Jul 05, 2025

Academic Catalog - Fall 2025

PhD (Apologetics and Culture)

In addition to the stated purpose of the PhD program at SEBTS, the purpose of the PhD in Apologetics and Culture is to prepare persons to teach within an academic setting or work within a church and/or campus ministry seeking to have an effective apologetic voice by understanding and engaging culture with the truth claims of Christ.

Students applying to this program must meet all the requirements of the PhD program as stated in the Seminary Catalogue. In addition, students must have a minimum of 12 hours in philosophy and/or apologetics with a minimum of a grade of ‘B’ in each of the courses. Applicants must participate in a personal interview with an approved area faculty member who is to serve as the student’s major professor.

Foundations Stage - 25 Hours

PHD 9100 - PhD Program Orientation 1 credit hour(s).
PHD 9101 - Introduction to Research and Writing 3 credit hour(s).
GEN 0000 - Sexual Abuse Prevention & Response Training 0 credit hour(s).
CQM 9010 - Integrative Colloquium I 2 credit hour(s).
CQM 9020 - Integrative Colloquium II 2 credit hour(s).
Foundations Stage Seminars: Select four seminars from the PhD specialization’s prescribed seminars. 16 semester hrs.
First Research Language 0 semester hrs.
THM 8600 - Th.M. Portfolio 1 credit hour(s).

Seminars

Below is a list of the prescribed seminars for this PhD specialization.

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

Four seminars (16hrs) will be completed during the Foundations Stage of the PhD program of study and the remaining four seminars (16hrs) during the Advanced Stage.

Seminars may be completed in any order, though IND 9400 is to be taken as one of the last seminars needed (either the 7th or 8th seminar).

PHI 9600 - Problem of Evil 4 credit hour(s).
PHI 9850 - Miracles and the Resurrection 4 credit hour(s).
PHI 9930 - Christian Faith and Science 4 credit hour(s).
THE 9301 - Creation and Creationism 4 credit hour(s).
THE 9550 - Theological Anthropology 4 credit hour(s).
THE 9943 - Church & Cultural Context 4 credit hour(s).
THE 9945 - Seminar in Christianity, Politics, and Public Life 4 credit hour(s).
IND 9400 - Specialized PhD Research 4 credit hour(s).

Advanced Stage - 27 Hours

PHD 9102 - Introduction to Teaching in Higher Education 3 credit hour(s).
Advanced Stage Seminars: Select four seminars from the PhD specialization’s prescribed seminars. 16 semester hrs.
PHD 9501 - Mentor Directed Studies I 3 credit hour(s).
PHD 9502 - Mentor Directed Studies II 3 credit hour(s).
Second Research Language 0 semester hrs.
PHD 9800 - Written & Oral Comprehensive Exams 2 credit hour(s).

Candidate Stage - 8 Hours

PHD 9850 - PHD Prospectus 1 credit hour(s).
PHD 9900 - PHD Dissertation 2 credit hour(s). Students must register for three dissertation blocks for a total of 6 hours.
PHD 9950 - PHD Dissertation Defense 1 credit hour(s).