Doctor of Theology


The Doctor of Theology degree is an advanced academic degree intended to prepare students for professional careers in teaching, writing, and scholarship in academics (colleges, universities or seminaries), in publishing, religious organizations, social service organizations, or foundations.

The Doctor of Theology program emphasizes theological studies in the context of “”secular”” university research disciplines and is characterized by a series of careful balances. Students are given considerable latitude to design their programs to meet specific needs and interests. This freedom is exercised under the guidance of the student’s Doctor of Theology doctoral committee, who establish examination and dissertation protocols which form the structure of the student’s program.

The Doctor of Theology program’s freedom and flexibility encourages students to work on fresh issues and with emerging methodologies.

The School of Theology’s standard of scholarship represents a balance of committed study of the theological disciplines and perspectives. The Doctor of Theology program students study Christian traditions either from within (as a member) or with a deep respect for the beliefs and practices of the tradition. The Doctor of Theology program brings to bear critical perspectives (both internal and external) so that the scholastic conclusions will be thoughtful and articulate; the scholar will have considered and addressed issues in such a way as to strengthen the distinctive position and conclusions that he/she wishes to present to the world.

Degree Requirements

Successfully complete a minimum of 72 quarter units of coursework determined by the student and the student’s Doctoral Committee from the Doctor of Theology course list and any other coursework prescribed by the student’s Doctoral Committee with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

  • Successfully complete the Integrative Review
  • Successfully complete 56 quarter units of concentrated course work.
  • Successfully complete 16 quarter units of the Dissertation/Research Project.
  • Successfully complete the degree requirements within the time limit

Time Limit

The Doctor of Theology program must be completed within 5 years from the time the student commenced the first course, as a regular student, which applies to the degree requirements. This time limit, at the option of the university, may be extended due to special extenuating circumstances.

Doctor of Theology Suggested Core Classes

BBL 311 Biblical Chronology (4 quarter units)

A study of the chronological questions related to such biblical area as Genesis, the Kingdom era, the Gospels, Acts and the Apostles.

BBL 622 The Pastoral Epistles (4 quarter units)

An exposition of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus with emphasis on interpretive problems and relevance to contemporary church life.

BBL 811 Textual Criticism of the New Testament (4 quarter units)

A brief history of textual criticism; the relative value of manuscripts; major theories of textual criticism; application of critical methods to selected passages.

BBL 822 Textual Criticism of the Old Testament (4 quarter units)

The theory and practice of textual criticism with special attention the scrolls of Qumran and the Septuagint.

BBL 831 The Life of Christ (4 quarter units)

A study of Christ’s earthly life using a harmony of the Gospels.

BBL 835 Parables (4 quarter units)

The principles of interpretation of Christ’s parables, their use in contemporary preaching, and eschatological considerations.

BBL 900 Dispensationalism (4 quarter units)

A study of the system of biblical interpretation known as dispensationalim; history; consideration of biblical support and alternative position.

BBL923 Revivalism (4 quarter units)

Biblical principles and examples of revival’ consideration of revivals throughout Christian history with emphasis upon American revivalism and evangelization.

CHD 703 Pauline Theology (4 quarter units)

A study of the major doctrines enunciated in Paul’s epistles.

CHD 741 Pietism (4 quarter units)

Early expressions of pietism in Roman Catholicism; Protestant pietistic movement; impact of pietism upon; modern evangelicalism.

CHD 752 The Doctrine of Sanctification (4 quarter units)

Biblical emphasis; historical preview; implications for Christian counseling.

MIS 812 Theology of Missions (4 quarter units)

Theology of missions and evangelism from a reformed perspective; principles of personal and corporate evangelism and cross-cultural communications of the Gospel.

PTR 401 Theology and Sociology of the City (4 quarter units)

An examination of the city in biblical and theological perspective and an introduction to the sociology of urban systems, structures, and conditions that create problems and/or provide hope.

PTR 421 Theology and the Environment (4 quarter units)

Explores the relationships between Christian theology- with a special emphasis on Catholic social teaching- and concern for the environment. Criticisms of Christian theologies in accordance 3with new ecological insights will also be suggested.

PTR 460 Theological Issues in the Contemporary Ecumenical Movement (4 quarter units)

Implications of recent ecumenical discussion for Ecclesiology and Christology, and an analysis of ecumenical statements on sacraments, ministry, mission and community.

PTR 742 Church Management (4 quarter units)

Biblical principles and practical aspects of church management; special attention to church officers and assemblies; the pastor’s role; purpose and procedures of biblical church discipline.

PTR 812 Pastoral Counseling (4 quarter units)

Intensive study of some main emotional problems encountered by the counseling pastor; concentration on depression, sexual dysfunctions; refining counseling skills.

PTR 821 Advanced Homiletics (4 quarter units)

A seminar considering preaching methods of some outstanding–pulpiteers with a view to applying their techniques to the student’s ministry.