Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 

 Ph.D. candidates are required to be in residence for two academic years of full-time study. Candidates should expect that a minimum of four years of full-time work will be needed to complete all requirements for the Ph.D. degree.
Classical and modern language requirements for doctoral study in each field are set by departmental faculty. Hebrew and Greek are prerequisite for admission to the Ph.D. program in biblical studies whether attained through successful course work or demonstrated by examination while in residence. Other language requirements must be met successfully before any candidate may submit a dissertation proposal for formal approval by the faculty.

Curricula

While the courses of study required by each department vary, all include required seminars and course work, doctoral examinations, a dissertation proposal, and the writing of an approved doctoral dissertation. Ph.D. candidates will also participate in a seminar on educational theory and practice. They will be given an opportunity to work with members of the faculty in planning, teaching (usually limited), and evaluating courses. Some are employed each year as teaching assistants.

Departmental oversight of candidates is undertaken primarily by faculty supervisors and advisory committees to provide each candidate with competent guidance in the area of independent study and dissertation research. The purpose of the doctoral examinations is to qualify the candidate in an area of concentration and to explore a feasible dissertation project. Particular topics or areas proposed for examination must be approved by the departmental faculty in the candidate’s field. The doctoral dissertation is to be written after the completion of all qualifying examinations and the approval of a dissertation proposal.

For detailed information about the program and its curriculum, see the “ Graduate Studies Handbook” which is available as a PDF file.”