Nov 23, 2024

Academic Catalog - Spring 2025

PhD (Theological Studies) with a Concentration in Public Theology

In addition to the stated purpose of the PhD program at SEBTS, the purpose of the PhD in Theological Studies with a Concentration in Public Theology is to prepare students who desire (1) to teach in the field of Theological Studies, and its related disciplines, in colleges and seminaries; (2) to minister as pastor-theologians in local churches; (3) to give gospel witness in the public square, specifically the political arena; (4) to use public theology in their ministries in local and global contexts; and (5) to contribute meaningful scholarship to the ongoing debates in public theology within the academy.

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.

Public Theology Seminars (18)

ETH 9750 - Seminar in Contemporary Moral Theology 3 semester hr(s).
ETH 9800 - Seminar on the History of Moral Theology 3 semester hr(s).
ETH 9900 - Seminar on Selected Topics in Christian Ethics 3 semester hr(s). Topic is Contemporary Issues in Ethics and Public Policy (held in conjunction with the ERLC).
ETH/THE 9944 - Seminar on the History of Political Thought 3 semester hr(s).
THE 9943 - Church & Cultural Context 3 semester hr(s).
THE 9945 - Seminar in Christianity, Politics, and Public Life 3 semester hr(s).

Electives (6)

Students must select any TWO elective seminars (i.e., out of concentration) from offered PhD-level seminars. Examples would include:

ETH 9900 - Seminar on Selected Topics in Christian Ethics 3 semester hr(s). Topic is Public Theology (held in conjunction with the ERLC).
ETH 9902 - Seminar in Law and Gospel 3 semester hr(s).
ETH 9904 - Seminar in Political Theology 3 semester hr(s).
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).