Q: How long is the program?
A: The minimum length of the program is 3 1/2 years. Most students take 4-6 years. The maximum length is 7 years.

Q: What majors are offered?
A: Biblical Exposition, Biblical Theology, Christian Apologetics, Christian Education, Christian Ethics, Christian Leadership, Counselor Education and Supervision, Evangelism, Missiology, New Testament, Old Testament, Philosophy of Religion, and Theology.

Q: What is the application deadline?
A: September 1 for January admission, February 1 for August admission, or the following Monday if the deadline falls on a weekend. All materials, including GRE score reports, must be postmarked by the deadline.

Q: Do I have to live on campus?
A: Though not required, students are encouraged to live on campus and be a part of a scholarly community of learning. However, courses are taught only on the main campus. Seminars meet weekly, every two weeks, or 3 or 4 times during the semester. See PhD course schedules for specific dates and times.

All majors in the PhD program are available at a distance through synchronous interactive video as well as in the traditional classroom. Students who are unable to take advantage of the campus scholarly environment can participate fully in seminars and colloquia by joining the class sessions through live Internet connections. 

Q: What foreign language prerequisites are required?
A: Language requirements vary by major. See PhD Admission Requirements

Q: Can I complete prerequisites while in the PhD program?
A:If an applicant has nine or more hours of masters-level prerequisite courses to complete, it would be beneficial to apply to the stand-alone ThM program to complete his or her leveling work. This degree includes twelve hours of upper-level masters courses while also allowing the student to complete two PhD seminars, one reading seminar, and Introduction to Research and Writing, which all will transfer toward the PhD completion upon a potential future acceptance into that program after earning the ThM. 

If the applicant has six or less hours of masters-level prerequisite courses to complete, they may receive conditional acceptance to the PhD program contingent on completing all hours of leveling work within their first year in the program. Failure to complete these leveling hours within the first two semesters of program admittance may result in termination from the PhD program. If the applicant requires more than six hours masters-level prerequisite course to complete, the applicant should consider pursuing the Stand-Alone ThM.

Q: Is a GRE score required?
A: Applicants must submit GRE scores. GRE scores are part of a total package of items considered in reviewing an application. Official GRE score reports must be at the Office of Research Doctoral Studies by September 1 for January applications and February 1 for August applications, or the following Monday if the deadline falls on a weekend.

The GRE requirement is waived for applicants who hold the DMin or DEdMin degree from an ATS-accredited institution. See Advanced Placement for details.

Q: Is an interview required?
A: Yes, an applicant is required to have an interview with the division faculty of the intended major.

Q: Is an entrance examination required?
A: An entrance examination is required for applicants for all majors except Counselor Education and Supervision.

Q: Where should I stay when I come for the interview and entrance examination?
A: The seminary-owned Providence House is located across the street from the main campus for the convenience of students and seminary-related guests.

Q: Are internationals required to take the TOEFL?
A: Yes, unless they hold a degree from an English-based master's program. For other requirements related to internationals, see the section "International Students" on in the Graduate Catalog.

Q: Who makes a decision on an application?
A: The Seminary has a Doctoral Admissions Committee that reviews an applicant's file and makes a final decision regarding admission.

Q: When are admissions decisions made?
A: Admissions decisions normally are made in late October for spring admission and early April for fall admission.

Q: When should I apply?
A: An applicant should begin the process early enough to have all application materials and official GRE score reports to the Office of Research Doctoral Programs by September 1/February 1, or the following Monday if the deadline falls on a weekend.

Q: How do I get an application?
A: Application materials can be printed from the Seminary website.