Midwestern School of Divinity

Ph.D. in Religious and Theological Studies

Degree Title: Doctor of Philosophy
Program Duration: 3-5 years

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Religious and Theological Studies is an advanced academic degree designed for scholars, theologians, and ministry professionals seeking to contribute original research to the field of theology and religion. The program emphasizes rigorous scholarly inquiry, critical engagement with historical and contemporary theological issues, and interdisciplinary research, with a unique focus on Afrocentric and cultural studies.
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Program Objectives

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Religious and Theological Studies will:

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of religious and theological disciplines.
  • Engage in original research contributing to the field of theology and religion.
  • Critically analyze theological and cultural issues with academic rigor and scholarly precision.
  • Integrate Afrocentric perspectives and cultural studies into theological research.
  • Prepare for leadership roles in academia, ministry, and public scholarship.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Religious and Theological Studies will:

  • Be prepared for academic teaching, writing, and research roles.
  • Contribute to the advancement of theological knowledge and religious studies.
  • Lead faith communities and organizations with scholarly and practical expertise.
  • Engage in public scholarship that bridges theology, culture, and social justice.

Admissions Requirements

Educational Background:

  • Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Arts in Theology, or equivalent from an accredited institution.


Academic Performance:

  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 in graduate-level coursework.


Application Materials:

  • Personal statement outlining research interests and career goals.
  • Academic writing sample (5,000 words minimum).
  • Letters of recommendation from academic or professional mentors.


Other Requirements:

  • Proficiency in research languages as required for the dissertation (if applicable).

Program Structure

Core Curriculum (18 Credit Hours)

Advanced Research Methods in Theology and Religion (3 credits)

  • Emphasis on qualitative, quantitative, and interdisciplinary research methods.


Foundations of Theology and Philosophy (3 credits)

  • Examination of major theological and philosophical traditions with contemporary applications.


Comparative Religious Studies (3 credits)

  • Study of major world religions with a focus on interfaith dialogue and comparative theology.


Biblical Studies: Advanced Exegesis and Interpretation (3 credits)

  • In-depth analysis of biblical texts using advanced hermeneutical methods.


Systematic Theology in a Global Context (3 credits)

  • Critical engagement with theological systems across cultural and global contexts.


Ethics and Theology in Contemporary Society (3 credits)

  • Exploration of ethical issues in light of theological principles and cultural frameworks.


Specialization in Afrocentric and Cultural Studies (12 Credit Hours)

Afrocentric Theology and Hermeneutics (3 credits)

  • Study of African and African-diasporic theological perspectives and interpretative frameworks.


Cultural Theology and Social Justice (3 credits)

  • Integration of cultural analysis with theological reflection to address issues of justice and equity.


Religion and Cultural Identity (3 credits)

  • Examination of the intersection of religion, culture, and identity formation.


Global Perspectives on Worship and Liturgy (3 credits)

  • Study of worship practices and liturgies from diverse cultural traditions.


Electives (12 Credit Hours)

Students may choose from the following or other approved courses:

  • History of Christianity and Afro-Diasporic Traditions (3 credits)
  • Theology and Ecology (3 credits)
  • Religious Education in Diverse Contexts (3 credits)
  • Theology of Suffering and Hope (3 credits)


Dissertation Research and Writing (18 Credit Hours)

Dissertation Proposal and Research Design (3 credits)

  • Development of a dissertation proposal, including research questions, methodologies, and literature review.


Dissertation Research (6 credits)

  • Conducting original research under faculty supervision.


Dissertation Writing and Defense (9 credits)

  • Completion of a 50,000–70,000-word dissertation demonstrating original research.
  • Oral defense of the dissertation before a faculty committee.