Jul 05, 2025

Academic Catalog - Fall 2025

PhD (Philosophy of Religion)

A focused study on issues of philosophy of mind, metaphysics, religious epistemology, faith and reason, coherence of theism, and other legitimate issues as presented through the ongoing discussion regarding the intersection of philosophy and religion.

Admission to the Philosophy of Religion program is selective and is offered only to students who have demonstrated the intellectual ability, preparation, and motivation to perform academically at the highest level. Enrollment in the program 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.

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 9550 - Philosophical Theology 4 credit hour(s).
PHI 9600 - Problem of Evil 4 credit hour(s).
PHI 9910 - Philosophy of Mind 4 credit hour(s).
PHI 9930 - Christian Faith and Science 4 credit hour(s).
PHI 9940 - Coherence of Theism 4 credit hour(s).
PHI 9950 - Epistemology 4 credit hour(s).
PHI 9960 - Metaphysics 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).