The Doctor of Philosophy degree program is the highest academic degree awarded at NOBTS. Majors are offered in Christian education, church history, evangelism, missions, New Testament, Old Testament, preaching, psychology and counseling, and theology. The research community consists of about 30 professors and 100 students.

This 65-hour program is comprised of three stages: residency/Th.M. candidacy, senior residency, and candidacy. Passage of the qualifying exam after completion of approximately half the required courses marks the completion of the residency stage, at which point students can apply to receive the Th.M. degree. Following passage of the oral examination after completion of all course work, students enter the candidacy stage of the program.

Ph.D. Residency/Th.M. Candidacy
(37 hours)

Ph.D. Senior Residency
(20 hours)

Total Required: 65 hours

A primary goal of the degree is to prepare candidates for a vocation in theological instruction, and Christian scholarly research and ministry. NOBTS Ph.D. graduates have held teaching positions in over 80 educational institutions. Full-time teaching positions have been secured by 46 of the 174 graduates in the 80s, 52 of the 152 graduates in the 90s, and 30 of the 117 graduates from 2000 to the present.

The program is directed through the Office of Research Doctoral Programs, Dr. Charlie Ray, Associate Dean (phone: 1-800-NOBTS-01, ext. 8010 or 504-816-8010; fax: 504-816-8039; e-mail: phd@nobts.edu).