Program Description

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Preaching is a 48-hour professionally based research degree. The degree is designed to equip pastor-scholars for scholarship in the field of homiletics.

Academic and Professional Requirements

• A master’s degree in Ministry, Divinity, or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning or one accredited by ATS, ABHE, or TRACS.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with at least one 3hr graduate course in preaching (leveling courses are available, should you not meet this standard).
• Official transcripts from all baccalaureate and graduate degrees.  Official transcripts are sealed and sent directly from one school to another. 
• An academic recommendation. The recommendation should be from a former professor who can vouch for the applicant’s academic ability.
• A minimum of three years of experience in a ministry vocation.
• Students applying for the Ph.D. should be serving in a ministry position that offers consistent preaching opportunities.
• A ministry resume including places of employment, philosophy of ministry, and academic background.
• Applicants should provide a link to a sermon (digital file, DVD, or equivalent) recorded in the applicant’s local context.
• Provide an 800-1000-word essay examining the preachers or writers on preaching who have most influenced homiletics since 1965. 
  • Explain the rationale for your selections. 
  • The essay should include a minimum of five external sources. 
• Provide a one-page description of your potential research interests in the field of homiletics.

Graduation Requirements

• Completion of 48 credit hours.
• Successful completion and defense of dissertation.
  • If students do not complete the dissertation after completing CHR 895, students will continue to repeat the course in subsequent semesters until the dissertation is complete.  
• Students must complete the program in 9 years.