Doctor of Philosophy
Practical Theology
Trinity’s Ph.D. Practical Theology is a European-style Ph.D. degree well suited for those who wish to deeply investigate an aspect of practical theology.
Program Purpose
Over the past forty years Practical Theology or applied theology has taken its rightful place in the academy.
For both practitioners and academics, the discovery of God’s work in the church and the world through rigorous and critical reading and learning is what practical theology affords. Practical theologians now make a huge contribution to every field of learning from missiology to church history and from Christian leadership to church ministry.
A European-style Ph.D. degree is typically a research program supported by careful supervision and peer interaction. It is thus well suited for those who wish to deeply investigate an aspect of practical theology.
With over seventy years of playing a leading role in the preparation of men and women for Christian ministry, Trinity Bible College and Graduate School is particularly well placed to offer the Ph.D. in Practical Theology.
Trinity’s Ph.D. Practical Theology is a research degree affording candidates a range of subject options over a wide spectrum of fields of study. The final degree is conferred upon the submission and successful defense of an 80,000-word dissertation, excluding footnotes and bibliography (with 10% variance allowed below or above the word count). Seminars are weighted at seven credits each with a dissertation submission weighted at four credits toward the end of the program.
Program Structure
The Ph.D. Practical Theology is a 60-credit program that can be completed in as few as four years.
- Access to the internet is required for the program.
- Students can enter the Ph.D. program either in June or October.
Program Objectives
This research degree aims to provide students with the opportunity for rigorous research in the field of Practical Theology. This is achieved by ensuring adequate faculty and peer review and careful supervision in order to produce:
- An original and substantial contribution to the body of literature represented by this academic discipline.
- Significant critical research and writing skills.
- Well-developed self-awareness in Christian character.
- A defensible biblical world view.
- An ability to teach in this area of research.
- A commitment to making a lifelong contribution to the academy and the community.
Program Outcomes
- The ability to apply advanced, systematic, and critical understanding in the field of Practical Theology.
- The ability to interpret a range of sources using a variety of tools, and critical and methodological approaches consistent with the discipline.
- The ability to relate advanced knowledge and research to wider theological, ecclesial, and professional communities.
- The ability to identify, locate, interpret, and analyze primary and secondary texts with confidence at an advanced level.
- The ability to exercise critical awareness of a wide variety of authors’, recognizing their differing stances and representing them without bias.
- The ability to engage critically and creatively with articles from peer reviewed journals and scholarly monographs.
- The ability to represent, evaluate, and explore complex and potentially incomplete knowledge relative to the research topic, and construct sustained arguments with theological reflection, drawing upon a range of sources and data.
- The ability to develop presentational skills showing a commitment to test evidence, assess arguments, and detect bias (both verbal and written).
- The ability to make advanced use of library facilities, appropriate IT in order to identify and locate sources.
- The ability to represent knowledge gained and communicate this with others in a way that demonstrates critical thought, identifies bias, and promotes biblical spirituality.
Seminar Descriptions
The coursework consists of eight live video conferencing Doctoral Seminars, each designed in sequence to guide the student through the process of developing their 80,000 word scholarly dissertation, which culminates in an oral defense of the project.
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Doctoral Seminar One
This is an introductory seminar preparing the student for doctoral level reading and writing. Students will be introduced to the various methods of research, critically evaluate current research as it applies to their chosen discipline, and identify the potential unique contribution to knowledge made by their study. Students will submit a pre-proposal.
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Doctoral Seminar Two
Students will identify, analyze, evaluate, and reflect critically on key sources relevant to their field of study. Students will submit a proposal and annotated bibliography of 10,000 words which will be peer reviewed by faculty and students.
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Doctoral Seminar Three
Correlating the proposed field of study with life-long learning, reflective practice, and personal spiritual formation. Students will demonstrate their understanding of research involving human subjects by successfully passing the CITI training courses and produce at least 10,000 words of their dissertation.
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Doctoral Seminar Four
Continued consultation with the supervisor, the candidate will provide a presentation of progress allowing for peer and faculty review.
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Doctoral Seminar Five
The candidate will continue to work with a supervisor and demonstrate progress in their field of study and evidence of relevant data collection. The candidate will present the progress of their work for peer and faculty review.
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Doctoral Seminar Six
A further submission of current research as agreed with the supervisor. Those candidates undertaking an empirical project will show relevant data collection and analysis.
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Doctoral Seminar Seven
Confirming the accuracy of the candidate’s work and her/his familiarity with the topic, methodology, and project as a whole.
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Doctoral Seminar Eight
The candidate will make a practiced defense of their research before faculty and peers.
Seminar Dates
June 19-21, 2024
Oct 15-16, 2024
April 23-24, 2025
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