Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theological Studies
Credit Hours
Years
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theological Studies is an advanced academic degree designed for scholars preparing for theological research, teaching, and academic leadership. This PhD equips students to contribute to biblical and theological scholarship and train the next generation of scholars within a Free Grace Theological framework. The program offers specialization in the Old or New Testament, with advanced coursework in biblical theology, historical theology, and research methods, culminating in comprehensive exams and a dissertation with faculty supervision.
Required Courses
Core
Dissertation
Entry Requirements
✔️ Master of Theology (ThM) from a Regional or ATS-accredited institution (minimum GPA 3.6) or completion of Grace’s ThM program
✔️ Proficiency in biblical languages: 3 years Greek, 2 years Hebrew (may be completed concurrently with ThM if needed)
✔️ Personal, pastoral, and seminary recommendations
✔️ Evidence of research and writing ability via a ThM-level thesis or equivalent
✔️ Competency in Logos Bible Software
Why This Program
✔️ Advanced scholarly preparation for teaching, research, and ministry leadership
✔️ Specialization in Old or New Testament studies
✔️ Strong integration of biblical languages, theology, and historical scholarship
✔️ Prepares students to contribute to the global Free Grace theological academic community
Program Learning Objectives
Upon completion, students will be able to:
✔️ Conduct original scholarly research in theological studies
✔️ Analyze historical and contemporary theological issues biblically
✔️ Articulate and defend theological positions from a Free Grace perspective
✔️ Communicate theological truth effectively in academic and ministry contexts
✔️ Apply advanced biblical and theological knowledge to teach, write, and lead
Applicants who have an MDiv degree but do not have a ThM may complete Grace’s ThM program before entering the PhD program. Applicants for the ThM program must have completed the Master of Divinity (a minimum of 90 credit hours, including one year each of biblical Greek and Hebrew). Those who have not completed the biblical language requirement may still enroll but must complete the first-year language requirements before proceeding to subsequent years of language study. The language requirement may be accomplished concurrently while enrolled in the ThM program. Students may not take ThM and PhD courses concurrently.
GRACE IN ACTION
From transforming inner-city communities in Houston, Texas, to planting churches in the mountains of Nepal, Grace School of Theology students and alumni are creating ripples of grace in over forty nations, teaching and living out the love of Christ, a love that cannot be earned and cannot be lost.
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