Theology & Apologetics (Ph.D.)
Important: This degree plan is effective for those starting this degree program in fall 2023 through summer 2024. This degree plan will remain in effect for students who do not break enrollment or who do not change degree programs, concentrations, or cognates.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Language Competency | ||
| German Examination | ||
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Research Competency | ||
| RTCH 900 | Research Methods | 3 |
| Total Hours | 3 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Theology & Apologetics Courses | ||
| APOL 910 | Apologetic Method | 3 |
| APOL 920 | Resurrection and Miracles | 3 |
| THEO 900 | Seminar in Theological Method | 3 |
| THEO 904 | Bibliology | 3 |
| Choose nine credit hours of 900-level APOL or THEO courses | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 21 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Elective Courses 1 | ||
| Choose 18 credit hours of 900-level electives from the following disciplines: APOL, BIBL, CHHI, NBST, OBST, & THEO | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
- 1
Students are encouraged to choose one discipline for all six seminars. Disciplines include: Apologetics (APOL), Bible (BIBL), Biblical Studies2 (NBST, OBST), Church History (CHHI) and Theology (THEO)
- 2
A Biblical Studies discipline requires 6 hours of NGRK 650 or higher and OTCL 525 or higher or their equivalents
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Examinations | ||
| Theology | ||
| Apologetics | ||
| Cognate Field | ||
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation Courses 3 | ||
| DISS 987 | Dissertation Proposal and Research I | 5 |
| DISS 988 | Dissertation Proposal and Research II | 5 |
| DISS 989 | Dissertation Proposal and Research III | 5 |
| DISS 990 | Dissertation Defense | 0 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
- 3
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
Offered in Resident Format
| First Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| RTCH 900 | Research Methods | 3 |
| APOL 910 | Apologetic Method | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| APOL 920 | Resurrection and Miracles | 3 |
| THEO 900 | Seminar in Theological Method | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| THEO 904 | Bibliology | 3 |
| Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| APOL/THEO Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Fifth Semester | ||
| APOL/THEO Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Sixth Semester | ||
| APOL/THEO Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Seventh Semester | ||
| Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Eighth Semester | ||
| DISS 987 | Dissertation Proposal and Research I | 5 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Ninth Semester | ||
| DISS 988 | Dissertation Proposal and Research II | 5 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Tenth Semester | ||
| DISS 989 | Dissertation Proposal and Research III | 5 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Eleventh Semester | ||
| DISS 990 | Dissertation Defense | 0 |
| Hours | 0 | |
| Total Hours | 57 | |
- 1
Choose a 900 level elective from the following disciplines for which prerequisites have been met: APOL, BIBL, CHHI, NBST, OBST, and THEO.
- 2
Must be a 900 level course.