The Ph.D. in Christian Theology is particularly designed to prepare you for the teaching, writing and leadership ministries of the Church. It builds upon previous foundational theological study and encourages the development of valuable ministerial and teaching experience. This degree is usually completed in four years, with the first two years devoted to coursework and comprehensive exams and two years to writing the dissertation. Students may take up to six years to complete the program. Students are required to gain competence in research methods and reflection in one or more examination areas. The program also requires competency in teaching methods and vocational development. The examination areas are:
- Biblical Studies (Old Testament or New Testament)
- Theological Studies
- Ministry Studies
Entrance Requirements:
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Master’s level degree from an accredited university or its educational equivalent (e.g. M.A., M.T.S., M.Div., Th.M.), normally with at least a B+ average (students emphasizing Ministry Studies will normally have a M.Div. degree)
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A major piece of written academic work, preferably a thesis written at the master’s level, relevant to theological study. It must be written by the student in English and must demonstrate the student’s academic competence, including the ability to sustain proper argumentation, and to interact with a depth and breadth of primary and secondary literature with proper documentation
- Two letters of recommendation, both Academic
Course Requirements:
In keeping with the objective of providing Ph.D. students with opportunities to develop a breadth of knowledge and skills through coursework and comprehensive examinations, as well as focused, specialized research in the form of a dissertation, the following list comprises the minimum requirements for the program. Students must also demonstrate competence in biblical and modern languages as appropriate.
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Year 1:
One course: Interdisciplinary Studies in Christian Theology, either:
- Life History & Vocation
- Biblical Theology
- Ministry and Evangelical Thought
Two courses in the selected examination area(s):
- Advanced Topics in Biblical Studies
- Advanced Topics in Theological Studies
- Advanced Topics in Ministry Studies
Total Required: 4 courses
Modern Language Exam:
The modern language exam should be completed by the end of the first year.
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Year 2:
One course: Interdisciplinary Studies in Christian Theology, either:
- Life History & Vocation
- Biblical Theology
- Ministry and Evangelical Thought
One course in the selected examination area(s);
- Advanced Topics in Biblical Studies
- Advanced Topics in Theological Studies
- Advanced Topics in Ministry Studies
Two Courses: Two courses in the examination area of which both may be Directed Studies (maximum of two Directed Studies in program).
Note: One of the Interdisciplinary courses (in either Year 1 or Year 2) must be in the examination area.
Total Required: 4 courses
Comprehensive Exams:
Written and oral examinations in the examination area(s) at the completion of coursework.
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Year 3 & 4:
Dissertation:
Based on examination area, a minimum of 80,000 words in length, demonstrating knowledge of the area, and both presenting and supporting a new thesis regarding the subject area. Dissertation will be examined orally.
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Language Requirements:
Biblical Languages
Students are required to use the languages necessary for their course of study, in order to handle both primary and secondary sources. The normal entrance requirement is that a student would have at least 9 units (three terms) of one biblical language for emphasis in Ministry Studies and Theological Studies. Students who wish to emphasize Biblical Studies would normally have studied at least four terms of their major biblical language and at least two terms of the other. The student may be required to gain facility in additional languages or higher competence in the biblical languages in the light of their program of study as set by their committee.
Modern Languages
At least one modern research language, such as German or French, is required for all Ph.D. students. Students may be admitted without the modern language (normally a minimum of two years of formal university training). Competence in modern languages is to be demonstrated through a language examination set by the primary or secondary advisors or other suitable person at McMaster Divinity College (normally a one-hour reading and translation examination) and is to be decided by the committee of advisors. This requirement must be met before students will be permitted to move into the dissertation phase of the program.
Vocational Practice:
Vocational practice is required; it must create meaningful intellectual and reflective interaction between the area of emphasis and one's chosen vocation. This is required in each term of coursework.
Supervision:
From the outset, as part of the admission process, students work with a primary supervisor whose expertise and scholarly interests correspond with the student's area of emphasis. In addition, each student has the support of a supervisory committee, which consists of the primary supervisor, a secondary supervisor, the Academic Dean, and any other members from inside or outside of the College as deemed appropriate. This committee will work closely with the student to assist in planning and approving the student's program of courses and research, to decide on timing of comprehensive and language examinations, to provide the student with regular appraisals of progress, to decide when the student is ready to write the dissertation and to give advice during this process.
Residency:
All students are expected to be geographically available for the duration of their registration.
Full-Time Studies:
All students are considered full-time in this doctoral program.
Application Deadline:
The application deadline for admission to the Ph.D. program is January 15, for admission in the following September.
Accreditation:
The Ph.D. in Christian Theology degree is approved by the Association of Theological Schools and is granted by McMaster Divinity College.
For more information, please download the following forms (all in .pdf format). If you do not have Adobe Reader on your computer, you can download it for free here.
Download a copy of the Ph.D. Brochure (PDF)
If you would like more information, please contact divadmit@mcmaster.ca or the Office of Admissions at 905-525-9140 x24402
