A Doctorate in Theology is the highest academic degree in the field of theology, earned after a bachelor’s and master’s degree, and is a research degree that ends with a thesis. Candidates should have a background in philosophy, theology, or religion, and may need to meet certain requirements for admission. The program offers concentrations in major areas and requires proficiency in additional languages. Graduates can become seminary or university professors, missionaries, or work in ministry.
A doctorate in theology is the terminal and therefore the highest degree in the academic field of theology or the study of the practice of religious faith and spirituality. The doctorate is earned after a bachelor’s and master’s degree and is basically a research degree that ends with the presentation of a thesis to a faculty advisor or committee. Candidates for a doctorate in theology should have a solid background in philosophy, theology, or religion, plus a master’s degree in any of the aforementioned areas or the Master of Divinity (MDiv). Doctor of Theology students train to become seminary or university professors or to serve as missionaries or in ministry.
Doctor of Theology candidates usually hold degrees in religious studies, philosophy, or a similar field or an MDiv with a high GPA. The MDiv is a professional degree for those looking to serve as pastors, ministers or priests, typically more rigorous than most master’s programs in the United States. Many doctoral theology programs may require applicants to meet certain requirements for the Graduate Record Examination, an exam that tests verbal and quantitative reasoning, as well as analytical writing and critical thinking skills. Students who are not native English speakers and wish to study in the United States may also be required to take the English as a Foreign Language test and pass with a minimum score.
Most doctoral theology programs offer concentrations in major areas such as biblical studies, comparative theology, Old or New Testament, culture and worship, systematic theology, and history of Christianity. A typical doctoral theology program will require at least two years of additional full-time courses in various traditions such as Catholicism, Protestantism, Islamic, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, during which time students may also work as a teaching or research assistant. . Most doctoral theology departments encourage students to experience and examine the spiritual issues raised by religious pluralism. After courses are completed, students are often required to pass a written or oral exam before starting their research and thesis under the direction of a faculty member.
In addition to the major areas of concentration, doctoral theology students can also select a minor area that should serve as a supplement to the course. Most PhD students will also have to gain proficiency in two additional languages such as Latin, French. Italian or German. Students researching ancient Christian history may need to demonstrate proficiency in ancient languages, including Greek and Hebrew. A doctoral theology program should prepare students to engage in rigorous scholarship, reflect critically on religious and spiritual issues, and help develop their teaching and ministry skills.
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