Daniel L. Akin
The Doctor of Philosophy
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.
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Modified Residency
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Residential
Some people describe seminary as a hoop to jump through, but I found my time at Southeastern to be a life-giving, spiritually edifying experience. Southeastern encouraged in me an undeniable love for God’s word. No amount of effort is too great to understand it or communicate it to someone else. What I saw, exemplified both in the classroom and even just in the culture of Southeastern, is the non-negotiable nature of the Great Commission. Southeastern emphasized that all of us are called to go in some capacity, and that we are most like Christ when we go to hard places.
PhD in Context
WHAT CAN I DO WITH THIS DEGREE?
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Teach in Higher Education
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Serve as a Pastor in a Local Church
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Train Pastors and Church Leaders
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Serve in Denominational Leadership
What Courses Will I Take?
Foundations Stage
- PHD 9100 – PhD Program Orientation
- PHD 9101 – Introduction to Research and Writing
- GEN 0000 – Sexual Abuse Prevention & Response Training
- CQM 9010 – Integrative Colloquium I
- CQM 9020 – Integrative Colloquium II
- Foundations Stage Seminars: Select four seminars from the PhD specialization’s prescribed seminars.
- First Research Language
- THM 8600 – Th.M. Portfolio
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
- PMN 9650 – Theology of Preaching 4 credit hour(s).
- Students may alternatively take PRS 9650 – The Theology of Preaching
- PMN 9700 – Foundations and Current Trends in Pastoral Theology
- PMN 9710 – Historical Readings for Pastoral Theology
- THE 9750 – Seminar on the Doctrine of the Church
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
- IND9400 can be substituted with a qualifying doctoral seminar elective approved by Major Professor and the Office of Ph.D. Studies
Advanced Stage
- PHD 9102 – Introduction to Teaching in Higher Education
- Advanced Stage Seminars: Select four seminars from the PhD specialization’s prescribed seminars.
- PHD 9501 – Mentor Directed Studies I
- PHD 9502 – Mentor Directed Studies II
- Second Research Language
- PHD 9800 – Written & Oral Comprehensive Exams
Candidate Stage
- PHD 9850 – PHD Prospectus
- PHD 9900 – PHD Dissertation
- Students must register for three dissertation blocks for a total of 6 hours.
- PHD 9950 – PHD Dissertation Defense
