Theological Studies (Ph.D.)

Theological Studies (Ph.D.)

Important: This degree plan is effective for those starting this degree program in fall 2024 through summer 2025. This degree plan will remain in effect for students who do not break enrollment or who do not change degree programs, concentrations, or cognates.

Language Competency
German Examination
Total Hours0
Ph.D. Core Courses
RTCH 900Research Methods3
RTCH 901Teaching in Higher Education3
THEO 900Seminar in Theological Method3
THEO 903Historical Development of Christian Thought3
Total Hours12
Major Area of Focus Courses
Choose 15 credit hours from a single area of focus. Students must also complete a directed research and comprehensive examination for their Major Area of Focus. Please refer to Comprehensive Examinations section.15
Apologetics
Resurrection and Miracles
The Problem of Evil, Pain and Suffering
Apologetics and Culture
Modern Apologetic Issues
Global Apologetics
Seminar in Apologetics
Natural Theology
Biblical Theology
Old Testament Theology
New Testament Theology
Theology of the Gospel
Current Biblical and Theological Issues
Special Topics in Biblical Theology
Seminar in Biblical Theology
Christian Thought
Contemporary Issues in the Doctrine of God
Bibliology
Christology in Contemporary Theological Perspective
Seminar in Modern Theologies and Theologians
Current Issues in Theology
Seminar in Theological Studies
Public Theology
Apologetics and Culture
Theology of the Gospel
Christianity and Politics
Approaches to Public Theology
Christian Ethics
Current Issues in Theology
Seminar in Theological Studies
Total Hours15
Minor Area of Focus Courses
Choose 9 credit hours from one of the Areas of Focus listed in the Major Area of Focus section which is different from the chosen Major Area of Focus. Students must also complete a readings and comprehensive examination for their Minor Area of Focus. Please refer to Comprehensive Examinations section.
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3
Total Hours9
Comprehensive Examinations
Students must complete a research and comprehensive examination course based on their chosen Major Area of Focus 13
Apologetics
Readings in Apologetics and Comprehensive Examination
Biblical Theology
Readings in Biblical Theology and Comprehensive Examination
Christian Thought
Readings in Christian Thought and Comprehensive Examination
Public Theology
Readings in Public Theology and Comprehensive Examination
Students must complete a research and comprehensive examination course based on their chosen Minor Area of Focus 23
Total Hours6
1

Once the student completes 15 hours of the Major Area of Focus, they can be registered for the Major Area of Focus Directed Research and Comprehensive Examination

2

Once the student completes 9 hours of the Minor Area of Focus, they can be registered for the Minor Area of Focus Directed Research and Comprehensive Examination

Dissertation Courses 1
DISS 987Dissertation Proposal and Research I5
DISS 988Dissertation Proposal and Research II5
DISS 989Dissertation Proposal and Research III5
DISS 990Dissertation Defense0
Total Hours15
1

Once the student enters the Dissertation phase, he/she must maintain continuous enrollment (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters) until all degree requirements are completed

All applicable prerequisites must be met

Graduation Requirements

  • 57 total hours
  • A maximum of 50% of a post-graduate and doctoral degree may be transferred if approved and allowable, including credit from an earned degree from Liberty University on the same academic level
  • 3.0 GPA
  • No grades lower than B- may be applied to the degree
  • Successful completion of the Research Language Competencies
  • Successful completion of Comprehensive Exams
  • Degree must be completed within 7 years
  • Submission of Degree Completion Application must be completed within the last semester of a student's anticipated graduation date

Program Offered in Resident Format

Plan of Study Grid
First SemesterHours
RTCH 900 Research Methods 3
THEO 903 Historical Development of Christian Thought 3
 Hours6
Second Semester
RTCH 901 Teaching in Higher Education 3
Major Area of Focus Elective 1 3
 Hours6
Third Semester
APOL 920 Resurrection and Miracles 3
Major Area of Focus Elective 1 3
 Hours6
Fourth Semester
THEO 900 Seminar in Theological Method 3
Major Area of Focus Elective 1 3
 Hours6
Fifth Semester
Major Area of Focus Elective 1 3
Minor Area of Focus Elective 2 3
 Hours6
Sixth Semester
Major Area of Focus Elective 1 3
Minor Area of Focus Elective 2 3
 Hours6
Seventh Semester
THEO 945 Seminar in Modern Theologies and Theologians 3
Minor Area of Focus Elective 2 3
 Hours6
Eighth Semester
DISS 987 Dissertation Proposal and Research I 5
 Hours5
Ninth Semester
DISS 988 Dissertation Proposal and Research II 5
 Hours5
Tenth Semester
DISS 989 Dissertation Proposal and Research III 5
 Hours5
Eleventh Semester
DISS 990 Dissertation Defense 0
 Hours0
 Total Hours57
1

See Degree Completion Plan for Major Area of Focus courses.

2

See Degree Completion Plan for Minor Area of Focus courses. Must be different from Major Area of Focus.

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