| 70 | Credit Hours | 19 Classes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Years to Complete | |
|
On Campus
or Online |
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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.
Modular format allows students to study without relocating to Louisville.
Students will complete modular programs with trips to campus twice each year for doctoral seminars. Each seminar session will last two weeks. Travel to campus only required during the Ph.D. coursework stage.
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 81020 | Graduate Research Seminar | 2 |
| 81260 | Foundations for Theological Studies | 2 |
| 81270 | Course Development and Design | 2 |
| 81300 | Higher Education | 2 |
| 8 Seminars | 32 | |
| 4 Colloquia | 4 | |
| Prospectus Development 1-4 | 4 | |
| 2 Research Languages | 4 | |
| Comprehensive Exams | 2 |
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 81910 | Dissertation Writing & Defense | 16 |
The PhD in Christian Studies is offered fully online, and any concentration offered in a modular format 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.
Refer to the academic calendar for current year seminar dates.
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, usually five seminars in their major and three seminars that may be completed in any area.
Some concentrations, such as Biblical Studies, Historical and Theological Studies, and Philosophy and Theological Studies, will require four seminars in each of two separate areas. All students will take the four general education courses, four colloquia, and four installments of Prospectus Development.
In addition, students must demonstrate proficiency in two research languages (for School of Theology concentrations) or research methodology courses (for Billy Graham School concentrations).
All students must complete 2 research languages related to their dissertation research during the coursework stage of the PhD program. There are 3 options for completing these languages:
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 Ph.D. in Bibilcal Studies, Biblical Theology, New Testament, and Old Testament will be 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 2025-2026 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.
