Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Practical Theology
The PhD program
The PhD program in practical theology develops skills in investigating social and religious practices through interdisciplinary, contextual research, exploring the meaning of human actions while seeking richly textured ‘readings’ of them. Students in the program perform critical and comparative theological reflection on practices in conversation with the Christian and other religious and philosophical traditions, attempting not merely to define those practices but to engage them with questions, analysis, and imagination. Students also develop contextualized strategies for creating, sustaining, and transforming practices in close relation to the institutional needs of faith communities and the lived religious experiences of persons in their social, political, and cultural settings.
The program allows students the flexibility to study a specific concentration of interest within the Practical Theology major. Current approved concentrations within the Practical Theology PhD program include:
- homiletics
- liturgical studies
- mission
- evangelism
- mission and evangelism
- pastoral theology
- spirituality
- church and society
- congregational studies
- religious education
Please see the Center for Practical Theology website for more information about the doctoral program, its faculty, and to read about several current students in the program.
PhD Curriculum
PhD section of the STH Bulletin (click here for information about PhD curriculum and plans of study)
PhD Handbook (From the Advanced Studies Committee)
Admissions Process
Please note: prospective students with interest in the PhD program in Practical Theology should apply for fall matriculation. The program faculty does not review or accept students for spring matriculation. The application deadline for fall matriculation is December 15th. No exceptions can be made for late applications to the program.
Prospective students interested in the PhD in Practical Theology should apply to the program through the online application portal, found here. All admissions requirements and procedures are outlined in the online application. Feel free to contact the Admissions Office if you have questions about this process.
Please note that all applicants to the PhD program must include a valid GRE score as part of their application. No exceptions will be made for international students or for students who have successfully completed a doctorate in another field. International students for whom English is not a native language must submit both a valid GRE score and a valid TOEFL score to complete their applications.