| 60 | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Years to Complete | |
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Modular Learn more
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The Ph.D. in Christian Apologetics trains students to defend the Christian faith by grounding it in a biblical worldview. This degree integrates worldview analysis with study in apologetics so that students can engage contemporary philosophical issues.
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.
| 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 in Christian Apologetics: 60
Note: Research Languages may be required at the supervisor’s discretion.
Seminars provide students the opportunity to engage in focused study on key subjects in their academic discipline. The following list is a sampling of core seminars in this area:
| 85290 Christian Apologetics | A study of foundational issues in Christian apologetics such as the discipline’s methods, history and biblical antecedents. |
| 85230 Epistemology | A critical study of such topics as the nature of truth, the respective roles of reason and experience in acquiring knowledge, rationalism versus empiricism, revelation, and warrant. |
| 85370 Metaphysics | A critical survey of key philosophical positions and disputes concerning the nature of reality. |
| 84970 Aesthetic Theology | Aesthetics as a basis for theological formulations will be investigated. Classical aesthetic and theological systems from Aristotle to Beardsley, from Aquinas to von Balthasar will be explored. |
| 85240 Moral Theory & Natural Law | A study of moral theories within the Christian tradition and non-Christian moral systems, studying the nature of morality and the biblical and theological foundations of moral theory. |
| 85350 History of Western Philosophy | The study is designed so the seminar participant may develop an advanced understanding of western philosophy and its impact on Christian theology and mission. |
| 85780 Marriage and Human Sexuality | This seminar is an examination of selected issues in marital and sexual ethics. Special attention will be paid to issues of the kingdom of God, covenant, divorce, infidelity, and contemporary issues within sexual and marital ethics. |
| 85740 Social Ethics in Biblical Perspective | A systematic and comparative analysis of the essential ingredients in an ethical method adequate for particular cases. Each participant will choose a particular ethical issue, compare ethical arguments concerning the issue, and seek to develop his or her own argument. |
| 85810 Public Theology | A study of selected issues in public theology, analyzing the biblical, doctrinal, historical, and practical aspects of applying Christian theology and ethics in the public square. |
Research Interests
Apologetics, Patristics, Family Ministry
No. The Ph.D. in Christian Apologetics is available in a modular format, requiring two trips each academic year to Louisville for doctoral seminars. Students should plan for each campus session to last from Monday to Saturday.
Winter seminars are typically held during the first week of December. Summer seminars are typically held during the second 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.
*International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES approved organization for both admissions consideration and for equivalency requests.
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.
Admissions for the Ph.D. program consists of:
Initial Application Submission
Entrance Essay and Interview
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 RDS general education courses, four colloquia, and four installments of Prospectus Development.
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.
When you choose a seminary, you choose a faculty.
Learn how the professors at Southern Seminary can equip you for a Lifetime of Faithfulness through one of our upcoming virtual Q&As or doctoral events.
