The Ph.D. program offers concentrations in a variety of research areas. Each degree plan is crafted not only to expose students to advanced scholarship in their field but also to equip students to interact with current trends in their area of study.
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.
ADVANCED SCHOLARSHIP
Students have the privilege of studying under and being mentored by world-class professors at the forefront of Christian scholarship. These relationships provide a unique opportunity to engage with the current academic discussions. Coupled with the resources of one of the largest theological libraries in America, this program truly allows for advanced scholarship.
EFFECTIVE TEACHING
In colloquia and area seminars, students not only grow as writers, they also learn to communicate and defend their research. General educational seminars are required for every Ph.D. candidate, preparing them to become lifelong teachers.
MISSIONAL SERVICE
At Southern Seminary, scholarship is done for the glory of God and the advancement of the Great Commission. In addition to preparing graduates for college or seminary teaching, the program also equips students for the pastorate and other church-related ministries.
Residential Concentrations
Modular Concentrations
Ph.D. Student Stage | 54 |
---|---|
Graduate Research Seminar | 2 |
Foundations for Theological Studies | 2 |
Course Development and Design | 2 |
Higher Education | 2 |
8 Seminars | 32 |
4 Colloquia | 4 |
Prospectus Development 1-4 | 4 |
2 Research Languages* | 4 |
Comprehensive Exams | 2 |
Ph.D. Candidate Stage | 16 |
Dissertation Writing & Defense |
16 |
Total Program Requirements | 70 |
*Some concentrations require Research Methodologies (e.g., Empirical Research Methods, Statistics, or Ethnographic Research) in place of Research Languages.
The 1892 Club provides a dedicated space and time to develop relationships and mentoring within our Ph.D. community through a formal program and open times for fellowship.
The Doctoral Common Room is a dedicated space on the third floor of the SBTS Library for our doctoral students to foster community, mentoring, and inter-disciplinary conversations.
Application Deadlines
August 1 for Spring matriculation
January 15 for Fall matriculation
After your completed application clears the Admissions Office, the Admissions Office invites qualified applicants to participate in entrance examinations and a faculty interview. Students come to campus for one day in which they complete the entrance examinations in the morning and then participate in the faculty interview in the afternoon.
Entrance exams are designed to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their comprehension of the subject area in which they are applying. You will find more details, including study guides for each subject area’s exam, on our Entrance Exam page.
Faculty interviews provide our professors the opportunity to interact with students who are applying in their area while allowing students the chance to get to know the faculty. Students should prepare to discuss not only their research interests but also their personal interests.
Entrance Exams & Interview Dates
Second Friday in September for Spring matriculation
First Friday in March for Fall matriculation
Applicants will receive decision letters from the Research Doctoral Studies Office no earlier than one month from completing the Entrance Exams and Interviews. Accepted applicants have 30 days to declare their intent to matriculate.
$1,000 down payment, balance due equally over 48 months.* | |
Total cost for SBC students | $27,670 |
Total cost for non-SBC students | $49,140 |
Students should allow at least four years of study to complete their program. 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.
*Program Tuition shown is for the 2022-23 Academic Year. Additional fees are subject to the current catalog. Please see the current catalog for full listing of current fees.
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