Residential courses extend over the fall and spring semesters with a break in the middle of each semester. To make these courses available for distance students, some classes are live-streamed. It is possible to earn the PhD without living in the Greenville area. Through residential, module, or livestream courses, 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, and our faculty are experienced in preparing students at the highest level of education. The cost of the PhD program is highly competitive. Our courses are taught by an interdisciplinary resident and adjunct faculty with substantial teaching experience who are publishing and active in their fields. In addition to the benefit of a robust program, the PhD in Theological Studies is also available to nonresident students, thus allowing you to remain in your current ministry if you are not able to move to Greenville. The non-resident format utilizes hybrid courses that blend independent research, online interaction, and one-week modules on the BJU campus.
Applicants for the PhD must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, competence in research and writing, and a high level of personal leadership and Christian character. 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 36 for those entering the program with an approved Master of Theology degree. The PhD application process includes competency exams in Hermeneutics and Exegetical Method, Old Testament (including Hebrew), New Testament (including Greek), and Biblical and Systematic Theology. At the end of your 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.

Theological Studies Program
Concentrations
- Biblical and Systematic Theology
- New Testament Interpretation
- Old Testament Interpretation
Preparing you for:
- College or Seminary Professor
- Scholar-Pastor
- Academy and Church Writer
Class Options
COURSES
Required Courses
- SNT 840: New Testament Hermeneutics & Exegetical Method (3)
- SNT 955: Seminar in Advanced New Testament Theology (3)
- SOT 840: Old Testament Hermeneutics & Exegetical Method (3)
- SOT 955: Seminar in Advanced Old Testament Theology (3)
- STh 805: Theological Research & Writing (3)
- STh 810: Theology & Philosophy of Ministry (3)
- STh 850: Advanced Theological Method (3)
- STh 871: Historical Theology: Ancient & Medieval Times (3)
- STh 872: Historical Theology: Reformation to Modern Times (3)
- STh 875: Contemporary Theology (3)
- STh 882: Issues in Biblical Ethics (3)
- STh 883: Seminar in Apologetics (3)
- STh 905: Christology (3)
- STh 907: Soteriology (3)
- STh 941: Advanced Biblical Theology (3)
- STh 945: Seminar in Biblical Intertextuality (3)
- STh 991: Teaching Internship (3)
- STh 992: Comprehensive Examinations (1)
- STh 993: Dissertation Prospectus (1)
- STh 994: Dissertation Research I (2)
- STh 995: Dissertation Research II (2)
- STh 996: Dissertation Research III (2)
- STh 997: Dissertation Defense (1)
Required Courses
- SNT 801: New Testament Word Study (3)
- SNT 807: Exegesis of Hebrews & the General Epistles (3)
- SNT 840: New Testament Hermeneutics & Exegetical Method (3)
- SNT 850: Seminar in New Testament Backgrounds (3)
- SNT 881: New Testament Textual Criticism (3)
- SNT 905: Advanced Greek Grammar (3)
- SNT 935: Seminar in Problems of New Testament Interpretation (3)
- SNT 955: Seminar in Advanced New Testament Theology (3)
- SOT 840: Old Testament Hermeneutics & Exegetical Method (3)
- STh 805: Theological Research & Writing (3)
- STh 810: Theology & Philosophy of Ministry (3)
- STh 850: Advanced Theological Method (3)
- STh 871: Historical Theology: Ancient & Medieval Times (3)
- STh 872: Historical Theology: Reformation to Modern Times (3)
- STh 941: Advanced Biblical Theology (3)
- STh 945: Seminar in Biblical Intertextuality (3)
- STh 991: Teaching Internship (3)
- STh 992: Comprehensive Examinations (1)
- STh 993: Dissertation Prospectus (1)
- STh 994: Dissertation Research I (2)
- STh 995: Dissertation Research II (2)
- STh 996: Dissertation Research III (2)
- STh 997: Dissertation Defense (1)
Required Courses
- SNT 840: New Testament Hermeneutics & Exegetical Method (3)
- SOT 801: Biblical Aramaic (3)
- SOT 809: Septuagint (3)
- SOT 840: Old Testament Hermeneutics & Exegetical Method (3)
- SOT 850: Seminar in Old Testament Backgrounds (3)
- SOT 901: Advanced Hebrew Exegesis: Poetical Books (3)
- SOT 902: Advanced Hebrew Exegesis: Isaiah (3)
- SOT 935: Seminar in Problems of Old Testament Interpretation (3)
- SOT 955: Seminar in Advanced Old Testament Theology (3)
- STh 805: Theological Research & Writing (3)
- STh 810: Theology & Philosophy of Ministry (3)
- STh 850: Advanced Theological Method (3)
- STh 871: Historical Theology: Ancient & Medieval Times (3)
- STh 872: Historical Theology: Reformation to Modern Times (3)
- STh 941: Advanced Biblical Theology (3)
- STh 945: Seminar in Biblical Intertextuality (3)
- STh 991: Teaching Internship (3)
- STh 992: Comprehensive Examinations (1)
- STh 993: Dissertation Prospectus (1)
- STh 994: Dissertation Research I (2)
- STh 995: Dissertation Research II (2)
- STh 996: Dissertation Research III (2)
- STh 997: Dissertation Defense (1)
Objectives
General
- Interpret Scripture in the original languages based on sound hermeneutics
- Assess theological issues following a precise methodology