Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
The Veritas Graduate School of Apologetics offers the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) as a three year academic degree that equips those interested in pursuing a professional career in academic research and teaching. This degree, which usually is a terminal program, prepares pastors, teachers, and others for apologetic research and teaching positions. The program combines 30 hours of graduate level Masters work with 60 hours of Doctoral studies, for a total of 90 hours.
Admission Requirements
For general admission standards, see the section on General Information. In addition, the following specific requirements are necessary for admission to the Ph.D. program (students lacking these specific requirements in their Masters degree may complete 30 hours of Masters level courses in the appropriate areas to qualify.):
1. A Masters degree from an accredited institution with a total of not less than 60 semester hours (or equivalency in quarter hours) in the following areas:
- 24 semester hours in Apologetics (1/2 may be in philosophy),
- 12 hours in Systematic Theology,
- 12 hours in Biblical Studies,
- 3 hours in Biblical Languages (including both Hebrew and Greek),
- 3 hours in Historical Theology, and
- at least 6 hours of other course work.
2. Present evidence of potential for original academic research by submitting a research paper or thesis.
3. A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in previous graduate studies.
4. Submit test scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test within one year of submitting application (GRE Code: 0005).
5. Qualified applicants will be required to undergo a personal interview on the main campus of Southern Evangelical Seminary with the admissions committee before proceeding through the final phase of the admission process.
Admission Deficiencies
Those applicants whose academic record does not include all the required prerequisite coursework must be admitted to other graduate programs to complete recommended and required work to remove deficiencies. Such students will be required to maintain a 3.5 GPA and demonstrate superior research skills. Such students may be required to submit an acceptable Masters thesis prior to acceptance as a Ph.D. student.
Entrance Examinations
After completing the admissions process, the student will take an entrance exam that allows the applicant to demonstrate basic knowledge in Theology, Biblical Studies, Apologetics, and other related course work.
Transfer Credit
Not more than four courses (12 hours) from other Ph.D. or equivalent research-based doctoral courses may be considered for transfer.
Program Requirements
Coursework
The following courses constitute the program for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Apologetics (required courses are listed):
Educational and Research Methods – 3 hours total
CE1003 Instructional Research and Teaching (3)
Apologetic Seminars – 21 hours total
AP1014 Religious Apologetics (3)
AP1015 Apologetic Systems (3)
AP1016 Philosophical Apologetics (3)
AP1017 Historical Apologetics (3)
AP1000 Electives (9)
Biblical Studies Seminars – 9 hours total
BL1001 Problems in Biblical Lower Textual Criticism (3)
OT1001 Old Testament Problems in Higher Criticism (3)
NT1001 New Testament Problems in Higher Criticism (3)
Systematic Theology Seminars – 12 hours total
ST/HT1000 Elective Courses (12)
Examinations and Dissertation –15 hours total
LC1001 First Research Language Competency (0)
LC1002 Second Research Language Competency (0)
EX1000 Comprehensive Exam Preparation (0)
EX1001 Comprehensive Exam (written) (2)
EX1002 Comprehensive Exam (oral) (2)
DS1000 Dissertation Proposal Preparation (2)
DS1001 Dissertation Research (9)
Masters Degree Prerequisite Transfer Requirements (30 hrs) see “Admission Requirements” above.
Total hours for Ph.D. in Apologetics Degree: 90 hours.
Language Requirements
Reading ability in two research languages is required, including at least one modern research language. Both languages must be completed prior to beginning comprehensive exams. Other proficiencies, such as biblical Hebrew, biblical Greek, and Latin may be necessary dependent upon the student’s chosen area of study. Proficiency must be demonstrated by passing language examinations offered by the Seminary.
Residency Requirement
The student must fulfill four successive semesters of full time (9 hrs. or more per semester) residency (i.e., course work completed on the main campus of Southern Evangelical Seminary) work.
Candidacy Requirements
Students will be admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree by action of the faculty only after (1) all residency and course requirements leading to the degree have been completed; (2) all language requirements, comprehensive written, and oral examinations have been passed; (3) evidence of proven Christian character and ability in Christian ministry demonstrated to the faculty; and (4) complete adherence to the doctrinal statement of Southern Evangelical Seminary as evidenced through an exit interview with the Doctor of Philosophy Director, Dean, and President.
The Dissertation
The student is required to produce a Dissertation that makes an original contribution to his or her field of study. Details of the Prospectus, Dissertation, and Defense are specified in the Ph.D. student handbook.
Graduation Requirements
See general “Graduation Requirements” in catalog. In addition, candidates for the Ph.D. degree must have completed the entire course program for that degree as set out in the catalog, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better, within the specified time limits. Submit, and have accepted, a dissertation according to the requirements in the program. The completion of these minimal requirements does not automatically qualify a student for the degree. The candidate must evidence to the satisfaction of the faculty proven Christian character and ability in Christian ministry.
Limitations and Program Continuation
The Ph.D. program must be completed within seven (7) years of enrollment. Applications for extensions to this time frame must be approved by the Academic Committee.