Doctor of Philosophy

Program Snapshot

60	Credit Hours
4	Years to Complete
Online or Modular

View Ph.D. Concentrations

Prepare for more faithful service to the church or the academy.

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.

3 Reasons to Study the Doctor of Philosophy

World-Class Faculty

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.

Proven Excellence

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.

Scholarly Community

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.

Available Concentrations

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 complete their seminars during focused weeks on campus, with the rest of their work done from wherever they live and serve. Students travel to Louisville twice each year, once each fall and spring semester, and complete two seminars during a six-day campus week. Each seminar also includes live online sessions before the campus week. Travel to campus is required only during the coursework stage.

The Church Deserves the Very Best

A Program Built Around Your Ministry

Standards You Can Trust

Training at the forefront of Christian scholarship

Degree Component
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Allison talking with group of students

The PhD in Christian Studies is offered fully online, and all additional concentrations are offered in a modular format that does not require relocating to Louisville.

Winter seminars are typically held during the last week of November and the first week of December. Summer seminars are typically held during the second & third week of May each year.

Students may complete their required concentration seminars in any available format, including residential, modular, or online.

Refer to the academic calendar for current year seminar dates.

See the “Admissions” tab for prerequisite degree requirements.

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

Admissions Prerequisites

To be considered for admission in our Ph.D. program we require the following for applications:

A qualified master’s degree in a discipline relevant to your intended area of study.
- Applicants to the Ph.D. in New Testament must have completed at least 12 hours of Biblical Greek.
- Applicants to the Ph.D. in Old Testament must have completed at least 12 hours of Biblical Hebrew.
- Applicants to the Ph.D. in Biblical Studies must have completed at least 12 hours of Biblical Greek or Biblical Hebrew.
- Applicants to the Ph.D. in Christian Preaching must have completed at least 9 hours of biblical languages and interpretation
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.
International transcripts will require an official evaluation from a NACES approved organization (World Evaluation Services is preferred).

*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

All applicants must receive a reference from the local church where they are a member. Family members may not complete this reference. If you are the pastor of your church, please select another church leader (associate pastor, elder, deacon, etc.) to complete the church recommendation. Recommendation forms are automatically emailed to references via our online application.
Two additional academic recommendations. We suggest that a professor or a business acquaintance who can speak to academic performance complete the 2 additional recommendations required for doctoral students.
Transcription from the educational institution or institutions that conferred any required degrees should be submitted to the Admissions Office. Contact the registrar or academic records office of your previous institution(s). They may e-mail the transcripts (directly or via 3rd party such as Parchment) to admissions@sbts.edu or mail copies to our physical address. Transcripts must come directly from schools either electronically or in sealed/unopened envelopes.
A graduate level research paper in the same field to which the applicant is applying must be submitted along with the application. The paper should be 12-20 pages in length and have been completed in the past 10 years. You may upload this research paper directly onto the application.
$45 application fee – paid after application submission.

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.

Ready to learn more?

Prospective doctoral students are invited to visit Southern Seminary.

Doctoral Visit Opportunities

Program Cost

$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.

Hear from Our Alumni

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.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate a thorough acquaintance with literature in area of specialization and the ability to engage critically and productively in this area.
Students will be able to demonstrate conversance with the literature in the general field of study and fields closely related to the areas of specialization.
Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to use standard research tools and methods in the chosen field of study.
Students will be able to plan and conduct research in the area of specialization and to communicate its results effectively.
Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of the professor inside and outside the classroom in institutions of Christian higher education.

Questions?

Contact Admissions

Phone: (502) 897-4200

Text: (502) 305-3554

Email: admissions@sbts.edu

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