Doctoral Studies
Rooted in the desire to see God’s fame increase as equipped ministers take the gospel to the nations, we devote ourselves to training men and women who will serve faithfully in the church, on the mission field, and in the academy.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
70 Hours · 3-4 Years
The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy program is to equip students in a confessional context for academic excellence and to prepare them to teach and research in their fields of study for the glory of God and the good of his church.
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
60 Hours · 2.5 years
The purpose of the Doctor of Education program is to equip students in a confessional context for academic excellence and to prepare them to teach and research in the fields of education and leadership for the glory of God and the growth of his church.
Doctor of Missiology (D.Miss.)
64 Hours · 3 Years
The purpose of the Doctor of Missiology program is to equip students in a confessional context for academic excellence and to prepare them to teach and research in the field of missiology for the glory of God and the mission of his church around the world.
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
32 Hours · 3 Years
The Doctor of Ministry degree equips ministry leaders with the skills necessary to achieve excellence in their vocational and personal lives. Fully online options are now available.
Doctor of Educational Ministry (D.Ed.Min.)
46 Hours · 3 Years
The Doctor of Educational Ministry equips persons committed to Christian leadership for excellence in the practice of education, discipleship, leadership, church revitalization, missions, and counseling. Fully online options are now available.
Master of Theology (Th.M.)
25 Hours · 1.5 Years
The purpose of the Master of Theology program is to equip students in a confessional context for greater mastery of a particular theological discipline.
In 1859, the vision of an institution that would be committed to the Scriptures and to the training of more effective ministers of the gospel was launched. In 1892, the seminary initiated its doctoral programs with the same commitments. For over 120 years, we have been devoting ourselves to training men and women who will serve faithfully in the church, on the mission field, and in the academy.
“As a doctoral student, I knew that I had entered into a tradition and that behind me stood a long line of Christian scholars. Now, I am unspeakably encouraged to know that I am followed by a line of deeply committed, highly convictional, and academically gifted pastors and scholars.”
— R. Albert Mohler Jr.
Our Core Values
Academic Excellence
We seek to provide the highest level of scholarship and academic training possible in service to the church and the advancement of the Great Commission.
Relationally Driven
Scholarship is best produced in community. At Southern, professors and students eagerly seek to learn from one another and spur each other on in the faith.
Personal Development
It is the desire of the faculty to see each student grow intellectually, skillfully, and spiritually during their academic endeavor.
Influential Publication
Southern Seminary professors are at the forefront of evangelical scholarship and part of doctoral studies at Southern involves learning to contribute to scholarly discussion through publication.
Global Focus
Theological education is a global endeavor. Southern expects that its professors and graduates will seek to make disciples of every tribe and tongue through cross-cultural teaching and missionary endeavors.
Visit Campus
Visiting Southern will give you an opportunity to explore our beautiful campus and get all of your questions answered. Schedule an individual visit or visit with a group.
Attend Preview Day
Southern Seminary hosts a Preview Day each spring and fall. During this event, doctoral students additionally meet with a panel of doctoral studies faculty.
Request Information
If you would like to receive more information about any of our programs at Southern, please feel free to reach out to the admissions office!