How is the PhD structured?

The PhD involves the completion of the following requirements:

• Two Research Languages
• Eight Area Seminars
• Five Colloquia
• Graduate Research Seminar
• Higher Education
• Teaching Principles and Methods
• Comprehensive Exams
• Dissertation
• Dissertation Defense
• Total PhD Credit Hours = 66 hours

What is the difference between a seminar and a colloquium?

Ph.D. study is pursued in large part through area seminars in the student’s major and minor fields of study. Seminars involve reading, research and writing on a focused topic in a particular area of study. The colloquium serves as a forum for exploration of literature, issues, and developments in the student’s field of study. Though students complete seminars in both their major and minor areas of study, colloquia are only taken in their major field of study.

How can I keep track of deadlines and opportunities for the PhD?

The PhD Calendar is the best resource for students to track deadlines and opportunities in the doctoral program. In addition, the Doctoral Studies Office regularly sends out information emails to students with pertinent details about upcoming events and deadlines.

What is my Committee of Instruction and when do I need to have it in place?

Near the time of matriculation, students should meet with their faculty supervisor to develop a plan of study and secure a Committee of Instruction. The Committee of Instruction is composed of the student’s faculty supervisor and two other professors (usually one in each of the student’s minors) with whom the student expects to take seminars. This committee will normally prepare the student’s comprehensive examinations and may serve as the dissertation committee.

Is it possible for me to study at another school and receive PhD credit for it?

Up to two seminars may be taken at an approved doctoral granting institution other than Southern Seminary with the approval of the faculty supervisor and the Associate Vice President for Doctoral Studies. A limited amount of grant money is available for external study. To apply for the external study grant, students must submit the External Study Grant Application.

Is it possible to take a semester off from my studies?

In very limited cases of hardship, students may be granted interrupted status in order to take a semester off from their studies. Students must submit the Interruption of Study Request form in order to petition for interrupted status. After students complete their interrupted status, they may resume taking classes without penalty.

Is it possible to do an independent study for PhD credit?

The faculty of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary prefers that students take courses required for matriculation as they are offered according to normal scheduling. However, in circumstances where a course is required for graduation and will not be offered prior to the student’s graduation date, or, a conflict in registration schedule potentially jeopardizes the student’s graduation, the faculty is willing to entertain a proposal for that course to be offered through an independent study model. To request an independent study, PhD students must submit the Contract for Independent Study

How can I know what courses will be offered in the future?

The Doctoral Studies Office attempts to maintain a record of projected courses for future semesters. A list of projected seminars can be found on the Doctoral Studies Office webpage.