Academics 

Doctor of Philosophy

Great Commission Scholars

At Southeastern, every classroom is a Great Commission classroom. This consuming vision is transforming our approach to doctoral studies as we prepare Great Commission scholars. Together we are pursuing the glory of God as we strive for academic excellence, integrate faith and learning, and live as a community of learners. We pursue academic excellence not as an end in itself but a means to an end — fulfilling the Great Commission.

Committed to Excellence

As Christians, everything we do we should do well — including scholarship. Southeastern’s research doctorates strive for the highest standards of academic excellence. All dissertations are reviewed by world-renowned experts in the field. Published scholars serve as mentors. Independent studies provide the opportunity to study with leading authorities in a given area.

This commitment to academic excellence is coupled with a faith commitment to approach Scripture as the living, inspired Word of God. Faith is unapologetically affirmed as an essential characteristic of the Christian scholar.

True Christian learning is also integrative. All truth is God’s truth. Lectureships, colloquia and conferences make for a vital, vibrant learning community.

At Southeastern, we seek to live as a learning community. Every student is a resident scholar-in-process. One-on-one faculty mentoring is at the heart of our program. Students sharpen one another as they go through the program together. Social events provide opportunities for fellowship, encouragement and support for students, their spouses, and the entire family.

Overview of Ph.D. Studies at Southeastern

The Ph.D. degree is an advanced academic research degree in the major fields of Biblical Studies, Theological Studies, Applied Theology, and Cross-Area Studies. The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of three academic years (6 semesters) of full-time study. Actual completion time is often four or more years, but must be completed within seven years. The program requires a minimum two-year residency prior to the dissertation stage.   

In the area of Biblical Studies, students may choose Old Testament or New Testament as their concentration. In the area of Theological Studies, students concentrate in either Systematic Theology, Philosophy of Religion, Church History, or Christian Ethics. Applied Theology includes the areas of Preaching, Evangelism, Counseling, Christian Leadership and Christian Missions (both residence and modified formats). Concentrations in the cross-area disciplines Biblical Theology, Hermeneutics, and Women's Studies are available as well. In those concentrations the student's choice of major professor determines his or her concentration.

We now offer two Applied Theology concentrations in a modified format.  The modified format for the concentration in Missions is only available for IMB workers serving overseas.  The concentration in Christian Leadership is only for those who have a minimum of three years of titled professional experience in a leadership position. Both degrees give qualified applicants the opportunity to earn a Ph.D. by attending intensive seminars in concentrated blocks of time.

 Ph.D. Program Elements

A student who graduates from the Ph.D. program at Southeastern will be able to demonstrate the following:

(1) proficiency in research and writing; (2) understanding of the philosophy and methods of teaching at college and seminary levels; (3) breadth of knowledge of the literature in the student's major field of study; (4) depth of knowledge and skill in the student's area of concentration; (5) reading proficiency in at least two research languages; (6) ability to think across traditional disciplinary boundaries.

The Ph.D. program is accordingly comprised of the following elements:

Instruction in Research and Teaching

At the beginning of the program, students complete a one credit hour "Introduction to Research" course. This course offers a systematic introduction to academic research and writing. Students also complete a one credit hour "Teaching in Higher Education" course during residency. This course offers a systematic introduction to the philosophy and methods of college and seminary teaching.

Integrative Seminar

First-year students participate in a two-semester integrative seminar led by the program director and invited faculty.  The seminar meets monthly and addresses topics such as postmodernism, the relationship between the Testaments, historical method and other issues of contemporary relevance and cross-area concern.

Graduate Seminars

Students must take at least four seminars in their area of concentration. If less than four are available, they must take all the seminars that are offered plus confer with their major professor about acceptable cross-area seminars.

Examination

Each student must pass a written and oral comprehensive examination in the concentration (New Testament, Old Testament, Systematic Theology, Church History, etc.), to be taken at the end of the residency, that is, following the successful completion of all course and language requirements. Passing these exams qualifies the student for doctoral candidacy.

Mentorship

The Ph.D. program includes a mentorship; that is, a focused series of interactive academic meetings including personal tutoring in the field by the student's major professor. The professor meets with the student regularly and frequently to provide academic direction and advice as the student develops increasing depth and skill in the area of research interest, preparing for the comprehensive exams at the end of residency. The mentorship also leads to the successful preparation of a dissertation prospectus.

Language Proficiency

All Ph.D. students are required to demonstrate proficiency in two research languages (normally German and one other language). In appropriate cases, the student will qualify with one research language and demonstrated competency in social science research techniques (e.g. research and statistics).

The student must demonstrate proficiency in at least one research language before commencing his or her second year of study. The student must demonstrate proficiency in a second research language before taking the comprehensive exams. Proficiency must be demonstrated by passing language examinations offered by the seminary 

Dissertation

Production of a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the student's academic field is the final stage in the Ph.D. program. Preparation of a dissertation prospectus normally begins during the mentorship stage of the student's program, though submission must follow successful completion of written and oral comprehensives.