Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy
Christ Focused, Scripture Driven, Ministry Ready
You will gain the strategies and tools you need to meet your academic and professional ministry goals with Baptist Bible Seminary’s Doctor of Philosophy degree. From concentrations rooted in original language study to an emphasis on biblical scholarship and communication skills, you’ll be prepared to teach and communicate biblical truth with clarity.
Credit Hours
Mentorship
You’ll learn under faculty members who are passionate about helping you prepare theologically with an effective ministry mindset. These professors not only bring a high level of scholarship and the highest academic credentials; each one also has significant experience in churches and ministry settings. You will gain tangible strategies to correctly handle the Word of God, think critically and use discernment in your ministry.
Select Your Concentration
Engage in thorough research and writing with a focus on your own area of interest, by choosing one of four concentrations to customize your program to fit your academic and professional ministry goals.
Old Testament
New Testament
Systematic Theology
Bible Exposition
Your Courses
Complete this non-residential program in one-week, on-campus modules backed by twelve weeks of additional online study wherever it is most convenient for you. Select classes are available completely online. This flexibility allows you to further your ministry while you pursue the degree that can enhance your ministry.
Depending on your background and previous theological education, the program will require either 39 credit hours (entering with Th.M.) or 60 credit hours (entering with M.Div.). This program is expected to be completed in seven years.
Based on a Master of Divinity
Ph.D. Core Courses—9 credits
OT1 Seminar in Old Testament Hermeneutics and Exegetical Method
NT1 Seminar in New Testament Hermeneutics and Exegetical Method
TH1 Seminar in Advanced Theological Method
Ministry Philosophy Core—3 credits (choose one of the following courses)
MP1 Developing Effective Leadership Skills
MP2 The Centrality of the Scriptures in Ministry
MP3 Current Trends in Global Ministry
Teaching & Communication Methods—3 credits
PHD1 Advanced Bible Teaching and Communication Methods
Theological Language Courses—2 credits
PH71 Reading Theological German (1)
PH72 Reading Theological French (1)
Professional Teaching Practicum—2 credits
PH14 Professional Teaching Practicum (2)
Comprehensive Exams Preparation—0 credits
PH15 Comprehensive Exams Preparation (0)
Area of Concentration—21 credits (choose seven 3-credit courses)
Old Testament/Hebrew
New Testament/Greek
Systematic Theology
Bible Exposition
Electives from Other Departments—9 credits (three 3-credit courses)
Dissertation Sequence—11 credits
PH91 Dissertation Reading & Proposal (3)
PH92 Dissertation Reading & Research (4)
PH93 Dissertation Reading, Writing, & Defense (4)
Program
Start Dates
April 26, 2021
August 23, 2021

Fast Facts
Baptist Bible Seminary’s facts underscore the commitment to your success!
top faith-based online college in Pennsylvania
best value online: most affordable Bible and Christian colleges
best online college in Pennsylvania
Nationally recognized as 1st for affordability
The careful mentoring of BBS faculty shaped my research and writing skills, provided stimulating interaction with other Ph.D. students, enhanced my teaching craft, and fostered long-term friendships with faculty and students. I received much more than I had anticipated when I enrolled.

Program Highlights
- You will engage in a collaborative learning environment, challenging you to develop teaching and communication skills.
- You will employ a grammatical, historical method of biblical interpretation in light go the progress of revelation.
- Take advantage of on-campus living or accommodations in the nearby region.
Biblical Languages
With a strong emphasis in biblical scholarship, you will develop your ability to research the Bible while using biblical languages. Your study will train you to teach and communicate biblical truth with clarity in a university, seminary, public speaking ministry and in publications.
Join Our Community
Mentorship and community are hallmarks of a BBS education, and you’ll experience that culture in both our online and module courses. Expect to find the support, encouragement and advice you need to reach your goals.
earn your doctorate in as little as seven years
credit hours
cost per credit (before any discounts)
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