The Midwestern Seminary Ph.D.
Overview
Academic Scholarship for the Church
The doctoral study programs of MBTS equip and train leaders for the church. They provide a high level of professional competence for ministry in the local church, the marketplace, and the academy.
Available: Residential & Online
52
Credit hours
10
Seminars
4-5
Years to complete
$3,745
Per semester
The Midwestern Ph.D.
At a Glance
Discover what makes the Doctor of Philosophy of Midwestern one of the fastest growing doctoral progams in the country.
The Midwestern Ph.D.
Explore what all the Ph.D. program has to offer at MBTS including degrees, admissions requiremenets, FAQs, curriculum, and more.
Ph.D. Core Courses
The Doctor of Philosophy degree at Midwestern has a 52-hour core that is required for all students completing the program. Every student can complete the core and then add on electives or a concentration for further focused study.
- BS 2210 Old Testament Survey I
- BS 2211 Old Testament Survey II
- BS 2310 New Testament Survey I
- BS 2311 New Testament Survey II
- BS 2200 Elementary Hebrew I
- BS 2201 Elementary Hebrew II
- BS 2300 Elementary Greek I
- BS 2301 Elementary Greek II
- BS 2400 Introduction to Hermeneutics
- HT 3100 History of Christianity I
- HT 3101 History of Christianity II
- HT 3110 Baptist History
- HT 3200 Theology I
- HT 3201 Theology II
- HT 3300 Introduction to Apologetics
- HT 3400 Christian Ethics
- MN 5006 Biblical Spirituality
- MN 5161 Expository Preaching I: Sermon Prep Practicum*
- MN 5161 Expository Preaching II: Sermon Delivery Practicum*
- MN 5201 Evangelism
- MN 5430 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry*
- MS 7011 Missiology
- CE 8345 Biblical Leadership and Administration for the Church
Choose one of the following:
- MN 5468 Leadership Practicum
- BC 5510 Biblical Counseling in the Local Church
- CM 9100 Biblical Foundations of Worship
*All female students will take CE8110, CE8111, and CE8411 in lieu of these courses.
M.Div. Standard
- M.Div. Core (72 hours)
- Electives (9 hours)
- Total Hours (81 hours)
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*All M.Div. students must complete the core coursework and then select a concentration to complete their degree.
M.Div. Biblical LanguageS
In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Biblical Languages concentration will be able to do the following:
- Translate the biblical text for exegetical evaluation
- Establish the text using appropriate textual critical tools
Curriculum
- M.Div. Core (72 hours)
- Biblical Languages Concentration (18 hours)
- BS 2203 Intermediate Hebrew I
- BS 2204 Intermediate Hebrew II
- BS 2303 Intermediate Greek I
- BS 2304 Intermediate Greek II
- GS 1899 Research Capstone
- 3 Hours Electives
- Total Hours (90 hours)
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, Biblical Languages Concentration cultivates a Christian lifestyle, offers instruction in classical theological disciplines, and develops ministry skills in biblical languages.
M.Div. biblical theology
In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Biblical Theology concentration will be able to do the following:
- Defend the core doctrines of the Christian faith in contrast to non-Christian views.
- Distinguish and relate the discipline of biblical theology to both exegesis and systematic theology
Curriculum
- M.Div. Core (72 hours)
- Biblical Theology Concentration (15 hours)
- HT 3230 Biblical Theology
- HT 3203 Tradition and Scripture
- BS 2203 Intermediate Hebrew I and
- BS 2204 Intermediate Hebrew II or
- BS 2303 Intermediate Greek I and
- BS 2304 Intermediate Greek II
- GS 1899 Research Capstone
- Electives (3 hours)
- Total Hours (90 hours)
M.Div. Apologetics and Evangelism
In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Apologetics and Evangelism concentration will be able to do the following:
- Defend the core doctrines of the Christian faith in contrast to non-Christian views
- Present the Gospel of Jesus Christ with biblical consistency, logical coherence, and contextual awareness
Curriculum
- M.Div. Core (72 hours)
- Apologetics and Evangelism Concentration (9 hours)
- MS 7016 World Religions
- HT 3232 Survey of Historical Theology
- GS 1899 Research Capstone
- Electives (9 hours)
- Total Hours (90 hours)
M.Div. Christian Theology
In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Christian Theology concentration will be able to do the following:
- Defend theological positions with special attention to their historical development
- Explain the ministerial implications of a given theological position
Curriculum
- M.Div. Core (72 hours)
- Christian Theology Concentration (12 hours)
- HT 3203 Tradition and Scripture
- HT 3232 Survey of Historical Theology
- MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
- GS 1899 Research Capstone
- Electives (6 hours)
- Total Hours (90 hours)
M.Div. Christian Education
In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Christian Education concentration will be able to do the following:
- Apply the principles of Christian education to the work of educational leadership
- Apply sound developmental theory to age-group ministry
- Demonstrate skill needed for educational administration.
Curriculum
- M.Div. Core (72 hours)
- Christian Education Concentration (15 hours)
- CE 8411 Age Group Ministry*
- CE 8110 Principles of Teaching I*
- CE 8111 Principles of Teaching II*
- CE 8134 Issues in Christian Education
- GS 1899 Research Capstone
- Electives (3 hours)
- Total Hours (90 hours)
*Female students in the MDiv-CE take CE 8110 and CE 8111 in place of MN 5161 and MN 5162 and CE 8411 in place of MN 5430 within the foundational core. Because of these substitutions, 9 additional elective hours are required for female students in the MDiv-CE.
M.Div. Church planting
In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Church Planting concentration will be able to do the following:
- Apply operative principles to the work of church planting
- Plant healthy churches in a variety of ministry settings.
Curriculum
- M.Div. Core (72 hours)
- Church Planting Concentration (18 hours)
- MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
- MN 5409 Leadership Formation Practicum
- MN 5490 Ministry Stewardship Practicum
- MS 7660 Church Planting Leadership Practicum
- MS 7664 Outreach Strategies and Methods Practicum
- GS 1899 Research Capstone
- Total Hours (90 hours)
Students graduating from the M.Div. degree with Church Planting program will be able to develop a Great Commission perspective that is demonstrated by skills in evangelism, equipping disciples, preaching and teaching, corporate worship, and leadership. They will utilize church planting skills in ministry, and demonstrate the commitment necessary to start healthy, reproducing congregations in a North American context.
M.Div. Church revitalization
In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Church Revitalization concentration will be able to do the following:
- Diagnose hindrances to a church’s health in light of biblical ecclesiology.
- Apply biblical principles of mission and stewardship to organizational change.
Curriculum
- M.Div. Core (72 hours)
- Church Revitalization Concentration (18 hours)
- MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
- MN 5409 Leadership Formation Practicum
- MN 5490 Ministry Stewardship Practicum
- MS 7030 Biblical Foundations of Church Renewal Practicum
- MS 7032 Church Renewal Practicum
- GS 1899 Research Capstone
- Total Hours (90 hours)
M.Div. discipleship
In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Discipleship concentration will be able to do the following:
- Implement strategies for evangelism and discipleship in light of biblical spirituality and ecclesiology.
- Apply sound pedagogical principles to effectively teach biblical and theological lessons.
Curriculum
- M.Div. Core (72 hours)
- Discipleship Concentration (18 hours)
- MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
- CE 8411 Age Group Ministry*
- CE 8110 Principles of Teaching I*
- CE 8111 Principles of Teaching II*
- GS 1899 Research Capstone*
- Electives (3 hours)
- Total Hours (90 hours)
Female students in the MDiv-D take CE 8110 and CE 8111 in place of MN 5161 and MN 5162 and CE 8411 in place of MN 5430 within the foundational core. Because of these substitutions, 9 elective hours are required for female students in the MDiv-D.
M.Div. ministry leadership
In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Ministry Leadership concentration will be able to do the following:
- Implement a theologically founded and contextualized approach to ministry.
- Enhance a given ministry’s missional alignment
Curriculum
- M.Div. Core (72 hours)
- Ministry Leadership Concentration (12 hours)
- MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
- MN 5409 Leadership Formation Practicum
- MN 5490 Ministry Stewardship Practicum
- GS 1899 Research Capstone
- Electives (6 hours)
- Total Hours (90 hours)
M.Div. Missions
In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Missions concentration will be able to do the following:
- MDiv students with the Missions concentration will be able to demonstrate skills necessary to start Baptist churches in international settings.
Curriculum
- M.Div. Core (72 hours)
- Missions Concentration (18 hours)
- MS 7016 World Religions
- MS 7207 Missionary Anthropology Practicum
- MS 7209 Cross-Cultural Communication and Language Learning
- MS 7217 International Church Planting Practicum
- MS 7221 Cross-Cultural Church Planting Practicum
- GS 1899 Research Capstone
- Total Hours (90 hours)
MN 5490 Ministry Stewardship Practicum, MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum, and MN 7664 Outreach Strategy and Methods Practicum can be substituted for MS 7209 Cross-Cultural Comm. & Language Learning, MS 7217 International Church Planting Practicum, and MS 7221 Cross Cultural Church Planting Practicum, respectively.
M.Div. Preaching and pastoral ministry
In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Preaching and Pastoral Ministry concentration will be able to do the following:
- Exercise biblically appropriate pastoral leadership
- Deliver biblically sound expository sermons.
Curriculum
- M.Div. Core (72 hours)
- Preaching and Pastoral Ministry Concentration (18 hours)
- HT 3230 Biblical Theology
- HT 3203 Tradition and Scripture
- MN 5130 Advanced Expository Preaching
- MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
- GS 1899 Research Capstone
- Electives (3 hours)
- Total Hours (90 hours)
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, Preaching and Pastoral Ministry Concentration is designed to prepare men called to serve as pastor of a local congregation. The concentration provides a foundation of biblical studies, exposition and ministry skills designed to prepare pastors for service in the local church.
*Male students only
M.Div. Student ministry
In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Student Ministry concentration will be able to do the following:
- Lead effectively in adolescent and young adult ministry
- Design biblical lessons for adolescents and young adults.
Curriculum
- M.Div. Core (72 hours)
- Student Ministry Concentration (12 hours)
- MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
- CE 8411 Age Group Ministry*
- CE 8485 Youth Ministry Practicum
- GS 1899 Research Capstone
- Electives (6 hours)
- Total Hours (90 hours)
Female Students who must take 8411 as part of their foundational core will have 3 additional hours of electives.
M.Div. Ministry to Women
In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Ministry to Women concentration will be able to do the following:
- Demonstrate understanding of the biblical and theological foundations of women’s ministry in the local church
- Demonstrate increased skill in the practice and leadership of women’s ministries in the local church.
Curriculum
- M.Div. Core (72 hours)
- Ministry to Women Concentration (12 hours)
- MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
- MN 5901 Biblical Theology of Womanhood
- MN 5910 Women’s Ministry Practicum
- GS 1899 Research Capstone
- Electives (6 hours)
- Total Hours (90 hours)
*Female students only
M.Div. biblical Counseling
In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Biblical Counseling concentration will be able to do the following:
- Evaluate secular and integrative counseling models based on biblical and historical perspectives.
- Interpret and apply Scripture to soul-care in local church and related settings using appropriate hermeneutical principles.
- Address the most common counseling problems and challenges of counseling using appropriate methods of biblical counseling.
- Formulate a personal strategy of biblical counseling for ministry in the local church.
Curriculum
- M.Div. Core (72 hours)
- Biblical Counseling Concentration (18 hours)
- BC 5501 Biblical Counseling & Psychological Theories
- BC 5511 Biblical Interpretation and Counseling Methods
- BC 5512 History and Theology of Soul-Care
- BC 5513 Biblical Counseling & Emotional Issues
- BC 5514 Addictive Behaviors & Biblical Counseling
- BC 5522 Marriage & Family Counseling
- Total Hours (90 hours)
*Students pursuing the Master of Divinity (MDiv) in Biblical Counseling must select BC5510 Biblical Counseling in the Local Church as part of their foundational core requirements.
M.Div. Worship ministries
In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Biblical Counseling concentration will be able to do the following:
- Demonstrate leadership skill that is appropriate to worship ministry
- Demonstrate specialized skill in music performance
- Apply standard music theory to the work of worship leadership.
Curriculum
- M.Div. Core (60 hours)
- BS 2210 Old Testament Survey I
- BS 2211 Old Testament Survey II
- BS 2310 New Testament Survey I
- BS 2311 New Testament Survey II
- BS 2400 Introduction to Hermeneutics
- HT 3232 Survey of Historical Theology
- HT 3110 Baptist History
- HT 3200 Theology I
- HT 3201 Theology II
- HT 3300 Introduction to Apologetics
- HT 3400 Christian Ethics
- MN 5201 Evangelism
- MN 5006 Biblical Spirituality
- MN 5161 Expository Preaching I: Sermon Prep Practicum*
- MN 5162 Expository Preaching II: Sermon Delivery Practicum*
- MS 7011 Missiology
- CE 8345 Biblical Leadership & Administration for the Church
- CM 9100 Biblical Foundations for Worship
- Choose one of the following:
- MN 5468 Leadership Practicum
- BC 5510 Biblical Counseling in the Local Church
- Worship Ministries Core (12 hours)
- CM 9205 Survey of Christian Worship & Congregational Song
- CM 9401 Worship Ministry Administration
- CM 9403 Corporate Worship Leadership
- CM 9421 Worship Technology
- Worship Ministries Practicum (9 hours)
- CM 9103 Preparing Vocalists for Worship
- CM 9104 Preparing Instrumentalists for Worship
- CM 9565 Integrative Worship Ministry Experience
- Applied Music Lessons (3 hours)
- Choose major lesson area from voice, guitar, or piano (3 consecutive semesters at one (1) credit hr per semester).
- Music Ensemble Participation (3 hours)
- CM 9582 North Oak Band (2 Credit)**
- CM 9583 Voices of Midwestern (1 Credit)**
- Total Hours (90 hours)
*Female students take CE 8110 Principles of Teaching I in lieu of MN 5161 Expository Preaching I and CE 8111 in lieu of MN 5162 Expository Preaching II. Additionally, female students take CE 8411 Age Group Ministry in lieu of MN 5430 Intro to Pastoral Ministry.
**Auditions are required for North Oak Band while no audition is necessary for Voices of Midwestern.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the general criteria for admission to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, applicants to PhD, Applied Theology degree programs must satisfy the following criteria:
- Hold an earned (a) ATS accredited Master of Divinity degree or (b) a masters degree in a theological or related discipline from an accredited institution.
- Have a 3.0 grade point average or above on a 4.0 scale for all graduate-level studies.
- Demonstrate foundational competency in biblical hermeneutics/interpretation, normally to be satisfied by taking a graduate-level hermeneutics.
International applicants must also submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination. For the internet-based test (iBT), a minimum total score of 80 is required with a minimum of 20 on each of the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sub-sections. Other forms of the TOEFL exam are not accepted unless prior approval is obtained from the Doctoral Academic Policies Committee.
Applicants not meeting all admission requirements may petition to enter the program under provisional status. For information about this process please contact the Doctoral Studies Office (877-414-3755 or [email protected]).
Language Requirements
- Biblical languages are encouraged, but not required for the PhD, Applied Theology.
- Students in Applied Theology would be able to satisfy the research language requirement either by (a) taking one of the standard research languages used in Biblical Studies or Theological Studies, (b) demonstrating competence in a language used currently in an international ministry setting, or (c) 34300 Applied Statistics [2 hrs].
Admission Requirements
In addition to the general criteria for admission to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, applicants to PhD, Applied Theology degree programs must satisfy the following criteria:
- Hold an earned (a) ATS accredited Master of Divinity degree or (b) a masters degree in a theological or related discipline from an accredited institution.
- Have a 3.0 grade point average or above on a 4.0 scale for all graduate-level studies.
- Demonstrate foundational competency in biblical hermeneutics/interpretation, normally to be satisfied by taking a graduate-level hermeneutics.
International applicants must also submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination. For the internet-based test (iBT), a minimum total score of 80 is required with a minimum of 20 on each of the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sub-sections. Other forms of the TOEFL exam are not accepted unless prior approval is obtained from the Doctoral Academic Policies Committee.
Applicants not meeting all admission requirements may petition to enter the program under provisional status. For information about this process please contact the Doctoral Studies Office (877-414-3755 or [email protected]).
Language Requirements
- Biblical Studies Emphasis: 12 hours Greek, 12 hours Hebrew, 3 hours German or French
- Old Testament Emphasis: 6 hours Greek, 12 hours Hebrew, 3 hours German or French
- New Testament Emphasis: 12 hours Greek, 6 hours Hebrew, 3 hours German or French
- Biblical Theology Emphasis: 6 hours Greek, 6 hours Hebrew, 3 hours German or French
Admission Requirements
In addition to the general criteria for admission to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, applicants to PhD, Applied Theology degree programs must satisfy the following criteria:
- Hold an earned (a) ATS accredited Master of Divinity degree or (b) a masters degree in a theological or related discipline from an accredited institution.
- Have a 3.0 grade point average or above on a 4.0 scale for all graduate-level studies.
- Demonstrate foundational competency in biblical hermeneutics/interpretation, normally to be satisfied by taking a graduate-level hermeneutics.
International applicants must also submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination. For the internet-based test (iBT), a minimum total score of 80 is required with a minimum of 20 on each of the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sub-sections. Other forms of the TOEFL exam are not accepted unless prior approval is obtained from the Doctoral Academic Policies Committee.
Applicants not meeting all admission requirements may petition to enter the program under provisional status. For information about this process please contact the Doctoral Studies Office (877-414-3755 or [email protected]).
Language Requirements
- Historical Theology Emphasis: 6 hours Greek, 6 hours Hebrew, 3 hours German, French or Latin
- Systematic Theology Emphasis: 6 hours Greek, 6 hours Hebrew, 3 hours German, French or Latin
- Ethics Emphasis: 6 hours Greek, 6 hours Hebrew, 3 hours German, French or Latin
- Preaching Emphasis: 6 hours Greek, 6 hours Hebrew, 3 hours German, French or Latin
Admission to the PhD program generally requires either (a) an ATS accredited Master of Divinity or (b) a similar accredited theological graduate degree of at least 52 hours in duration, such as the Master of Arts in Biblical Languages. The minimum GPA for admission is 3.0. Students with shorter degrees will need to demonstrate appropriate leveling and language study.
Students completing the basic 45 hour MTS degree at Midwestern have several options to “fast-track” into their doctoral studies.
- DEdMin: Graduates will need an additional 8-9 hours in Christian Education courses. (Total degree plus leveling 52 hours, minimum)
- PhD in Biblical Studies: Graduates will need a minimum of 6 hours of Greek, 6 hours of Hebrew, plus a modern research language. Please see the Language FAQ for more information.
- DMin: Students will need an additional 27 hours, plus show evidence of at least three years ministerial experience. (Total degree, plus leveling, 72 hours, minimum),
What is the minimum GPA? All doctoral programs generally require a 3.0 or higher graduate GPA.
How can I obtain leveling classes? Required leveling course can be taken online, on-campus or by independent study at any accredited institution.
Can I start my doctoral courses while working on my leveling requirements? If you are within 12 hours of meeting all leveling requirements, you may be admitted on conditional status, and begin taking seminars. Leveling or language requirements must be completed before the dissertation phase begins.
DMin/DEdMin To PhD in Biblical Studies
The PhD in Biblical Studies, Biblical Ministry emphasis is designed to provide the maximum flexibility for those holding an accredited DMin degree. Transfer hours will be reviewed by the doctoral office.
Students with concentrations such as the DMin in Expository Preaching will find the PhD, Biblical Studies emphasis in Biblical Preaching, an appropriate degree for continued study.
All programs require one year of Greek and one year of Hebrew, plus an appropriate research language. Some, including the Biblical Studies (non-emphasis), Old Testament emphasis and New Testament emphasis require additional Greek, and/or Hebrew. A separate language FAQ is available from the doctoral office at [email protected].
Yes, the instructional format will be similar to what has been successfully used with the DMin and DEdMin programs. Students will interact with professors during all aspects of the course, including the pre-work, on-campus and post-campus period of study.
The doctoral programs at Midwestern share a common doctoral foundation, along with degree-specific and emphasis-specific courses, plus a dissertation. The program is designed to allow a student to complete all coursework in four years.
The doctoral common core—i.e., Doctoral Studies Colloquium (the old Orientation to Doctoral Studies) and Dissertation Seminar (the old Project Methodology)—may transfer into the new program. Additionally, certain qualifying electives or concentration courses may transfer, depending on the student’s projected area of emphasis. Transfer credits are limited to ATS standards, which stipulate that not more than half of the credits required for the other (i.e., donor) degree may be transferred into a Board-approved degree program that receives those credit hours (Educational Standard 7.3.1).
Yes, as this is another degree program, a new application will be required. The doctoral office will waive the application fee and secure transcripts from the student’s previous study at MBTS. However, if the applicant has completed transcripted study at another institution since graduation from MBTS, official copies of transcripts from that institution will be required.
Students currently in the PhD program will have the option either to (a) complete their degree under the catalog corresponding to the year in which they commenced PhD studies at MBTS, as long as continuous full-time enrollment at MBTS has been maintained, or (b) to transition to the new program.
All seminars will be transitioned to modular delivery.
Please see our Cost and Aid page.
A common doctoral application will be completed for all students. All PhD programs require at least two classical and one research language. The minimum language requirements will vary by emphasis.
Yes, the MBTS online Greek and Hebrew classes will fulfill all or part of the language requirements, as will other accredited language courses.
Faculty oversight will be discipline specific.
Program Outcomes
Students graduating from the Doctor of Philosophy program will be able to do the following:
- Master a discernible field of study in their concentration area.
- Demonstrate advanced skill in scholarly research and evaluation.
- Demonstrate advanced skill in writing and theological instruction.
- Exercise the liberty to develop and defend a research dissertation in their concentrated studies.
Distinctive Content
PhD students have access to community life that provides formal and informal educational experiences, religious fellowship, and opportunity for reflection upon the meaning of the Christian faith in its relation to education and research. Access to faculty advisors/mentors, possible opportunity for teaching college and online courses, and preferred access to library resources are also provided
