Serve the church as a Great Commission scholar.
The Ph.D. in Christian Missions and Evangelism prepares students to take the gospel to the nations. This degree focuses on the theological, historical, and methodological aspects of Christian missions.
Program Snapshot
| 60 | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Years to Complete | |
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Modular Learn more
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Study Without Relocating
In the modular format, students travel to Louisville twice each year, once each fall and spring semester, and typically complete two seminars during a six-day week on campus. Each seminar also includes live online sessions before the on-campus meeting. In addition to our modular seminars, we offer online seminars for students in Christian Studies and residential seminars for students in Louisville.
Advance your education. Grow in your love for God.
| 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 Missions and Evangelism: 60
Note: Research Languages may be required at the supervisor’s discretion.
Seminars
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:
| 86105 History of Missions and Evangelism | A study of the missionary expansion of Christianity with particular emphasis on the development of evangelistic methods and missionary strategies in various periods and regions. |
| 86120 Philosophy and Methodology of Missions | A historical and critical analysis of representative philosophies of missions and the methodologies employed. |
| 86145 Biblical and Theological Foundations of Missions and Evangelism | A study of major biblical and theological themes influencing the evangelistic mission of the church. Special emphasis will be given to developing a contemporary theology of missions and evangelism. |
| 86150 Leadership in Missions and Evangelism | This course of study is an introduction to the theory, theology, and practice of leadership as it pertains to Christian missions and evangelism. |
Students can be supervised by the following faculty:
John Klaassen
Professor of Global Studies
J. Keith McKinley
Professor of Christian Missions
George H. Martin
Senior Professor of Christian Missions and World Religions
Frequently Asked Questions
Those who choose not to relocate to Louisville may complete any concentration through modular seminars or the PhD in Christian Studies, which is offered fully online. Both options provide the highest level of education with the benefit of continued service in your current context. For modular students, winter seminars are typically held during the first week of December and summer seminars are typically held during the second week of May each year.
Students who live near campus may take modular or residential seminars and will continue to have access to a robust residential experience that includes regular interaction with faculty and fellow students, the 1892 Club, and academic lectures and events that take place on campus each year.
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.
*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
- All required materials must be submitted to the Office of Admissions by the appropriate deadline (see “Admissions” tab above for more information).
Entrance Essay and Interview
- Students who are believed to have a reasonable possibility of acceptance are invited to participate in entrance essays and faculty interviews.
- Essays and interviews are held on various Fridays throughout the year and are administered remotely via Zoom (travel to campus not required).
- For more information on Entrance Essays, click here.
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
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 OpportunitiesProgram 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.
Engage with our Faculty
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.
