Jul 05, 2025

Academic Catalog - Fall 2025

PhD (Applied Theology) with International Missiology Concentration

Applied Theology is designed for pastor-theologians, teachers, and missionaries who are going to serve in various leadership contexts across the globe. It offers expertise in theological praxis, missiology, preaching, and leadership. The concentration the students chooses generally coincides with the focus of his or her dissertation.

The International Missiology track is designed for IMB personnel who are currently serving overseas and others who serve in a similar capacity and want to more effectively proclaim the Gospel around the world.

Program Summary

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).

MIS 9630 - Models for International Church Planting 4 credit hour(s).
MIS 9800 - Seminar in the History of Missions 4 credit hour(s).
MIS 9920 - Mission Strategy: Theory and Practice 4 credit hour(s).
MIS 9950 - Missiological Foundations 4 credit hour(s).
THE 9750 - Seminar on the Doctrine of the Church 4 credit hour(s).
THE 9930 - Anthropology and the Social Sciences 4 credit hour(s).
THE 9950 - Soteriology & World Religions 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).