Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Philosophy of Religion

Richard G. Howe, Ph.D., Director

The Veritas Graduate School of Apologetics offers the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Philosophy of Religion as a three year academic degree that equips those interested in pursuing a professional career in academic research and teaching. This degree, which is a terminal program, prepares pastors, teachers, and others for apologetic and philosophy of religion research and teaching positions.

Admission Requirements: Provisional Acceptance

For general admission standards, see the section on General Information. All materials to be submitted for consideration for admission into the Ph.D. program, including application forms, references, and transcripts must go to the Admissions office. Do not send materials to the Ph.D. program director. In addition, the following specific requirements are necessary for admission to the Ph.D. program (students lacking these specific requirements may complete courses in the appropriate areas to qualify):

1. A graduate degree from an accredited institution and at least 15 graduate hours in philosophy. (Certain apologetics courses may substitute for some of the philosophy requirement.)

2. Present evidence of potential for original academic research by submitting a 20-25 page research paper or thesis in the area of apologetics or philosophy of religion.

3. A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in previous graduate studies.

4. Submit adequate test scores no older than five years from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test (GRE Code: 0005).

Applicants who do not meet the requirements for provisional acceptance must be admitted to other graduate programs to complete recommended and required work to remove deficiencies. Such students will be required to maintain a 3.5 GPA and demonstrate superior research skills. Such students may be required to submit an acceptable thesis prior to acceptance as a Ph.D. student.

Admission Requirements: Full Acceptance

For full acceptance into the Ph.D. program, students who have been provisionally accepted will be required to:

a. undergo a personal interview with the admissions committee on the main campus of Southern Evangelical Seminary.

b. take and pass an entrance exam that allows the applicant to demonstrate basic knowledge in theology, biblical studies, apologetics, and philosophy.  Study questions for the entrance exam are available upon request to those who have been granted provisional acceptance. The entrance exam must be taken within two weeks of receiving the study questions.

Program Requirements

Coursework

The following courses constitute the program for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Philosophy of Religion (required courses are listed):

Transfer Credit

Not more than four courses (12 hours) from other Ph.D. or equivalent research-based doctoral courses may be considered for transfer.  

Application Deadline  

Applications for admission into the Fall semester are due by January 15. The applicatant will be notified as to whether provisional acceptance has been granted at which time the student will schedule the time for the entrance exam and personal interview. If full acceptance is granted, the student has until April 15 to decide to accept the offer. 

Language Requirements

Demonstration of proficiency in two research languages is required, including at least one modern research language (usually French or German). Languages are relevant to the area of dissertation research. A modern language other than French or German may be substituted as required by the dissertation research. Demonstration of proficiency must be completed prior to beginning comprehensive exams. Proficiency must be demonstrated by passing language examinations offered by the Seminary or by the successful completion of approved language courses.

Comprehensive Exams

The student will be required to pass written and oral comprehensive exams prior the acceptance of the dissertation prospectus.

Residency Requirement

The student must fulfill four successive semesters of full time (9 hrs. or more per semester) residency (i.e., course work completed on the main campus of Southern Evangelical Seminary) work.

Candidacy Requirements

Students will be admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree by action of the faculty only after (1) all residency and course requirements leading to the degree have been completed; (2) all language requirements, comprehensive written, and oral examinations have been passed; (3) evidence of proven Christian character and ability in Christian ministry demonstrated to the faculty; and (4) complete adherence to the doctrinal statement of Southern Evangelical Seminary as evidenced through an exit interview with the Doctor of Philosophy Director, Dean, and President.

The Dissertation

The student is required to produce a Dissertation that makes an original contribution to his or her field of study. Details of the Prospectus, Dissertation, and Defense are specified in the Ph.D. student handbook.

Graduation Requirements

See general “Graduation Requirements” in catalog. In addition, candidates for the Ph.D. degree must have completed the entire course program for that degree as set out in the catalog, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better, within the specified time limits. Submit, and have accepted, a dissertation according to the requirements in the program. The completion of these minimal requirements does not automatically qualify a student for the degree. The candidate must evidence to the satisfaction of the faculty proven Christian character and ability in Christian ministry.

Limitations and Program Continuation

The Ph.D. program must be completed within seven (7) years of enrollment. Applications for extensions to this time frame must be approved by the Academic Committee.

Ph.D. Fellowship

For information on and the application for the Ph.D. Fellowship click here.