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.
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.
- Doctoral Seminar One
Seminar one 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.
- Doctoral Seminar Two
Students will identify, analyze, evaluate, and reflect critically on key sources relevant to their field of study. Students will also produce a publishable article and submit it for potential publication in an appropriate peer reviewed journal.
- Doctoral Seminar Three
Students will relate the proposed field of study with life-long learning, academic analysis, reflective practice and personal spiritual formation. Students will demonstrate their understanding of research involving human subjects by successfully passing the CITI training courses. Students will produce and submit a doctoral proposal, that once approved will move them to candidate status.
- Doctoral Seminar Four
During the dissertation phase the candidate will work closely with a supervisor to produce and submit introductory chapters of the dissertation. The seminar will consist of candidate-led discussions and presentations, peer review and consultation with supervisor.
- Doctoral Seminar Five
During the dissertation phase the candidate will work closely with a supervisor to produce and submit the research method chapter of the dissertation. The seminar will consist of candidate-led discussions and presentations, peer review and consultation with supervisor.
- Doctoral Seminar Six
During the dissertation phase the candidate will work closely with a supervisor to produce and submit the literature review chapter of the dissertation. The seminar will consist of candidate-led discussions and presentations, peer review and consultation with supervisor.
- Doctoral Seminar Seven
During the dissertation phase the candidate will work closely with a supervisor to produce and submit the findings chapter and final chapters of the dissertation. The seminar will consist of candidate-led discussions and presentations, peer review and final faculty assessment and approval of the dissertation.
- Doctoral Seminar Eight
The final seminar will include a practice defense of the candidate’s research before faculty and peers in preparation for the final defense.