The Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) is an advanced research degree designed to develop scholarly leadership for Christian churches and for work in the community of theological scholarship throughout the world. The degree is offered in history, theology, pastoral care and counseling and congregational mission and leadership. The program is deliberately theological and confessional without compromising its commitment to academic excellence and accountability.
Application period for the 2020-2021 academic year (fall semester start) is closed. The application for 2021-2022 academic year is scheduled to open in August 2020.
Prerequisites
You must have a previous graduate-level theological degree from an accredited theological school. This could be a Master of Arts (in theological studies), Master of Divinity, or Bachelor of Divinity degree (or its equivalent).
Degree Requirements
The Ph.D. program is normally completed in four years. Students must complete a total of twelve courses, two language examination, comprehensive exams, a thesis proposal, and a thesis. For a complete overview of degree requirements, please see the course catalog.
Language requirements
Language examinations are given in French, German, Spanish and Latin. Students wishing to be examined in a language other than those listed must petition the GTE Office. Primary consideration is given to the relevance of the request to the student’s planned research.
International students whose native language is other than English may satisfy the language requirement passing an exam in English composition.
Language exams are administered by the GTE Office. Both language examinations must be passed before the comprehensive exam proposal is submitted. Dictionaries and grammars may be used, and the criterion for a passing grade is the demonstrated ability to make regular research use of the language.
Comprehensive Examinations
After completing course requirements and language examinations, Ph.D. students prepare for comprehensive examinations. The comprehensive examination proposal will be presented by the faculty advisor to their respective Division, no later than February of the second year. Each student must pass two comprehensive examinations taken during the residency period between the second and third year of the program.
Thesis proposal
After completing comprehensive exams, Ph.D. students prepare a thesis proposal in consultation with a faculty advisor. The thesis proposal must be approved by the faculty division and the Graduate Theological Education Office before students may begin the thesis writing process.
Thesis
The Ph.D. thesis is intended to demonstrate the student’s ability to pursue research in the area of concentration. The thesis is not necessarily an original contribution to scholarship, but it may not simply duplicate existing scholarship on the topic.
Transfer of Credit
Up to three courses, not applied toward another degree, may be transferred to the Ph.D. degree from previous work at Luther Seminary (including its satellite centers) or other accredited institutions. Transfer of this credit requires approval of the Graduate Theological Education office. View and print the graduate petition form.
If you do not find the information you are looking for here, contact one of Luther Seminary’s staff members dedicated to working with Ph.D. students:
Graduate Theological Education
651-523-1647
gte@luthersem.edu
Concentrations
The Ph.D. program is designed to give students flexibility to propose and engage in a course of study that is individualized, interdisciplinary, integrative, contextual, and cross-cultural in nature. Students in consultation with their principal adviser and the Graduate Theological Education office will craft a concentration that embodies their research interests and provides coherence to their study. These areas of concentration are expected to draw upon the established academic discourses of Bible, church history, theology, and practical theology, and to be in creative interdisciplinary conversation with the primary thrust of the program. Examples of possible areas of concentration include Systematic Theology, Christian Ethics, Reformation Studies, Church History, Congregational Mission and Leadership, New Testament, Old Testament, Biblical Preaching, Youth and Family Ministry, Christian Education, Liturgical Studies, Pastoral Care and Counseling, and Global Christianity.
Admissions Criteria
You must have a previous graduate-level theological degree from an accredited theological school. This could be a Master of Arts (in theological studies), Master of Divinity, or Bachelor of Divinity degree (or its equivalent).
Admissions will be based on the feasibility of the research interest or area of study proposed and the willingness and availability of one or more Luther Seminary faculty to oversee the student’s work on a continuing basis through graduation. Students should have evidence of sufficient technological availability in their contexts to support distance learning.
International Applicants
International applicants will be required to post an acceptable TOEFL or IELTS score, or submit other evidence indicating reading, writing and listening skills in the English language sufficient for graduate study at Luther Seminary. Priority may be given to qualified applicants who are recommended and given funding by entities with which the program may develop strategic alliances, such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran World Federation and their ecumenical partners and members.
Costs and Key Dates
Full scholarship and tuition are available on a competitive basis. For more information, see the Tuition and Fees page.
The application for admission will be available in August 2019. The deadline for application is January 1, 2021 for the 2021-2022 academic year (Fall 2021 start).