PhD Apologetics and Culture
60 hours
4+ years
Modified Residency and Residential
The Doctor of Philosophy allows students to study under premier evangelical scholars who have authored numerous significant works in their respective fields and are eager to train the next generation of Christian scholars. Students engage in cutting-edge research that advances theological understanding for the sake of the church and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Students also receive a full year of mentoring by an accomplished scholar who will guide them in publishing and presenting the fruits of their research and proposing a dissertation that will make a significant contribution to scholarship.
The PhD program requires a minimum of three academic years for completion: two years of coursework prior to the dissertation stage and one full year for dissertation work. Students must complete the program within seven years.
Modified Residency
Residential
60 hours
4+ years
Modified Residency and Residential
60 hours
Modified Residency and Residential
60 hours
4+ years
Modified Residency and Residential
60 hours
4+ years
Modified Residency and Residential
60 hours
Modified Residency and Residential
60 hours
4+ years
Modified Residency and Residential
60 hours
4+ years
Residential
60 hours
4+ years
Residential
60 hours
Modified Residency and Residential
60 hours
4+ years
Modified Residency and Residential
60 hours
4+ years
Modified Residency and Residential
60 hours
4+ years
Modified Residency and Residential
60 hours
4+ years
Modified Residency and Residential
60 hours
Modified Residency and Residential
Admission to the program is competitive. The following prerequisites for admission are for self-screening purposes and only establish the opportunity to apply to the PhD program.
Preference will be given to applicants who have completed the following core courses or their equivalents:
*Biblical language expectations depend on applicant’s given area of study
**Applicants must have studied the Patristic, Medieval, Reformation and Modern eras.
***Baptist History is required for applicants pursuing Historical Theology
Competitive applications demonstrate a further specialization in their desired area of study. It is the student’s responsibility to distinguish himself or herself in the following areas:
*Approved Master of Divinity degree or research Master of Arts degree are the same field in which one wishes to pursue doctoral studies as long as that degree and its prerequisites meet MDiv equivalence. Typically, SEBTS research masters degrees meet this requirement.
The entrance exam plays a vital role in the application process by providing insight of an applicant’s knowledge base in his/her preferred area of study and gauging an applicant’s readiness for the rigor of our program. All applicants are required to be on the campus of SEBTS for the entrance exam during the date and times indicated on the invitation. The only exception is applicants living and/or serving overseas for whom the test will be proctored. The written examination is taken in two parts. Applicants will have up to 3 hours to complete each part.
We have provided the study guides below to assist each applicant in preparing for the entrance exam for the program of their choice.
*Students wishing to pursue a PhD in Theological Studies: Public Theology will take the same entrance exam as students in Theological Studies: Christian Ethics
Our integrative colloquium classes offer our students the chance to hear from top researchers and writers in the areas of Biblical Studies, Theological Studies, and Applied Theology. Students will participate in lectures and readings from various fields that impact their own field of study. Watch from the library of talks.
Madeline Lipman - Office Coordinator
We ask applicants to submit a 4,000 – 6,000 words (including footnotes), thesis driven writing sample.
It does not, though, if you do use a previously graded paper, be sure to incorporate your professor’s feedback into your final draft.
We encourage you to edit the paper down to try to get under 6,000 words. We don’t actually count the number of words, but if we notice that your writing sample is more pages than it should be, we’ll ask you to submit a different sample.
You may be able to do so, but it will take some effort on your part as we require a stand-alone paper that has a thesis, clear argumentation, and a conclusion. Typically pulling a chapter from your thesis will not meet all those requirements because you refer to earlier arguments or push others off until later which your paper judge won’t be able to see.
Official transcripts from ALL schools that you have previously attended post high school are required.
Yes, it does.
Besides being an accreditation requirement, transcripts are required so that we may confirm that you have the coursework necessary to be successful in our program, and that you will be able to handle the rigor of doctoral level work.
To meet MDiv Equivalency, applicants must have completed 60 credit hours of study with at least 49 credit hours completed at the graduate level. In addition, the following courses must be completed.
*Biblical language expectations depend on applicant’s given Area of Study
**Applicants must have studied the Patristic, Medieval, Reformation and Modern eras.
***Baptist History is required for applicants pursuing Historical Theology and Theological Studies: Historical Theology
These courses can be completed at the undergraduate level. We will accept a maximum of 27 credit hours from the undergraduate level.
We are happy to look over your transcripts and evaluate them to confirm that you meet our MDiv Equivalency requirements. You can email unofficial transcripts to [email protected]
Every situation is unique. However, most applicants with 1-2 required courses can proceed through the application process while completing their leveling work.
You are welcome to take the coursework from any accredited institution.
No, we only look at all your “Graduate” level work to determine whether your GPA is 3.5 or above.
Yes, ALL graduate level work is considered when calculating an applicant’s GPA. We expect an applicant to have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on ALL previous master’s level work.
If you just missed the mark but have required leveling work to complete, you may be able to bring your GPA up that way. If you don’t have required leveling work, or your GPA is far below the 3.5 mark, we recommend pursuing the ThM program as a way of continuing into PhD work.
Yes, you can send us an unofficial transcript for the admissions process. If you are admitted to the program, you will be granted an acceptance that is contingent on the completion of your current degree. Once your degree is conferred, please request an official transcript to be forwarded to us.
NOTE: It take several weeks after graduation for transcripts to show the degree was conferred. So, confirm that the institution has had time to confer the degree on your transcript before requesting it be sent to us.
Please submit official transcripts directly to the Office of PhD Studies. If your institution sends transcripts electronically, please have them sent to [email protected].
Office of PhD Studies
SEBTS: Carson Hall 204
P.O. Box 1889
244 N. Wingate Street
Wake Forest, NC 27588-1889
Yes. Applicants will take their exams in Microsoft Word.
Please park in the area highlighted in green around Patterson Hall (building 11) in this map. When you arrive, please assemble with other test takers in the lobby of Patterson, where your host for the test will greet you. If you do not have a parking pass, please request one from your host.
Magnolia Kitchen is housed in the Ledford Center (building 10 on the campus map). Depending on the time on the time of year you can order the scheduled meal for the day or place a made-to-order. Due to Covid restrictions, it’s recommended that you any made-to-order prior to sitting for part 1 of the exam. If you would rather bring a lunch, you can still sit in the dining area in the Ledford center to eat. There are also numerous restaurants within a short drive/walk.
Yes, but please be courteous, and don’t bring items which might be a distraction (whether by smell or sound) to your fellow applicants.
Significant. Students must show themselves proficient in the entrance exam in order to be admitted to the program. A high GPA, high GRE, or stellar writing sample will not outweigh a sub-par entrance exam score.
The exams will be held in the computer lab located on the first floor of Patterson Hall (Room 108). Please arrive in the front lobby of Patterson Hall 15 minutes early to take the exam.
8:30am-8:45am Arrive on campus
9am-12 noon Part 1 of the entrance exam
12pm-1pm Lunch
1pm-4pm Part 2 of the entrance exam
4pm-6pm PhD Director Interviews
Southeastern will give you up to 2 nights free accommodations. We encourage you to take advantage of the second night to sign up for a tour. If you are unable to take the tour but would still like to take advantage of the accommodations, please email [email protected] with your name and test date to request accommodations. There are a limited number of rooms available, so please sign up quickly.
If accommodations on campus are full, there are hotels with discounted rates near campus if you reference SEBTS.
We supply the computers and we have pencils and paper if you want to jot down a quick outline before you answer an essay.
We recommend that you dress comfortably but not sloppily. We also recommend dressing in layers as the testing room can be chilly.
The exam has two, three-hour portions for a total of six-hours. If you are testing in a Biblical Studies Area, there is also a two-hour translation portion in addition to the six-hour question portion. You will test on two consecutive days.
No. Just you, and the Holy Spirit.
Exams are evaluated by two Southeastern faculty members in the concentration into which you are applying.
The three criteria given to evaluators are available at the top of your entrance exam study guide.
Examiners will also give an overall evaluation for whether they believe an applicant is prepared to begin PhD studies.
No. All evaluations are blind. Evaluators will only see your assigned testing code, which you receive at the beginning of your exam.
Yes. Questions are pulled verbatim from the study guides.
You will have some choice, but not complete choice. You may get something like “Answer two of these three questions” or “Answer the first question, and one of the following two questions.”
Yes. You should be prepared to give thorough answers to all of the questions on the study guide.
You will answer two questions in each three-hour session, for a total of four questions.
That’s a hard question. It depends on how concise your writing is, and how fast you can type. You should be prepared to write for 90 or so minutes for each question.
Your Major Professor will serve as a guide throughout your entire doctoral experience. Alongside the Office of PhD Studies, your Major Professor will provide assistance as to which seminars to register for and aid in determining the research language(s) you will need to show proficiency in. During the year of mentorship, the professor will meet with you on a regular basis to help fill gaps in your knowledge, prepare you for comprehensive exams, and preparing a prospectus. They will continue to guide you through to the completion of your dissertation.
Choosing a Major Professor is your responsibility and something that should not be taken lightly. The professor you choose is somebody you will be working with during your entire time in the doctoral program. You are welcome to talk with us in the office and we will make suggestions as to who may serve in that role. Professors enjoy hearing from applicants such as yourself and typically want to set up a time where you can either have a phone conversation or talk over Zoom or Teams.
Once you have determined who you wish to work with and the professor has agreed, you will be able to enter the professor’s name in the application and send him/her the Major Professor Evaluation to complete. When the professor completes the form, then we know that you all have spoken, and he/she is willing to work with you if you are accepted.
There are a total of 5 personal references (2 academic references, 1 pastor reference, and 2 character references).
Professors who can provide information regarding your ability to do high level academic research. It is suggested that one of the academic references be from a professor in the area of study you are pursuing. Your Major Professor MAY NOT serve as an academic reference.
I have been out of school for a long time, and I am not sure any of my previous professors would remember me. Who do I ask in this case?
We suggest that you select individuals that know how you respond in an academic type setting. Once you arrive at a few individuals, we would ask that you email or call us so that we can talk about your choices, prior to you requesting they complete the reference.
Any non-family member who serves as your pastor and who has known you for at least 1 year. If you currently serve as pastor of a church, we ask that if the church has other pastors on staff, that one of them complete this form on your behalf. If you are the only pastor on staff, then choose a pastor to complete the form whom you consider to be a mentor, whether formally or informally.
Any non-family member who has known you for at least 2 years.
The Church Recommendation confirms that the church you entered is where your current membership is held. The form also asks whether your church cooperates and is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). This form can be completed by the pastor, but oftentimes an Administrative Assistant, Church Clerk or Church Secretary completes this form.
You will need to select a Major Professor, a professor from SEBTS who will work alongside you as you move through our program. You will need to meet with and get a tentative agreement from a potential Major Professor before you enter their information on your application.
If you are looking for someone to serve as your Major Professor and do not know where to begin, we provide a Major Professor Directory upon request. The directory lists professors who can serve in that role, what areas of study they can oversee, what their areas of expertise are and how to contact them. They enjoy hearing from applicants such as yourself and typically set up a time where you can either have a phone conversation or talk over Zoom or Teams.
Your Major Professor may NOT serve as one of your academic references. Major Professors are required to complete a separate evaluation that serves as their recommendation.
Your spouse should write about 250 words. It should include a testimony of your spouse’s conversion experience and sincere commitment to Jesus Christ, and a statement of his/her commitment to support you in the pursuit of your studies.
International students must complete two different application processes, one academic and one legal. Academically, acceptance is based on the admissions portfolio (i.e. application, references, entrance exam, TOEFL exam, etc.). Legally, acceptance is based on the result of the international paperwork (i.e. visa, I-20, etc.). An international student must be accepted academically AND legally before he/she will receive a student visa and a formal letter officially accepting him/her into the Ph.D. program as an international student. In addition, international students are required to pay a deposit before being issued an I-20. The deposit is currently $2,500 for a single student and $3,500 for a married student.
All inquiries concerning applications to the PhD program may be emailed to Ms. Jordan Parris at [email protected] or you can phone her at: (919)761-2415.