Doctoral Studies
Called to Serve Equipped to Lead
Midwestern Seminary’s doctoral degrees equip you for the highest levels of study & ministry for the church
Dig Deep
Doctoral Programs
Discover the doctoral degree path that fits your calling in ministry. We’ve tailored our options to best fit your unique discipline and areas of interest, connecting your calling to world class resources for the Church.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Biblical Studies
We offer the Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies as an advanced research degree to prepare you for teaching and research in theological schools, colleges, and universities, as well as for the scholarly enhancement of ministerial practice.
- Standard
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Biblical Theology
- Standard
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Biblical Theology
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Theological Studies
We offer the Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies as an advanced research degree to prepare you for teaching and research in theological schools, colleges, and universities, as well as for the scholarly enhancement of ministerial practice.
- Systematic Theology
- Historical Theology
- Ethics
- Preaching
- Systematic Theology
- Historical Theology
- Ethics
- Preaching
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Applied Theology
We offer the Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Theology as an advanced research degree to prepare you for teaching and research in theological schools, colleges, and universities, as well as for the scholarly enhancement of ministerial practice.
- Biblical Counseling
- Apologetics
- Leadership
- Missiology
- Ecclesiology
- Biblical Spirituality
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
We offer our Doctor of Ministry as an advanced degree preparing you for leadership in local churches and denominational service. Ministers seeking growth in competencies, spiritual vitality, and character will greatly benefit from the professional doctoral degrees offered through Midwestern Seminary.
- Standard
- Apologetics
- Biblical Counseling
- Church Revitalization
- Ethics
- Expository Preaching
- Leadership (Available fully online)
- Missions
- Worship Leadership
- Ministry to Women
- Military Chaplaincy
- Standard
- Apologetics
- Biblical Counseling
- Church Revitalization
- Ethics
- Expository Preaching
- Leadership (Available fully online)
- Missions
- Worship Leadership
- Ministry to Women
- Military Chaplaincy
Master of Theology (ThM)
Our Master of Theology is offered to enable students of substantial ability to continue academic research.
- Standard
- Pedagogy
- Research Language
- Applied Theology
- Practical Theology
Doctor of Educational Ministry (DEdMin)
We offer our Doctor of Educational Ministry program as a professional doctorate designed to advance theologically competent leadership in a global context by equipping you with greater knowledge and skill sets that integrate the study of theology, education and discipleship for advanced ministerial and educational practice.
- Standard
- Worship Ministry
- Standard
- Worship Ministry
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Our Doctor of Education degree program prepares students for the advanced practice of Christian education and educational leadership in the academy, the local church, and in other denominational settings.
Student Testimonials
"Learning to listen to others and be curious about their distinctives was very refining, and provided an invaluable opportunity to grow more deeply in God's grace."
"An advanced theological degree is more than for the academy. It is essential and needed for serving the church."
"This faculty is trustworthy not only to declare Christian orthodoxy, but to care for the souls of Christ’s beloved sheep."
"My participation in the Residency has afforded me the blessing of a like-minded community of friends."
FAQ
Doctoral Programs
What are the basic requirements for admission?
Each doctoral program is designed to follow a particular type of master’s degree, but exceptions are available. To have your transcripts evaluated for the degree you are interested in, simply submit your file to the doctoral office for a personalized evaluation. Typically, the program choices are as follows:
- DMin follows an MDiv or equivalent.
- DEdMin & EdD follows a MACE or MARE or equivalent.
- PhD follows a ThM, MABL MDiv or other theological Master of Arts degree of 52 or more semester hours.
- ThM follows a MATS, MTS, MABL, and MABA.
What are the language requirements?
The professional doctorate degrees (DMin, DEdMin, EdD) do not generally require additional language studies. Most of the PhD emphases require 6 hours of Greek and 6 hours of Hebrew. All PhD programs require a graduate level research language (German, French, Latin or Statistics, as appropriate for the program of study) during the first two years of study. The PhD in Biblical Studies (no emphasis) requires 12 hours of both Greek and Hebrew; the PhD in Biblical Studies, OT emphasis requires 12 hours of Hebrew, 6 hours of Greek; the PhD in Biblical Studies, NT emphasis requires 6 hours of Hebrew, 12 hours of Greek.
How do the seminars work?
The doctoral seminars involve five-day intensive seminars. Generally, students take two or three seminars per year. Most seminars are held on the MBTS campus and require significant pre-seminar and post-seminar research and writing. The PhD, DMin, DEdMin and EdD programs also utilize online courses. Typical coursework for any seminar includes (but is not limited to) 500-800 pages of reading per credit hour, interviews/outlines/ projects, research papers and a comprehensive closing paper. Each seminar is designed to point students toward the end goal of a dissertation.
How long does the program take?
The Doctor of Ministry can be completed in three to four years. The Doctor of Educational Ministry and Doctor of Education can be completed in four to five years. The Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies can be completed in four to five years.
When are applications due?
The foundational seminar, Doctoral Studies Colloquium, is offered multiple times per year to allow for a timely start to your studies.
