Jul 05, 2025

Academic Catalog - Fall 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.

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).

Systematic Theology

HTH 9640 - Seminar in Patristic Theology 4 credit hour(s).
HTH 9700 - Seminar in Reformation Theology 4 credit hour(s).
THE 9900 - Seminar on Contemporary Theology 4 credit hour(s).

Systematic Theology Selectives

Select three of the following seminars:

THE 9500 - Seminar in Theological Foundations 4 credit hour(s).
THE 9550 - Theological Anthropology 4 credit hour(s).
THE 9600 - Seminar in the Doctrine of the Trinity 4 credit hour(s).
THE 9700 - Seminar in Christology 4 credit hour(s).
THE 9750 - Seminar on the Doctrine of the Church 4 credit hour(s).
THE 9800 - Seminar on a Selected Doctrine 4 credit hour(s).
THE/WOR 9510 - The Doctrine of the Christian Life 4 credit hour(s).
THE/WOR 9520 - Doctrine of Worship Seminar 4 credit hour(s).

Specialized Research (3)

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).