Dec 03, 2024

Academic Catalog - Spring 2025

PhD (Systematic Theology)

In addition to the stated purpose of the PhD program at SEBTS, the purpose of the PhD in Systematic Theology is to prepare students who (1) desire to teach systematic theology or a related discipline in colleges and seminaries; (2) desire to minister as pastor-theologians in local churches; and (3) desire to use systematic theology in their ministries in global mission contexts.

Admission Requirements: Admission to the PhD in Systematic Theology is limited to applicants who, in the judgment of the faculty, appear best qualified and most capable of using the resources that the seminary provides. Interested students will complete the application for the PhD program and will take entrance exams for the Systematic Theology program.

PhD Introduction - 5 Hours

GEN 0000 - Sexual Abuse Prevention & Response Training 0 semester hr(s).
PHD 9101 - Introduction to Research and Integration 2 semester hr(s).
PHD 9102 - Introduction to Teaching in Higher Education 3 semester hr(s).

PhD Integrative Colloquium - 3 Hours

CQM 9001 - Integrative Colloquium: Biblical Studies 1 semester hr(s).
CQM 9002 - Integrative Colloquium: Theological Studies 1 semester hr(s).
CQM 9003 - Integrative Colloquium: Applied Theological Studies 1 semester hr(s).

PhD Research Seminars - 24 Hours

NOTE: Students must demonstrate proficiency in one research language before beginning their fifth seminar.

Systematic Theology (9)

HTH 9640 - Seminar in Patristic Theology 3 semester hr(s).
HTH 9700 - Seminar in Reformation Theology 3 semester hr(s).
THE 9900 - Seminar on Contemporary Theology 3 semester hr(s).

Systematic Theology Selectives (12)

Note: 9 hours must be from the following seminars; the remaining 3 hrs may be from any Ph.D. seminar:

THE 9500 - Seminar in Theological Foundations 3 semester hr(s).
THE 9550 - Theological Anthropology 3 semester hr(s).
THE 9600 - Seminar in the Doctrine of the Trinity 3 semester hr(s).
THE 9700 - Seminar in Christology 3 semester hr(s).
THE 9750 - Seminar on the Doctrine of the Church 3 semester hr(s).
THE 9800 - Seminar on a Selected Doctrine 3 semester hr(s).
THE/WOR 9510 - The Doctrine of the Christian Life 3 semester hr(s).
THE/WOR 9520 - Doctrine of Worship Seminar 3 semester hr(s).

Specialized Research (3)

IND 9400 - Specialized PhD Research 3 semester hr(s).

PhD Mentor Directed Studies - 6 Hours

PHD 9501 - Mentor Directed Studies I 3 semester hr(s).
PHD 9502 - Mentor Directed Studies II 3 semester hr(s).

PhD Comprehensive Exams - 4 Hours

NOTE: Students must demonstrate proficiency in their second research language before beginning sitting for comprehensive exams.

PHD 9800 - Written & Oral Comprehensive Exams 4 semester hr(s).

PhD Prospectus and Dissertation - 18 Hours

PHD 9850 - PHD Prospectus 1 semester hr(s).
PHD 9900 - PHD Dissertation 4 semester hr(s). Students must register for 16 hours of PhD Dissertation.
PHD 9950 - PHD Dissertation Defense 1 semester hr(s).