| 70 | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Years to Complete | |
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Modular Learn more
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The Ph.D. in Biblical Studies is designed to equip graduates in both areas of scholarship. Students will be supervised by faculty in either Old Testament or New Testament based on their research interests.
Modular format – relocation to Louisville not required.
Students will complete this program with trips to campus twice each year for doctoral seminars. Each seminar session will last two weeks. Travel to campus only required during the Ph.D. coursework stage.
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 81020 | Graduate Research Seminar | 2 |
| 81260 | Foundations for Theological Studies | 2 |
| 81270 | Course Development and Design | 2 |
| 81300 | Higher Education | 2 |
| 8 Seminars | 32 | |
| 4 Colloquia | 4 | |
| Prospectus Development 1-4 | 4 | |
| 2 Research Languages | 4 | |
| Comprehensive Exams | 2 | |
| Total | 54 | |
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 81910 | Dissertation Writing & Defense | 16 |
| Total | 16 | |
Total Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies: 70
Students will take 8 seminars in Old and New Testament, 4 colloquia, 4 prospectus development courses, and 2 modern research languages. Seminars include:
| 82900 Old Testament Backgrounds | A doctoral level study of Old Testament backgrounds with a focus on the preparation of an academic paper. |
| 82910 The Pentateuch | This course will study the theological, literary, historical, canonical, critical, and hermeneutical concerns of the Pentateuch. Special attention will be given to applying these areas to research pertaining to the Pentateuch. |
| 82920 The Latter Prophets | This course will examine the latter Prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve, in canonical and biblical theological contact. The focus of the course will be on the literary structure of these books of the Bible and the way they engage earlier Scripture and are engaged by later Scripture. |
| 82930 Old Testament Theology | A doctoral level study of Old Testament theology with a focus on the preparation of an academic paper. |
| 83900 New Testament Backgrounds | This seminar will study the rise and development of Second Temple Judaism and its influence on the New Testament. The seminar will broadly study the literature of the Second Temple period with emphasis on the movements, institutions, practices, teaching, and cultural distinctives pertinent to the interpretation of the New Testament. |
| 83910 Gospels and Acts | This seminar will study the New Testament Gospels and Acts with emphasis given to their interpretation as historical, literary, and theological documents. |
| 83920 Epistles and Revelation | This course will focus on the book of Revelation, including Greek grammar, literary analysis, technology, and history of interpretation. |
| 83930 New Testament Theology | The course studies the method and content of New Testament theology. |
Research Interests
Old Testament Interpretation
Research Interests
Galatians
No. The Ph.D. in Biblical Studies is available in a modular format, requiring two trips each academic year to Louisville for doctoral seminars. Students should plan for each campus session to last two weeks.
Winter seminars are typically held during the last week of November and the first week of December. Summer seminars are typically held during the second & third week of May each year.
Refer to the academic calendar for current year seminar dates.
If you do not have an M.Div. but you do have a M.A. or other masters-level divinity credit, you may submit a doctoral equivalency evaluation to the admissions office to find out if you qualify for SBTS PhD programs.*
A minimum master’s level cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale is expected.
For a complete listing of doctoral admissions requirements, see the “Admissions & Cost” tab.
*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, usually five seminars in their major and three seminars that may be completed in any area.
Some concentrations, such as biblical studies, historical and theological studies, and philosophy and theological studies, will require four seminars in each of two separate areas. All students will take the four RDS general education courses, four colloquia, and four installments of Prospectus Development.
In addition, students must demonstrate proficiency in two research languages (for School of Theology concentrations) or research methodology courses (for Billy Graham School concentrations).
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 2025-2026 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.
