| 60 | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Years to Complete | |
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Modular Learn more
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The Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling trains pastors, counselors, and scholars to think and practice wisely in caring for people amid the complexities of human life. This degree provides advanced scholarship in the theological, historical, and contemporary aspects of biblical counseling.
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.
| 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 Biblical Counseling and Practical Theology: 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:
| 87760 Theological Hermeneutics in the Care of People | This seminar is an exploration the role of hermeneutics in applied theology and counseling. Seminar participants will apply a theologically developed hermeneutic to the exegesis of specific passages of Scripture and to the interpretation of specific counseling situations, demonstrating how the gospel of Jesus Christ is the central interpretive concern of both. |
| 87725 Applied Theology and Typical Problems | This seminar will explore how Scripture (utilizing exegesis of specific passages as well as biblical and systematic theology) relates to typical problems often found in counseling situations. The seminar will consider how the major theological loci relate to the care of people in general as well as how specific issues can be addressed with biblical theological themes. This ability to move in both directions—from Scripture to life and from life to Scripture—is a vital skill for the wise practitioner. |
| 87780 Dynamics of Counseling | This seminar focuses on dynamics of the counseling relationship, including means for understanding, drawing out, and relating constructively to those we serve in counseling. We consider the experience of both the giver and receiver of counseling within a biblical and theological framework. The overall intent of the course is to raise the self-awareness, wisdom, and skillfulness of students as they prepare for vocational ministry. |
| 97015 Marriage and Family Counseling | This seminar is an in-depth analysis of the fundamental principles of biblical counseling and of the application of these principles in the context of marital and parental relationships. Student will apply principles from biblical counseling through the development of case studies. |
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.
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.
