Advanced research
Conduct advanced theological and biblical research using primary and secondary scholarly resources.
Highest research degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Truth Researched. Scripture Honored. Christ Proclaimed.
Karlstadt Theological Seminary’s Doctor of Philosophy prepares Christian scholars, theological educators, authors, and researchers for leadership in academia, church ministry, theological institutions, and global Christian scholarship.
Total credits
36 Credit Hours
Delivery format
Fully Online
Duration
4–5 Years
Dissertation
3 Credit Hours
Rigorous research for church and academy
Grounded in the authority of Scripture, evangelical conviction, and rigorous academic research, the PhD develops advanced competencies in biblical studies, theological analysis, scholarly writing, teaching, and original research.
Students engage deeply with primary sources, contemporary scholarship, and specialized disciplines within their chosen concentration while producing a dissertation that contributes to the advancement of theological knowledge.
Program learning outcomes
Specialized expertise
Demonstrate expertise within a specialized field of theological study.
Scholarly evaluation
Critically evaluate contemporary and historical scholarship.
Methodological inquiry
Apply advanced hermeneutical and methodological approaches to theological inquiry.
Original contribution
Produce original scholarly contributions suitable for publication.
Teaching preparation
Teach effectively at college, seminary, and university levels.
Evangelical scholarship
Defend evangelical doctrine through academically rigorous research.
Global service
Integrate faith, scholarship, and ministry for global Christian service.
Program milestones
Phase I · Year 1
Doctoral foundation
Establish advanced research competencies and complete foundational seminars in the chosen concentration.
- Research methods course
- Major foundational seminars
- Language assessment
- Development of research interests
- Faculty mentoring
Phase II · Years 1–3
Advanced specialization
Pursue concentration-specific seminars and elective studies that deepen expertise.
- Advanced discipline seminars
- Ancient language studies where applicable
- Colloquia and directed studies
- Teaching preparation
- Scholarly writing projects
Phase III · Year 3
Comprehensive examination & proposal
Complete written and oral comprehensive examinations and defend the dissertation proposal.
- Written comprehensive examinations
- Oral examination
- Dissertation proposal defense
- Faculty approval of dissertation topic
- Advancement to candidacy
Phase IV · Years 3–5
Dissertation research
Conduct original research under a three-member doctoral committee and prepare a publishable-quality dissertation.
- Dissertation research
- Annual progress reviews
- Oral dissertation defense
- Final manuscript submission
Research requirements
PD8100 · 1 Credit
Research Procedures
Required for Old Testament Studies and New Testament Studies
Introduces advanced library research, digital databases and scholarly tools, bibliographic methodology, academic writing standards, dissertation topic selection, research design, and style and formatting requirements.
TS8100 · 1 Credit
Research Methods
Required for Theological Studies
Covers research methodologies, thesis development, scholarly resources, academic argumentation, dissertation preparation, and doctoral orientation.
Three paths of doctoral research
Research Procedures 1 · Old Testament Core 24 · Electives 8 · Dissertation 3
Old Testament Studies
Develop expert competence in Hebrew Bible scholarship through advanced linguistic, exegetical, theological, and historical research.
OT8100
Old Testament Backgrounds
OT8101
Old Testament Criticism
OT8102
Historical Hebrew Grammar
OT8103
Foundations of Old Testament Biblical Theology
OT8104
Exegesis in the Torah
OT8105
Exegesis in the Prophets
OT8106
Exegesis in the Writings
OT8110
Old Testament Hermeneutics
OT8191
Dissertation in Old Testament Studies
Electives may include Akkadian, Ugaritic, Syriac, Coptic, Biblical Aramaic, Aramaic Targums, Dead Sea Scrolls, Northwest Semitic Inscriptions, Advanced Hebrew Readings, Old Testament Biblical Theology, Teaching the Old Testament, and Independent Doctoral Study.
Research Procedures 1 · New Testament Core 9 · Electives 23 · Dissertation 3
New Testament Studies
Equip scholars to conduct advanced research in New Testament backgrounds, theology, hermeneutics, and interpretation.
NT8100
New Testament Backgrounds
NT8101
History of New Testament Interpretation and Criticism
NT8102
New Testament Theology
NT8191
Dissertation in New Testament Studies
Advanced elective seminars may include Historical Jesus, Synoptic Gospels, Johannine Literature, Theology of Paul, Hebrews, James, Peter, Jude, Jewish Apocalyptic Literature, Revelation Studies, Cultural Context of the New Testament, Ancient Sources for New Testament Research, Teaching the New Testament, and Independent Doctoral Study.
Research Methods 1 · Core Courses 18 · Electives 14 · Dissertation 3
Theological Studies
Prepare scholars for advanced research in systematic theology, historical theology, doctrinal development, theological method, and evangelical thought.
TS8101
Seminar on Hermeneutics and Historiography
TS8102
Seminar on Theological Method
TS8103
Seminar on Modern Theology and Theologians
TS8104
Seminar on Evangelicalism
TS8106
Seminar on History of Doctrine
TS8107
Seminar on Theological Systems
TS8191
Dissertation in Theological Studies
Electives include Systematic Theology Colloquia in Trinity, Christology, Pneumatology, Anthropology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology; Historical Theology Colloquia in Patristic, Medieval, Reformation, Puritan, Modern Theology, and Global Christianity; plus Teaching Theological Studies and Independent Doctoral Study.
Capstone scholarship
Dissertation requirements
The dissertation is the capstone of doctoral study and must demonstrate original research, a significant scholarly contribution, critical interaction with relevant literature, methodological excellence, and biblical and theological integrity.
- Topic selection
- Dissertation proposal
- Committee approval
- Research and writing
- Oral defense
- Final submission
Students exceeding one year in the dissertation phase must register continuously in the Dissertation Continuation course until completion.
Research language
Language requirements
All PhD students must demonstrate reading proficiency in at least one modern research language. Additional language requirements may apply depending on the concentration and dissertation topic.
PD8101
Reading Theological French
Development of scholarly reading proficiency in theological French.
PD8102
Reading Theological German
Development of scholarly reading proficiency in theological German.
Admission requirements
Academic qualifications
- Accredited Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Accredited Master’s degree or equivalent, including MDiv, ThM, MTS, MA, or a related graduate theological degree.
Academic preparation
- Strong academic record.
- Demonstrated research and writing ability.
- English proficiency.
- Appropriate language preparation for the chosen field.
Application materials
- Completed PhD Application Form.
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Intellectual and vocational statement of 700–1,000 words.
- Scholarly research paper of up to 30 pages.
- Three academic recommendations.
- All academic transcripts.
- English proficiency examination, if applicable.
- Conduct declaration and full-time study statement.
A graduate profile shaped for faithful scholarship
Graduates emerge as scholar-teachers equipped to serve the church and academy through rigorous research, effective teaching, faithful biblical interpretation, theological reflection, academic publishing, and global Christian leadership.
Begin your PhD application