Doctor of Philosophy
Theological Studies
50 hours
On Campus
The PhD (Theological Studies) at TEDS offers an exciting, academically robust program that prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities. Alumni from the PhD (Theological Studies) program have gone on to a diverse set of vocations that include academic teaching and writing and various forms of church, parachurch, nonprofit, and denominational leadership. Graduates from this program have also made significant contributions to original research in their respective fields.
Program design
Language Proficiency
Proficiency in Greek and Hebrew, as well as in two research languages—German and French (or other language, if approved)—must be demonstrated prior to or during the first two years of study. (This often requires attendance at courses/exam sessions prior to the actual matriculation date.)
Why TEDS?
Trinity has been entrusted with the gospel since 1897, and every day we are called to live with purpose. Our purpose as a divinity school is to know the gospel, live the gospel and make the gospel known. In today’s ever-changing culture, Trinity immerses students in a community of biblical orthodoxy and practical living. Trinity faculty is historically among the most widely published in evangelical academia and has deeply influenced the leaders shaping the present and future of evangelical Christianity across the globe.
About this Program
Hear from Dr. Dana Harris share her experience as a graduate and now professor in the PhD in Theological Studies program.
Specializations
Complete original work in one of these four specializations: Church History/Historical Theology, New Testament, Old Testament, or Systematic Theology. Prospective students choose his or her specialization at the time of application, along with a faculty mentor who will begin working with the student to design progressively specific studies each semester to make substantive progress on the dissertation proposal by the end of coursework.
Church History
The Church History specialization at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School covers a wide range of topics, including the development of Christian theology, institutions, and practices from the early church to the present day.
New Testament
New Testament studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the New Testament in its historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts. Through these tools, students are expected to make original and significant contributions to the area of New Testament scholarship. Such contributions should in turn make an impact on the wider theological and ecclesiological contexts.
Old Testament
The study of the Old Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School focuses on the exegesis and interpretation of the Old Testament in its original context, with a focus on its significance as the Word of God for the church. Students are equipped for a lifetime of effective independent study and teaching. The program covers Hebrew language and exegesis, theology, historical and cultural backgrounds, cognate languages, literary analysis and critical methods, linguistics, and textual criticism.
Systematic Theology
Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School focuses on the content and methods of formulating theological truths in a self-consistent whole. Special attention is paid to the use of Scripture in theology, dialogue with historic and global theological traditions, a theological engagement with issues relating to ethics, and specializing within your specific research area from a robustly critical-evangelical perspective. This specialization is suitable both for pastor-theologians returning to local church work and theologian-pastors who wish to see their work in the academy as accountable to the church.
Financial Aid
Did you know that nearly 95 percent of our students receive some form of financial aid? At Trinity we offer scholarships, grants, rebates, and other aid options to help pay for the cost of schooling. Learn more about what is available below or by contacting the Financial Aid Office at [email protected].
Prerequisites
- Have earned a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
- Have documented evidence of competency in biblical Greek and Hebrew.
- Present evidence of potential for original academic research at the doctoral level by submitting an exemplary research paper or thesis.
- Apply to work with a particular faculty member who must be able and willing to work with the student.
- Have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in previous graduate studies.
- Submit a test score from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test.
- Provide recommendations from three professors of recent graduate study and one pastor or church official.
Curriculum
REQUIRED COURSES
- ST 9110: The Theological Scholar – 2 hrs.
- ST 9120: Reading Scripture Theologically Past and Present – 3hrs.
- ID 9200: Integration Seminar – 3hrs.
- ID 8210: Theological Research Methods 1a (OT/NT) – 1hr.
-OR- - ID 8215: Theological Research Methods 1b (HT/ST) – 1hr.
- ID 8210: Theological Research Methods 1a (OT/NT) – 1hr.
- ID 8220: Theological Research Methods 2 – 1hr.
- ID 9110: Proposal Study 1 (Independent) – 3hrs.
- ID 9120: Proposal Study 2 (Independent) – 3hrs.
- ID 9130: Proposal Study 3 (Independent) – 3hrs.
- ID 9140: Proposal Study 4 (Independent) – 3hrs.
Electives
- Concentration – 12 hrs.
- Elective – 3hrs.
- EDS (ES) – 2hrs.
- ICS (ME) – 2hrs.
Research
- Comprehensive Exams Prep – 3hrs.
- Dissertation – 6hrs.
TOTAL: 50hrs.
International Applicants
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Theological Studies Faculty
Church History Concentration
New Testament Concentration
Old Testament Concentration
Systematic Theology Concentration
