Doctor of Philosophy in Bible Exposition (Ph.D.)

Doctor of Philosophy in Bible Exposition (Ph.D.)

Purpose

The Doctor of Philosophy in Bible Exposition degree provides students with exegetical and expositional skills for the interpretation of Scripture, coupled with biblical theological awareness and hermeneutical sensitivity, for the scholarly enhancement of ministerial practice. Students produce a dissertation based upon original research in the field of biblical studies.

Program Learning Outcomes

The student will be able to:

  • Analyze biblical passages using hermeneutical skills.
  • Evaluate major critical issues in the Old and New Testaments from a conservative evangelical perspective while exhibiting knowledge of the literature appropriate to the discipline of biblical exposition.
  • Develop expositions of Old and New Testament passages using informed research.

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 Bible Exposition must submit the following for review:

  1. A Conferred Master's degree from an accredited institution with at least 15 hours of graduate-level BIBL/THEO courses.
  2. An earned grade point average of 3.00 on a scale 4.00 in all previous graduate work.
  3. A writing sample that must meet the following criteria:
    1. A minimum 5-page paper (excluding cover page, table of contents and bibliography).
  4. Completion of School of Divinity Questionnaire.
  5. Successful admission decision review by department or faculty.

Transfer Credit

Transfer hours may not exceed 30 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.

Administrative Dismissal Policy

Stage 1

Foundational Courses

Students may repeat up to two Stage 1: Foundational Courses (BIBL 700 & BIBL 715, as well as NGRK and OTCL courses) for a total of 6 hours if they fail to pass (with a B- or higher.)

Stage 2

Bible Exposition Courses

Students may repeat up to two Stage 2: Bible Exposition Courses (OBST 800, OBST 815, OBST 830, OBST 845, OBST 860 and NBST 800, NBST 815, NBST 830, and NBST 845) for a total of 6 hours if they fail to pass (with a B- or higher.)

Stage 3

Research Courses

Students may repeat the following research courses: BIBL 987, BIBL 988, & BIBL 989 one time for a total of 3 courses if they fail to earn a grade of P or PR. However, students are not permitted to repeat BIBL 990.

Time Limit

The Ph.D. in Bible Exposition degree must be completed within 7 years after the initial enrollment semester.

Dismissal

Should any of the above limits be reached, the student may be evaluated for administrative dismissal from the program by the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity administration.

Delivery Format: Online Only

  • Church Ministries
  • Publishing
  • Teaching
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