Jul 05, 2025

Academic Catalog - Fall 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.

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).

Public Theology Seminars

ETH 9750 - Seminar in Contemporary Moral Theology 4 credit hour(s).
ETH 9800 - Seminar on the History of Moral Theology 4 credit hour(s).
ETH 9900 - Seminar on Selected Topics in Christian Ethics 4 credit hour(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 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).

Electives

Select any two 9000-level ETH seminars. Students may also select IND 9400 - Specialized PhD Research as one of the seminars.

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).