Doctor of Philosophy (Theological Studies) (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 36 Credit Hours

The PhD at Grace allows highly qualified students the opportunity to develop theological thinking in conjunction with either the field of the Old Testament or New Testament orientation. The program includes coursework in theological studies, OT & NT biblical theology and historical theology. After completion of the coursework (30 credit hours), a series of comprehensive exams is administered. The dissertation phase (6 credit hours) includes a year of research and writing under the guidance of a supervisor and two readers, culminating with an oral defense of the dissertation.

PhD Program Learning Outcomes

1. Conduct original scholarly research that contributes to the specific field of theological study.
2. Assess historical and contemporary theological issues biblically.
3. Validate theological issues with the Free Grace perspective.
4. Communicate theological truth effectively.

The Doctor of Philosophy program is designed with the following goals:

Educational Goals

The program aims to equip students to:

• Develop and cultivate critical thinking and reflection skills;
• Gain comprehensive knowledge & mastery in their specific area of study;
• Analyze key issues and scholarly views within their academic discipline;
• Conduct reliable independent research utilizing both primary and secondary sources; and
• Make meaningful contributions to biblical and theological scholarship.

Spiritual Goal

The program also seeks to enable students to manifest traits of personal growth, as they develop integrity, strong character, and spiritual maturity.

Ministry Goals

The program aims to prepare students to:

• Clearly and effectively communicate through both writing and teaching; and
• Exhibit ability and readiness necessary for Christian ministry.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants for the PhD program must have completed the Master of Theology (ThM) from a Regional or ATS-accredited school, with a minimum 3.6 GPA, prior to enrollment.
• Biblical Language Proficiency (3 years of Greek and 2 years of Hebrew) – Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of grammar and reading proficiency at an advanced MDiv level in both Biblical Hebrew and New Testament Greek.
• Recommendations (Personal, Pastor & Seminary Professor)
• Logos Competency

Applicants who have an MDiv degree but do not have a ThM may complete Grace’s ThM program before entering the PhD program. Applicants for the ThM program must have completed the Master of Divinity (a minimum of 90 credit hours, including one year each of biblical Greek and Hebrew). Those who have not completed the biblical language requirement may still enroll but must complete the first-year language requirements before proceeding to subsequent years of language study. The language requirement may be accomplished concurrently while enrolled in the ThM program. Students may not take ThM and PhD courses concurrently.

PhD Program Overview

PhD Course Progression (Sample)

Full-Time Student

PhD Summary of Requirements