Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Apologetics (Ph.D.)
Purpose
The Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Apologetics (Ph.D.) degree provides students with the opportunity to do focused research on a topic related to applied apologetics in order to produce a written dissertation based upon the student’s original research.
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the literature appropriate to the discipline of applied apologetics.
- Evaluate the knowledge base of applied apologetics necessary for engaging in research.
- Design research in order to provide solutions for applied apologetic problems.
Program Specific Admissions Requirements
In addition to general requirements for admission to the School of Divinity, applicants for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Apologetics must submit the following for review:
- Admission application
- Application fee
- Official college transcripts showing a master’s degree from an accredited institution with at least 15 credit hours of theology or apologetics courses.
- A writing sample: minimum 10-page paper (excluding a cover page, table of contents, and bibliography) in Turabian format (a paper/chapter from a master’s program may be used)
- School of Divinity Questionnaire
- 3.00 GPA
- Departmental approval
- TOEFL scores for students who speak English as a second language
Transfer Credit
Transfer hours may not exceed 24 credit hours for the Ph.D. program. Transfer credits are considered on a case-by-case basis and must have been completed as Ph.D. course work within the previous seven (7) years from a regionally accredited program to be accepted. Courses must have a grade of B- or higher to be eligible for consideration for transfer credit. Correspondence studies or life experiences will not be accepted for transfer credit. Credits from a prior degree earned through Liberty University are considered transfer credits.
Dissertation Enrollment Policy
Once students enter the dissertation phase of their degree, they are required to maintain continuous enrollment (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters) until they complete all degree requirements. If they do not, they will break enrollment, and they will be required to apply for readmission if/when they wish to resume the pursuit of their degree. They will have to complete their degree under the Degree Completion Plan (DCP) in effect at the time of their readmission.