Courses extend over the fall, spring, and summer terms. Courses typically follow a hybrid format, combining independent study, online discussion, and a one-week instructional module in the middle of the term. To make these courses available for distance students, the modules are live-streamed. Thus, it is possible to earn the PhD without living in the Greenville area. Whether you are a residential or nonresidential student, this degree will provide you the most extensive preparation for seminary/college teaching, theological research and writing, and for any preaching/teaching ministry in the local church. (Click the icons for information.)
EQUIPPING FOR THE ACADEMY AND THE CHURCH AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL
(60 credits)
The PhD in Theological Studies will provide you the most extensive preparation for seminary/college teaching, theological research and writing, and preaching/teaching ministry in the local church. We have been awarding PhD degrees to qualifying candidates for over 50 years. Our courses are taught by an interdisciplinary resident and adjunct faculty with substantial teaching experience who are publishing and active in their fields.
The PhD in Theological Studies is available to both resident and nonresident students and centers on hybrid courses with a one-week module that may be taken on campus or via livestream. The cost of the PhD program is highly competitive. At the end of course work, you will take oral and written comprehensive exams that focus on your concentration. Finally, you will complete your degree by writing a publishable dissertation in your field of study under the supervision of a faculty committee.
Applicants for the PhD must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, competence in research and writing, and a high level of Christian character and leadership. You may qualify to enroll with a Master of Divinity degree or a research-oriented master’s degree like BJU Seminary’s MA in Biblical Language & Literature. The total credits are reduced to 34 for those entering the program with BJU Seminary’s Master of Theology degree or another approved Master of Theology degree.

Theological Studies Program
Concentrations
- Biblical and Systematic Theology
- New Testament Interpretation
- Old Testament Interpretation
Preparing you for:
- College or Seminary Professor
- Academy and Church Writer
- Scholar-Pastor
Class Options
COURSES
Required Courses
- SNT 955: Advanced New Testament Theology (4)
- SOT 955: Advanced Old Testament Theology (4)
- STh 805: Theological Research & Writing (2)
- STh 840: Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics (4)
- STh 850: Advanced Theological Method (4)
- STh 875: Topics in Historical Theology (4)
- STh 882: Issues in Biblical Ethics (4)
- STh 885: Readings in Theology (4)
- STh 901: Contemporary Theology (4)
- STh 907: Soteriology (4)
- STh 941: Advanced Biblical Theology (4)
- STh 945: Biblical Intertextuality (4)
- STh 991: Teaching Internship (2)
- STh 992: Comprehensive Examinations (2)
- STh 993: Dissertation Prospectus (2)
- STh 994: Dissertation Research I (2)
- STh 995: Dissertation Research II (2)
- STh 996: Dissertation Research III (2)
- STh 997: Dissertation Defense (2)
Required Courses
- SNT 850: New Testament Backgrounds (4)
- SNT 881: New Testament Textual Criticism (4)
- SNT 889: Readings in New Testament Studies (4)
- SNT 905: Advanced Greek Grammar (4)
- SNT 910: Advanced Greek Exegesis (4)
- SNT 935: Problems of New Testament Interpretation (4)
- SNT 955: Advanced New Testament Theology (4)
- STh 805: Theological Research & Writing (2)
- STh 840: Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics (4)
- STh 850: Advanced Theological Method (4)
- STh 941: Advanced Biblical Theology (4)
- STh 945: Biblical Intertextuality (4)
- STh 991: Teaching Internship (2)
- STh 992: Comprehensive Examinations (2)
- STh 993: Dissertation Prospectus (2)
- STh 994: Dissertation Research I (2)
- STh 995: Dissertation Research II (2)
- STh 996: Dissertation Research III (2)
- STh 997: Dissertation Defense (2)
Required Courses
- SOT 801: Biblical Aramaic (4)
- SOT 850: Old Testament Backgrounds (4)
- SOT 889: Readings in Old Testament Studies (4)
- SOT 905: Advanced Hebrew Grammar (4)
- SOT 910: Advanced Hebrew Exegesis (4)
- SOT 935: Problems of Old Testament Interpretation (4)
- SOT 955: Advanced Old Testament Theology (4)
- STh 805: Theological Research & Writing (2)
- STh 840: Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics (4)
- STh 850: Advanced Theological Method (4)
- STh 941: Advanced Biblical Theology (4)
- STh 945: Biblical Intertextuality (4)
- STh 991: Teaching Internship (2)
- STh 992: Comprehensive Examinations (2)
- STh 993: Dissertation Prospectus (2)
- STh 994: Dissertation Research I (2)
- STh 995: Dissertation Research II (2)
- STh 996: Dissertation Research III (2)
- STh 997: Dissertation Defense (2)
Objectives
General
- Interpret Scripture in the original languages based on sound hermeneutics.
- Develop a sound methodology to assess theological issues.
- Teach original adult-level lessons in Bible/theology.
- Compose original scholarly writings in Bible/theology.