PhD in Theological Studies
Description
Trinity Academic
Doctoral Office
847.317.4185
(F) 847.317.8128
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THS Program Fellow.
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For application-related questions, contact:
TEDS Admissions
The Doctor of Philosophy (Theological Studies) Program is an advanced graduate degree primarily intended to prepare students for academic teaching and research in the fields of Church History/Historical Theology, New Testament Exegesis and Theology, Old Testament Exegesis and Theology, and Systematic Theology. Students choose one of these fields as a major concentration in which they will take comprehensive examinations and write a dissertation. Students should also be theologically informed and, in particular, be able to relate their work to the field of Systematic Theology. This special emphasis is placed on Systematic Theology because of its central role in the development of doctrine and practice in the life of the church and because of its widespread neglect in theological education today.
 Dr. Willem VanGemeren, Program Director |
Program Design
The PhD (Theological Studies) Program is designed on a three-year, full-time model, consisting of at least two years of residence course work followed by a minimum of one year of dissertation research and preparation. Completion of the program in three years assumes strong biblical and modern language skills and no entrance deficiencies. Proficiency in the biblical languages and in German or French must be demonstrated prior to matriculation. Residence course work includes the completion of at least 28 hours in seminar courses, 16 hours in advanced electives, 4 hours in education and research methods, and 6 hours in dissertation proposal and comprehensive examination preparation. A minimum of 6 additional hours of dissertation research follows the residence course work. In instances where a student's educational background has been limited to one theological tradition, the student may be advised or required to add a minimum of one term of residence work at another graduate school. Such residence work may also be required by the scope of proposed dissertation research.
Some students will take longer than two years to complete the course work, depending on their level of academic preparation, their aptitude, and the time they are able to devote to the demands of the program. A normal student course load for the program is 13 to 15 hours per semester. Full-time status in the program is defined as at least 9 hours per semester. In no case may a student exceed a course load of 16 hours of doctoral work per semester. Part-time students can be accommodated, although preference is given to full-time applicants. Prospective students must indicate their intent to be full or part time at the time of application. For additional information on the design of the program and its requirements, see the THS Handbook for Participants.