Jul 05, 2025

Academic Catalog - Fall 2025

PhD (Pastoral Theology)

The PhD in Pastoral Theology track is for pastor theologians who desire to advance the understanding and practice of theology from a shepherding perspective. This track integrates four sub-disciplines (theology, preaching, counseling, and leadership) in order to prepare students to be pastors who are scholars and scholars who are pastoral in their academic pursuits.

This program is offered in a Residential and/or Modified Residency Format. The concentration with modified residency will progress on a two-year schedule of coursework, followed by the comprehensive exam and the writing of a successful dissertation. All seminar and degree requirements for the students in the concentration with modified residency are identical to the standard residency requirements. Students enter the program as a community of scholars and will normally remain together through a series of seminars that meet twice annually at various times throughout the year. This format allows students to remain in their current position while engaging in PhD studies.

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).

Pastoral Theology

PMN 9625 - Care and Counseling for Pastoral Theology 4 credit hour(s).
PMN 9650 - Theology of Preaching 4 credit hour(s). OR PRS 9650 - The Theology of Preaching 4 semester hr(s).
PMN 9700 - Foundations and Current Trends in Pastoral Theology 4 credit hour(s).
PMN 9710 - Historical Readings for Pastoral Theology 4 credit hour(s).
THE 9750 - Seminar on the Doctrine of the Church 4 credit hour(s).

Selectives

Select two 9000-level doctoral seminars (must be approved by Major Professor and Office of Ph.D. Studies).

Specialized Research

IND 9400 - Specialized PhD Research 4 credit hour(s).
(IND9400 can be substituted with a qualifying doctoral seminar elective approved by Major Professor and the Office of Ph.D. Studies)

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).