Doctor of Theology Program

The Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) at Columbia Divinity is an advanced research degree designed to foster scholarly excellence, theological depth, and ecclesial engagement. The Th.D. program equips students to discover and extend theological knowledge and to cultivate expertise in teaching and research for the Church and the academy.

Theology at Columbia Divinity is understood as an interdisciplinary, contextually engaged discipline. The Th.D. program invites students to explore the doctrines, practices, and traditions of Christian communities in light of scripture, history, and contemporary challenges. Graduates are prepared to make significant contributions to theological scholarship and to the life and mission of faith communities.

The program is structured to provide:

A strong foundation in the major disciplines of theology, including biblical studies, historical theology, systematic theology, and ethics.
Interdisciplinary engagement with related fields, such as history, philosophy, social sciences, education, and the arts.
Advanced research skills for independent scholarly work.
Critical and creative theological reflection on the contemporary Church and society.

Concentrations

Students admitted into the Doctor of Theology program may concentrate their academic scholarship in one of the following areas:

Biblical Studies
Systematic Theology
Historical Theology
Ethics
Practical Theology
Mission and Evangelism
Spirituality
Church and Society

Program Policies

Coursework

The Th.D. requires a minimum of twelve doctoral-level courses:

Three required core seminars (e.g., Research Methods, Foundations in Theology, and Contextual Studies)
Six courses in the field of concentration or cognate fields
Three electives, selected in consultation with advisors

Courses must be completed with a grade B or higher. Two unsatisfactory grades will result in dismissal from the program.

Courses:

Core:

THEO 901: Foundations in Christian Theology
THEO 902: Research Methods and Theological Writing
THEO 903: Theology and Contemporary Contexts

Concentration Courses:

BIBL 921: Advanced Old Testament Exegesis
BIBL 922: Advanced New Testament Exegesis
BIBL 923: Hermeneutics and the History of Interpretation
BIBL 924: The Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Contexts
SYTH 931: Doctrine of God: Classical and Contemporary Perspectives
SYTH 932: Christology and Soteriology
SYTH 933: Theological Anthropology
SYTH 934: Pneumatology and the Work of the Spirit
HIST 941: Patristic and Medieval Theology
HIST 942: Reformation and Early Modern Theology
HIST 943: American and Global Christian Thought
HIST 944: Reading Primary Sources in Historical Theology
ETHC 951: Christian Ethics and Moral Theology
ETHC 952: Ethics, Society, and Public Theology
ETHC 953: Theological Approaches to Justice and Peace
ETHC 954: Bioethics and Human Dignity
PRTH 961: Theories and Methods in Practical Theology
PRTH 962: The Church and Social Change
PRTH 963: Theology of Ministry and Leadership
PRTH 964: Education, Formation, and Spirituality
MISS 971: Theology of Mission in Global Perspective
MISS 972: Evangelism and Discipleship
CNSC 981: Church and Culture
CNSC 982: Religion, Society, and Social Research

Elective Courses:

INTD 990: Theology and the Arts
INTD 991: Faith and Science in Dialogue
INTD 992: Religion and Psychology
INTD 993: Ecumenical and Interfaith Engagement
INTD 994: Feminist and Liberation Theologies
INTD 995: Theological Readings in Non-Western Christianity

Research Courses:

THEO 999: Dissertation Research Seminar
Ongoing seminar for the development, presentation, and peer review of dissertation projects.
THEO 998: Advanced Directed Study
Individualized study or research in a specialized area under the supervision of a faculty member.

Language Requirement

Students must demonstrate proficiency in two languages (Greek and Hebrew) prior to admission through prior graduate work, or through competency examination.

Research

The dissertation must present original research and make a significant contribution to the field of theology or ministry practice. The project should demonstrate advanced research skills, theoretical depth, and relevance to the Church’s witness and mission.

The research must include:

Statement of the Problem: Concisely state the research question and intended thesis.
Significance of the Problem: Justify the importance of the study for theological scholarship and/or ministry.
Method of Investigation: Describe primary sources, methods, and theoretical frameworks.
Sources of the Study: List resources and access plans (including archival, textual, or human subjects as appropriate).
Limitations and Timeline: Specify scope, limitations, and an estimated completion plan.
Working Outline: Provide a chapter outline and brief description.
Working Bibliography: Annotate primary and secondary sources.
Appendices and Definitions: Include research instruments, informed consent (if required), and definitions of specialized terms.

Student will be expected to participate in selecting Dissertation Supervisors (first and second readers) and scheduling an Oral Examination and Post Defense of work.

Doctoral Dissertation must be no less than 100,000 words.

Credit Hours

60 Credits Hours

Admission Requirements

Academic Qualificatinos

Applicants must hold a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or a closely related graduate theological degree from an accredited institution.
Academic records should reflect a high level of achievement, generally a minimum GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in all graduate theological coursework.
Applicants must demonstrate advanced theological competence and research skills appropriate to doctoral-level study.

Letters of Recommendation

A minimum of three strong recommendations is required.
At least two recommendations must come from recognized academic scholars who can speak to the applicant’s potential for advanced theological study and research.
One letter of recommendation must come from one prior graduate of Columbia Divinity

Writing Sample

A substantial academic writing sample (such as a research paper, thesis chapter, or published article) that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to engage critically with theological texts and construct a sustained scholarly argument.

Interview

Selected candidates may be invited for an interview with program faculty to assess academic readiness, theological maturity, and vocational clarity.

Tuition

$625 Per Credit Hour (60 Credit Hours) = $37,500

Additional Fees:
- Dissertation $500
- Graduation Request $225
- Non Refundable Application Fee $50

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Doctor of Theology Program

Concentrations

Program Policies

Elective Courses:

Research Courses:

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or a closely related graduate theological degree from an accredited institution.

Academic records should reflect a high level of achievement, generally a minimum GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in all graduate theological coursework.

Applicants must demonstrate advanced theological competence and research skills appropriate to doctoral-level study.

A minimum of three strong recommendations is required.

At least two recommendations must come from recognized academic scholars who can speak to the applicant’s potential for advanced theological study and research.

One letter of recommendation must come from one prior graduate of Columbia Divinity

A substantial academic writing sample (such as a research paper, thesis chapter, or published article) that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to engage critically with theological texts and construct a sustained scholarly argument.

Selected candidates may be invited for an interview with program faculty to assess academic readiness, theological maturity, and vocational clarity.

Tuition

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