Norton Hall

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.

Apply Now      Request Info

Schedule a Doctoral Campus Visit

Degree Programs

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

71 Hours · 3-4 Years

Doctor of Philosophy students are trained to advance Christian scholarship for effective kingdom ministry in a confessional environment of academic excellence.

Learn More

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

60 Hours · 2.5 years

The purpose of the Doctor of Education program is to equip men and women to serve as leaders in educational institutions and in the educational ministries of the church.

Learn More

Doctor of Missiology

64 Hours · 3 Years

The Doctor of Missiology program is designed to provide advanced formal education, guided reading in pertinent missiological literature, field experience, and mentoring to missionaries, teachers, and administrators.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Master of Theology (Th.M.)

24-26 Hours · 1.5 Years

The program acquaints students with the resources and research methods of a major area of study and offers focused time for further reflection in preparation for ministry.

Learn More

Doctoral History

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

These are the principles that guide doctoral studies at Southern Seminary.

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.