Doctor of Philosophy
Prepare for Your Career as a Seminary Professor or Dean with our Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies Degree Program
The PhD in Biblical Studies program is for those who want to teach in post-secondary theological higher education both nationally and internationally. If you want a program that offers you the advanced knowledge and skills needed to research, write, and make a scholarly contribution to the fields of Old Testament or New Testament Studies, the PhD in Biblical Studies program is for you.
What You'll Learn
- Research and write at an advanced level of biblical scholarship under the functional authority of Scripture.
- Make a scholarly contribution to the field of Old Testament or New Testament Studies.
- Present research results in a professional, organized, coherent, and structured manner in both written and oral form.
- Function responsibly in the context of a supervisory relationship while exhibiting CIU’s core value of victorious Christian living.
Program Length
Three years of full-time study or five years of part-time study.
Why Study Biblical Studies Online at CIU?
- Program design allows you to focus on research and writing from the beginning of your studies.
- Non-residential modality allows you to pursue your degree without relocating.
- Experienced faculty mentors provide individualized guidance in areas of their particular expertise.
- Accredited regionally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, nationally by the Association of Biblical Higher Education, and professionally by the Association of Theological Schools.
Admission Requirements
- Application
- Official transcript from accredited institution (all graduate level work)
- Completed MA, MDiv, or ThM with 3.5 GPA
- Submit Master’s thesis or major research paper, approximately 5,000-6,000 words (20-24 pages)
- Submit research proposal (approximately 500 words)
- Biblical languages:
- Biblical Studies: New Testament (4 semesters of Greek; 2 semesters of Hebrew)
- Biblical Studies: Old Testament (4 semesters of Hebrew; 2 semesters of Greek)
- 2 Academic References
- Interview with admissions committee
- *International requirements when appropriate
Graduates with a Ph.D.in Biblical Studies degree can go on to become:
- Instructors and leaders in global theological education
- Seminary and University instructors in North America
- Academic deans
- Consultants on theological education
- Authors and editors
The online Ph.D. in Biblical Studies consists of 45 credit hours.
Foundation (9)
- BLG 9690 - Biblical Languages Competency Credits: 0
- BIB 9200 - Issues and Methods in Biblical Studies Credits: 3
- BIB 9400 - Principles of Teaching, Learning, and Course Design Credits: 3
- BIB 9900 - Dissertation Proposal Credits: 3
Dissertation (36)
Please note the Research Language I prerequisite for BIB 9901 and the Research Language II prerequisite for BIB 9904
- BIB 9901 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Research I Credits: 6
- BIB 9902 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Research II Credits: 6
- BIB 9903 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Research III Credits: 6
- BIB 9904 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Writing I Credits: 6
- BIB 9905 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Writing II Credits: 6
- BIB 9906 - Biblical Studies Dissertation Review & Defense Credits: 6