, effective July 1, 2020. The school is following a teach-out plan for students who were admitted to the program prior to July 1, 2020.

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Ph.D. in Theology for the Church

Program Description

The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in theology for the church is a research doctoral program that equips its graduates for theologically robust ministry in and for the church of Jesus Christ. The program’s focus is not restricted to ecclesiology, rather it attends to theology broadly understood as rigorous scholarship in service to the church. The program requires completion of a common set of courses in Biblical Theology, Historical Theology, and Practical Theology, successful passage of comprehensive exams, and dissertation research and writing. Students will work closely with a faculty member, who will act as a resource and guide for students’ research and supervise them in their dissertation work.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the program is competitive. Applicants for admission must possess a strong record of achievement in previous graduate theological studies and evidence capacity for success in doctoral-level studies. They must demonstrate solid commitment to the Christian faith, Christian character and maturity, orthodox and confessional doctrinal convictions, and a desire to serve the church of Jesus Christ. To this end, they must be able to articulate coherently their research interests and vocational objectives.

Consideration for admission will be given to applicants who hold a graduate theological degree from an accredited school, with a GPA of 3.50 or above.

Application Deadline

• Applications for the Ph.D. program are received between April 15 and August 15

Application Requirements

• Application requirements include:
• Official transcripts from all schools attended since high school
• Ministry résumé or curriculum vitae
• Four (4) letters of recommendation: two (2) from academic references, and one (1) pastoral/church reference
• An academic writing sample (3,000-5,000 words)
• Personal interview
• Two essays
  • Statement of research interest (1,000-1,500 words)-Identify the area of your research and give a brief account of your specific focus; situate it against the current questions surrounding it and identify your primary research interlocutors. Explain why this line of inquiry is important for the life and mission of the church. The admissions committee recognizes students will circle around various dissertation ideas when discerning their research topic. This statement seeks an understanding of the student’s general field of interest (e.g., Patristics or Pauline Epistles), aiding the committee in its assignment of faculty supervisors. Also, this statement should demonstrate the applicant’s awareness of the field they wish to engage in at the dissertation level.
  • Statement of motivation and purpose for the degree (1,000-1,500 words)-This essay provides the admissions committee with an understanding of the student’s motivation for postgraduate study: “why” and “for what purpose.” It is important for the student to craft this essay in conversation with the program overview.
• Reading competency in Greek or Hebrew is required for matriculation. Depending on the area of determined research, competency in Latin, French, and/or German may be required. For example, if studying Augustine, Latin would be requisite, along with French as a modern research language. For those in biblical studies/theology, competency in German will be necessary. These decisions will be made in consultation with the supervisor and director. Any such competency must be demonstrated before sitting for comprehensive exams.

Transfer Credit

Students may petition to transfer up to six (6) graduate credits for the Ph.D. program.

Time-to-Degree Completion Plan

The program is estimated to be completed in four years.

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