Doctor of Philosophy
Doctoral Formation for Scholars, Teachers, and Faithful Churchmen
Program Overview
The Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) program provides you with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to research, write, teach, and make a scholarly contribution to the fields of Historical Theology or Systematic Theology.
Credit Hours
Est. Years to Complete
Program Focus
Major in either Systematic or Historical Theology and minor in the other.
PhD in Systematic Theology
+ Historical Theology Minor
PhD in Historical Theology
+ Systematic Theology Minor
Exegetical Theology
Hours
Historical Theology
Hours
Systematic Theology
Hours
Practical Theology
Hours
Electives
Hours
Academic Prep
Hour
Available In Two Tracks -
Research Option | Reformed Baptist Studies (Thesis Option)
Program Details
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the PhD degree, graduates will have:
- Researched and written at an advanced level of scholarship under the authority of Scripture.
- Made a scholarly contribution to the field of Historical Theology or Systematic Theology by producing and defending a work of original research
- Presented research results in a professional, organized, coherent, and structured manner in both written and oral form.
- Functioned responsibly in the context of a supervisory relationship while exhibiting CBTS’s Core Values of being God-centered, Christ-focused, Confessionally-grounded, and Pastorally-concerned.
The program will evaluate your achievement of these objectives through the production and defense of your original work of academic research (250-400 page Dissertation) under the mentorship of a CBTS PhD Faculty member in your chosen field of study.
Program Length
5 Years. Must graduate in 8 years.
Program Cost
$22,000 (plus any additional fees)
- Down payment: $1000
- Remaining cost spread over monthly payments: $350/mo, over 60 mo
Miscellaneous Fees
- Program Extension Fee (for additional semesters): $1500 per semester
- Defense Fee: $300
- Graduation Fee: $350
Program Requirements
PhD Orientation (1 Credit hour)
Higher Education and the Local Church (2 Credits)
6 Seminars (5 Credits each; 30hrs)
4 Colloquia attended (1 Credit each; 4 hrs)
Research Language(s) (6 Credits )
Dissertation Writing & Defense (5 Credits)
Total Credit Hours: 48
Initial Program Faculty
- Dr. Sam Waldron
- Dr. Jon English Lee
- Dr. Tom Hicks
- Dr. Brandon Rhea
- Dr. Jason Edwards
Program Core Values
Academically Excellent
We seek to provide a high level of scholarship and academic training, in service to the church and the advancement of the Great Commission.
Relationally Driven
Scholarship is best practiced in community. At CBTS, professors and students eagerly seek to learn from one another and spur each other on in the faith.
Personally Developed
It is the desire of the faculty to see each student grow intellectually, skillfully, and spiritually during their academic endeavors.
Faithfully Publishing
CBTS professors seek to responsibly engage in evangelical scholarship, and part of PhD studies at CBTS involves learning to contribute to scholarly discussion through publication, without compromising our Confessional identity.
Globally Minded
Since God is in the business of making worshippers from all the peoples of the earth, CBTS is committed to being globally minded. Therefore, CBTS seeks to foster global-mindedness in all its students. It is our desire to produce pastors, theologians, missionaries and church-planters for all nations of the earth. CBTS hopes that its professors and PhD graduates will seek to make disciples of every tribe and tongue through cross-cultural teaching and missionary endeavors, as the Lord providentially allows.
Ecclesially Centered
Our goal is to help the church to prepare men to undertake the full range of pastoral responsibilities they will face in serving Christ and His kingdom, and to equip Christians for effective service in the church.
BDiv to MDiv Opportunity
A limited number of qualified BDiv students are provided the opportunity to enter the MDiv program without completing a bachelor degree.
Students who meet the following criteria may apply to enter the MDiv program:
1. Student must be at least 30 years old.
2. Student must have completed at least 50% of the BDiv program.
3. Student must have a minimum GPA of 3.3.
4. Student must agree to complete at least 12 credit-hours/year in the MDiv program.
Please note that the above-listed criteria are minimum requirements for application to the program. As this program is space limited, the possibility exists that students who meet the criteria above may still be unsuccessful in their application to the BDiv to MDiv opportunity.
Biblical Counseling Certification
Students have the opportunity to complete the IRBC biblical counseling certification in conjunction with their degree program.
Biblical Counseling Certification
Students have the opportunity to complete the IRBC biblical counseling certification in conjunction with their degree program.
FAQs
No more than 2 Seminars can be transferred in for credit (evaluated on a case by case basis).
Research language can be evaluated for transfer credit, or may be “tested out” for credit.
Unlike our other degree programs, there is no Church Partnership discount for the CBTS PhD program.
No. The only in-person requirements are the bi-annual (twice a year) in person seminars.
There are no scholarships for the PhD Program at this time.
Applicants must possess at least an MDiv degree, with preference given to students with academic studies beyond the MDiv level (e.g., ThM studies). Students are expected to have at least 2 semesters of Greek and 2 semesters of Hebrew to apply.
Yes. Since 2019, CBTS has been an accredited member of the Association of Reformed Theological Seminaries (ARTS), recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). ARTS accreditation assures that CBTS meets rigorous academic and theological standards. Credits are usually transferable among accredited evangelical institutions.
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Apply to CBTS
If you are interested in studying at CBTS, the first step is to fill out the application form. Questions? We'd be happy to help.