Ph.D. in Theological Studies

Cultivating Chinese Theological Scholars and Educators with Academic Depth and a Global Perspective
Equip students for advanced biblical and theological research, developing rigorous research skills and sound academic judgment. Advance the contextualization of Chinese theology while engaging in global theological dialogue.
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Purpose

LOGOS Evangelical Seminary is committed to preparing rigorous Chinese Christian scholars and Bible teachers who possess sound academic judgment and are equipped to engage in biblical and theological research. The program seeks to advance contextualized biblical and theological scholarship for Chinese communities and bring these emerging theological perspectives into global theological dialogue.

Learning Outcomes

This doctoral program offers specializations in Biblical Studies (Old Testament or New Testament) and Systematic Theology. It prepares and equips students for educational ministry, research, and scholarly writing in theological institutions, cultivating the following competencies:

1

Graduates will demonstrate familiarity with the extensive literature in biblical and theological studies and related fields.

2

Graduates will demonstrate the ability to use established research tools and methodologies in biblical and theological studies.

3

Graduates will demonstrate the ability to engage critically and productively in biblical and theological research in both English and Chinese.

4

Graduates will demonstrate thorough familiarity with Western scholarship in their chosen field of specialization.

5

Graduates will demonstrate sufficient knowledge of Chinese-language scholarship in their chosen field of specialization.

6

Graduates will demonstrate the ability to design and conduct research in their chosen field and communicate their findings effectively in a dissertation (normally written in Chinese).

7

Graduates will be able to teach effectively in Chinese and global contexts.

Admission Requirements

  1. A born-again Christian called to theological education or advanced theological research.
  2. A master’s degree in a field related to biblical studies from an institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS), or equivalent qualifications, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5; a Th.M. degree is preferred.
  3. Proof of English proficiency: submit GRE scores obtained within the past five years or TOEFL scores obtained within the past two years. Minimum GRE Verbal Reasoning score: 156 (institution DI Code: 7172), or TOEFL score: 575 / 90 iBT (institution code: 8548).
  4. Three letters of recommendation attesting to strong character and spiritual maturity: one from a church pastor and two from seminary professors.
  5. Submit a research paper written within the past three years demonstrating the ability to undertake advanced theological research, approximately 7,000–10,000 Chinese characters (4,500–6,500 English words).
  6. Submit a résumé and a two-page statement of future ministry goals.
  7. Complete a study plan.

Biblical Language Requirements

  1. Before admission, all applicants must have completed Hebrew I and II and Greek I and II (12 credits). Applicants planning to focus their dissertations on Old Testament studies must also complete Hebrew Exegesis II (6 credits); those focusing on New Testament studies must complete Greek Exegesis I and II. Applicants focusing on Systematic Theology may choose either Hebrew or Greek Exegesis I and II (6 credits). These credits do not count toward the required graduation credits.
  2. Applicants who have not completed the biblical language prerequisites may, following evaluation by the Admissions Committee, be permitted to complete the required courses at the Seminary after admission. Remedial credits do not count toward the required graduation credits.
  3. Students specializing in Old Testament or New Testament studies must pass a biblical language examination before classes begin (not required for Systematic Theology students). Old Testament applicants take the Hebrew examination; New Testament applicants take the Greek examination.
  4. Students who do not pass may retake the examination once before the end of the first semester. They must pass before registering for the next stage of coursework.

Curriculum

Curriculum and Program Structure

  1. The program emphasizes academic research, and all coursework is research-oriented. A total of 42 credits is required (34 credits of coursework and 8 dissertation credits, excluding language prerequisites). Students who have not completed the required 18 credits of biblical language prerequisites prior to admission must complete the deficiencies during their first year.
  2. The program consists of three stages. In Stage One, students complete 34 credits of coursework: foundational courses (8 credits), specialization courses (24 credits), Teaching Methods in Higher Education (2 credits), and two semesters of teaching practicum (0 credits).
  3. Old Testament and New Testament students must fulfill the biblical language requirements during their first year. All students must pass a research language examination during their second year before advancing to Stage Two.
  4. In Stage Two, students must complete four comprehensive examinations (0 credits).
  5. In Stage Three, students must complete a dissertation (8 credits).

Program Duration

Location and Duration of Study

  1. All students are encouraged to study full-time. Regular courses are held on the main campus; dissertation research and writing may be conducted off campus.
  2. The program requires a minimum of five years and a maximum of ten years, including dissertation writing. A one-year extension may be requested if necessary.

Graduation Requirements

1

Complete the required 42 credits (including the dissertation) with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.33 (B+ or 83.5–86.4%).

2

After completing the required coursework, students may apply to take the qualifying examinations.

3

Students may begin dissertation writing only after passing the qualifying examinations.

4

Complete the dissertation and successfully defend it in an oral examination.

5

Obtain approval signatures from all dissertation advisors.

6

Complete all graduation clearance procedures.