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A Ph.D. in Christian Studies is a postgraduate program of study that aims at extending knowledge on the history, beliefs and systems of the Christianity. Graduates commit to further studies for 3 to 5 years to delve deeper into a subfield within the more general field of study such as the scriptures, ecclesiastical polity, or Christian moral theology. Space is provided for the study of scriptures, commentaries, development of theological systems, its effects on society and the world, its relation to other religions and current matters.
Standard admission requirements for Ph.D. Christian Studies programs include the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test that tests the candidates’ verbal abilities, mathematical skills, critical thinking ability, and analytical writing skills. Certain universities might admit other forms, for example the Miller Analogies Test that assesses the understanding of the relationships of ideas, concepts and objects or the Graduate Management Admission Test which engages mathematical, verbal, analytical and writing skills. Common documents include the TOEFL or other standardized tests, academic records, proposal for research, and recommendation letters because the admission to the doctoral level is highly selective.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy (Christian Studies) |
| Duration | 3-5 years (full-time), may vary depending on the university |
| Course Level | Doctoral Level |
| Eligibility | Master's degree in Theology, Divinity, Religious Studies, or a closely related field, with a strong background in Christianity |
| Top Universities (International) | University of Oxford, University of Notre Dame, Duke University, University of Edinburgh, University of St. Andrews |
| Top Universities (India) | Serampore College (University), Union Biblical Seminary, Yavatmal Christian College, Madras Christian College, Andhra Christian Theological College |
| Entrance Exam | University-specific entrance exams, written exams focusing on biblical knowledge and theology, research proposal evaluation, and interview rounds |
1. A Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in theology or religious studies or an equivalent field with cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on undergraduate level.
2. Transcripts and recommendation letters from a prior university where the student demonstrated critical theological thinking and analysis skills. (35 words)
3. Using the areas of study, write a statement of purpose for research interests in Christianity and how the pursuit of a Ph.D. will enable the achievement of Christian scholarship.
4. An example of previous theological research/writing must be provided in the GRE analytical essay in order to demonstrate adequate proficiency.
5. Global candidates are supposed to take TOEFL/IELTS and obtain the minimum English language scores or be interviewed.
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Biblical Studies | Textual criticism, Hermeneutics, Old Testament Theology, New Testament Theology, Historical Context of the Bible, Genre and Literary Analysis |
| Church History | Early Church History, Medieval Church History, Reformation and Protestant Traditions, Catholic History, History of Christian Missions, History of Christian Thought |
| Systematic Theology | Doctrines of God (Theology Proper), Christology, Pneumatology (Holy Spirit), Soteriology (Salvation), Ecclesiology (Church), Eschatology (End Times), Biblical Ethics |
| Historical Theology | Development of Christian Doctrines, Patristics, Theology of specific historical periods (Medieval, Reformation, Modern), Theology of specific Christian traditions |
| Specialization | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Studies | Professor (Bible College/ Seminary), Biblical Scholar, Translator/Editor of Religious Texts | $60,000 - $100,000+ |
| Church History | Professor (Church History), Researcher, Museum Curator (Religious History), Church Archivist | $55,000 - $90,000 |
| Systematic Theology | Professor (Theology), Theologian, Religious Writer, Ethics Consultant | $65,000 - $100,000+ |
| Historical Theology | Professor (Historical Theology), Historian (Religious History), Denominational Historian | $50,000 - $80,000 |
