How is the modular format PhD different than a traditional format PhD?

The modular format PhD offers students the same academic quality and experience as the traditional format PhD at SBTS. The primary difference is in the delivery method of the classes. Students are able to complete the entire PhD without relocating to Louisville by completing their classes through one-week intensive courses.

What is a typical on-campus experience for a modular student taking classes?

Modular format seminars meet twice per year. A typical on-campus experience for modular students who are taking classes is to take one four-day seminar, then a two-day colloquium, followed by another four-day seminar, all over the course of two weeks.

What is the workload like for modular format PhD seminars?

Workload varies from class to class. Prior to each seminar, students will complete pre-seminar work that typically consists of extensive reading and intensive writing assignments. In addition, students will interact with one another in the months leading up to classes through online discussions.

How much time will modular format PhD students spend in Louisville over the course of their program?

Modular students should expect to come to Louisville 2-3 times per year during the first two years of study as they complete coursework. Students will come to campus to take comprehensive exams after they have completed their coursework. During the dissertation stage, the number of trips to campus will vary depending on a student’s research and supervisory needs. In total, students should expect to come to campus about 8-12 times during their entire PhD program.

What is the breakdown for when modular PhD students are typically on campus?

Semester 1

• Campus Trip #1 - 3 days for the Graduate Research Seminar and Orientation at the start of the fall/spring semester
• Campus Trip #2 - 11 days for classes: Major seminar (Mon-Thur), major colloquium (Thur-Sat), minor seminar (Mon-Thur)

Semester 2

• Campus Trip #3 - 11 days for classes: Major seminar (Mon-Thur), major colloquium (Thur-Sat), minor seminar (Mon-Thur)

Semester 3

• Campus Trip #4 - 11 days for classes: Major seminar (Mon-Thur), major colloquium (Thur-Sat), minor seminar (Mon-Thur)

Semester 4

• Campus Trip #5 - 11 days for classes: Major seminar (Mon-Thur), major colloquium (Thur-Sat), minor seminar (Mon-Thur)

Semester 5

• Campus Trip #6 - 11 days for classes: Major seminar (Mon-Thur), major colloquium (Thur-Sat), minor seminar (Mon-Thur)

Semester 6 and Beyond

• Campus Trip #7 - 6 days for comprehensive exams: Exam 1 (Wed), Exam 2 (Fri), Exam 3 (Mon)
• Campus Trip #8 - 1 day for dissertation oral defense: As scheduled with your supervisor
• Note: Students may need to take additional trips to campus between #7 & #8 for the purpose of research or interaction with their supervisor

Total Time on Campus: 65 days

What is the policy for adding or dropping modular format PhD courses?

Because most modular format courses are fall/spring semester courses regardless of the actual classroom dates, students are bound by the same add/drop class deadlines as any other fall/spring course. The add/drop dates can be found on the Registration Schedule.