Christ's Church deserves the very best scholars. Be equipped to analyze philosophical issues from a Christian Worldview.
This degree addresses the epistemological and metaphysical dimensions of Christian philosophy.
Program Snapshot
| 60 | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Years to Complete | |
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Modular Learn more
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Study without relocating.
In the modular format, students complete their seminars during focused weeks on campus, with the rest of their work done from wherever they live and serve. Students travel to Louisville twice each year, once each fall and spring semester, and complete two seminars during a six-day campus week. Each seminar also includes live online sessions before the campus week. Travel to campus is required only during the coursework stage.
Advance your education. Grow in your love for God.
| Course Number | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 81240 | Foundations for Doctoral Research & Writing | 4 |
| 81245 | Teaching in Higher Education and the Church | 4 |
| 8 Ph.D. Seminars (5 in chosen concentration + 3 flex seminars) |
32 | |
| 4 Semesters of Colloquia | 4 | |
| 81960 | Comprehensive Exams | 4 |
| 81220 | Prospectus Development | 4 |
| 81910 | Dissertation Writing and Defense | 8 |
| Total | 60 | |
Total Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Philosophy: 60
Note: Research Languages may be required at the supervisor’s discretion.
Seminars
Seminars provide students the opportunity to engage in focused study on key subjects in their academic discipline. The following list is a sampling of core seminars in this area:
| 85230 Epistemology | A critical study of such topics as the nature of truth, the respective roles of reason and experience in acquiring knowledge, rationalism versus empiricism, revelation, and warrant. |
| 85370 Metaphysics | A critical survey of key philosophical positions and disputes concerning the nature of reality. |
| 85350 History of Western Philosophy | The study is designed so the seminar participant may develop an advanced understanding of western philosophy and its impact on Christian theology and mission. |
| 85290 Christian Apologetics | A study of foundational issues in Christian apologetics such as the discipline鈥檚 methods, history and biblical antecedents. |
| 84970 Aesthetic Theology | Aesthetics as a basis for theological formulations will be investigated. Classical aesthetic and theological systems from Aristotle to Beardsley, from Aquinas to von Balthasar will be explored. |
| OR | |
| 85240 Moral Theory & Natural Law | A study of moral theories within the Christian tradition and non-Christian moral systems, studying the nature of morality and the biblical and theological foundations of moral theory. |
Students can be supervised by the following faculty:
Bradley G. Green
Professor of Philosophy and Christian Theology
Timothy Paul Jones
C. Edwin Gheens Professor of Christian Family Ministry
Research Interests
Apologetics, Patristics, Family Ministry
Andrew T. Walker
Professor of Christian Ethics and Public Theology; Dean, School of Theology
John D. Wilsey
Professor of Church History
Research Interests
History of Religious NationalismChurch History
Religious Liberty
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Ph.D. in Christian Philosophy is available in a modular format, requiring two trips each academic year to Louisville for doctoral seminars. Students should plan for each campus session to last from Monday to Saturday.
Winter seminars are typically held during the first week of December. Summer seminars are typically held during the second week of May each year.
Refer to the academic calendar for current year seminar dates.
See the 鈥淎dmissions鈥� tab for prerequisite degree requirements.
Students must have earned a qualified master鈥檚 degree in a discipline relevant to their intended area of doctoral study.*
While there is no minimum GPA requirement for admission, an applicant鈥檚 GPA in previous academic work will be one of the factors taken into account in the admissions process.
*International transcripts must be evaluated by a for both admissions consideration and for equivalency requests.
During the application process you will indicate your research interest, but this can be subject to change until you are accepted and enrolled in the program.
During your first year in the program you will have the opportunity to discuss and receive advising on your research topic, as well as the most appropriate supervisor for your area.
Admissions for the Ph.D. program consists of:
Initial Application Submission
- All required materials must be submitted to the Office of Admissions by the appropriate deadline (see “Admissions” tab above for more information).
Entrance Essay and Interview
- Students who are believed to have a reasonable possibility of acceptance are invited to participate in entrance essays and faculty interviews.
- Essays and interviews are held on various Fridays throughout the year and are administered remotely via Zoom (travel to campus not required).
- For more information on Entrance Essays, click here.
The Ph.D. program is structured for 48 months (4 years). Students who take longer than four years will be assessed an additional $2,000 fee for each semester of extension beyond the four-year limit.
During the PhD student stage (coursework stage), students will complete eight seminars: five seminars in their major and three seminars that may be completed in any area.
All students will take the two RDS general education courses, four colloquia, and four installments of Prospectus Development.
Admissions
Admissions Prerequisites
To be considered for admission in our Ph.D. program we require the following for applications:
- A qualified master’s degree in a discipline relevant to your intended area of study.
- Applicants to the Ph.D. in New Testament must have completed at least 12 hours of Biblical Greek.
- Applicants to the Ph.D. in Old Testament must have completed at least 12 hours of Biblical Hebrew.
- Applicants to the Ph.D. in Biblical Studies must have completed at least 12 hours of Biblical Greek or Biblical Hebrew.
- Applicants to the Ph.D. in Christian Preaching must have completed at least 9 hours of biblical languages and interpretation
- While there is no minimum GPA requirement for admission, an applicant’s GPA in previous academic work will be one of the factors taken into account in the admissions process.
- International transcripts will require an official evaluation from a (World Evaluation Services is preferred).
*For more information about our equivalency standards, leveling options, or to request an equivalency review based on your master鈥檚 level work, please email admissions@sbts.edu.
Application Requirements
- All applicants must receive a reference from the local church where they are a member. Family members may not complete this reference. If you are the pastor of your church, please select another church leader (associate pastor, elder, deacon, etc.) to complete the church recommendation. Recommendation forms are automatically emailed to references via our online application.
- Two additional academic recommendations. We suggest that a professor or a business acquaintance who can speak to academic performance complete the 2 additional recommendations required for doctoral students.
- Transcription from the educational institution or institutions that conferred any required degrees should be submitted to the Admissions Office. Contact the registrar or academic records office of your previous institution(s). They may e-mail the transcripts (directly or via 3rd party such as Parchment) to admissions@sbts.edu or mail copies to our physical address. Transcripts must come directly from schools either electronically or in sealed/unopened envelopes.
- A graduate level research paper in the same field to which the applicant is applying must be submitted along with the application. The paper should be 12-20 pages in length and have been completed in the past 10 years. You may upload this research paper directly onto the application.
- $45 application fee – paid after application submission.
Application Deadlines
All application materials must be received by:
October 1st – Spring Matriculation
March 1st – Fall Matriculation
Language Exams
Students applying to the PhD programs in Biblical Studies, Biblical Theology, New Testament, and Old Testament are required to take a language exam.
Ready to learn more?
Prospective doctoral students are invited to visit 51爆料网 Seminary.
Doctoral Visit OpportunitiesProgram Cost
$1,000 down payment, and remaining balance due equally over 48 months.*
| Total Cost | Monthly Payment | |
| Total cost for SBC students | $27,670 | $555.62 |
| Total cost for non-SBC students | $39,140 | $794.58 |
*Program tuition shown is for the 2026-2027 academic year. Additional fees are subject to the current fee schedule.
Financial Aid
51爆料网 Seminary does not offer fully-funded scholarships or grants for the PhD program. Limited financial aid may be available for students that meet certain criteria. Click here to view our financial aid page to learn more.
Engage with our Faculty
When you choose a seminary, you choose a faculty.
Learn how the professors at 51爆料网 Seminary can equip you for a Lifetime of Faithfulness through one of our upcoming virtual Q&As or doctoral events.
