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.
One of the most influential components of the Ph.D. process is the mentorship and guidance that comes from faculty. At Southern Seminary, you’ll be supported by a member of our world-class faculty throughout the duration of the program.
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.
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.
Southern Seminary offers one of the largest selections of Ph.D. concentrations among evangelical seminaries today.
Beginning Fall 2027 all concentrations are available through modular format.
*Christian Studies is available online.
Study Without Relocating
In the modular format, students travel to Louisville twice each year, once each fall and spring semester, and typically complete two seminars during a six-day week on campus. Each seminar also includes live online sessions before the on-campus meeting. In addition to our modular seminars, we offer online seminars for students in Christian Studies and residential seminars for students in Louisville.
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 81240 | Foundations for Doctoral Research & Writing | 4 |
| 81245 | Teaching in Higher Education and the Church | 4 |
| 8 Ph.D. Seminars (5 in chosen concentration + 3 flex seminars) |
32 | |
| 4 Semesters of Colloquia | 4 | |
| 81960 | Comprehensive Exams | 4 |
| 81220 | Prospectus Development | 4 |
| 81910 | Dissertation Writing and Defense | 8 |
| Total | 60 | |
Total Doctor of Philosophy: 60
Note: Research Languages may be required at the supervisor’s discretion.
The 60-credit-hour curriculum will be effective in Fall 2027.
Those who choose not to relocate to Louisville may complete any concentration through modular seminars or the PhD in Christian Studies, which is offered fully online. Both options provide the highest level of education with the benefit of continued service in your current context. For modular students, winter seminars are typically held during the first week of December and summer seminars are typically held during the second week of May each year.
Students who live near campus may take modular or residential seminars and will continue to have access to a robust residential experience that includes regular interaction with faculty and fellow students, the 1892 Club, and academic lectures and events that take place on campus each year.
Students must have earned a qualified master’s degree in a discipline relevant to their intended area of doctoral study.
While there is no minimum GPA requirement for admission, an applicant’s GPA in previous academic work will be one of the factors taken into account in the admissions process.
During the application process you will indicate your research interest, but this can be subject to change until you are accepted and enrolled in the program.
During your first year in the program you will have the opportunity to discuss and receive advising on your research topic, as well as the most appropriate supervisor for your area.
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: five seminars in their major and three seminars that may be completed in any area.
All students will take the two general education courses, four colloquia, and four installments of Prospectus Development.
Research Languages may be required at the supervisor’s discretion according to the PhD candidate’s area of research.
Transfer inquiries are handled on a case-by-case basis. We are not able to entertain transfer applications for students who have already completed their coursework at another institution.
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:
October 1st – Spring Matriculation
March 1st – Fall Matriculation
Language Exams
Students applying to the PhD programs in Biblical Studies, Biblical Theology, New Testament, and Old Testament are required to take a language exam.
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 2026-2027 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.
Our alumni share why they chose Southern Seminary’s Doctor of Philosophy, how it shaped their ministry, and why they believe it’s worth it.
