Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies

An applicant is required to have an appropriate master’s degree in theology from an accredited institution, with at least A- (3.7/4.0 CGPA) standing, or equivalent. The following are recognized academic master's degrees: Master of Arts, Master of Religion, Master of Theology, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Divinity. If a student’s program included a research component (research paper, thesis), a grade of at least A- (3.7/4.0 CGPA), or equivalent, also is required for this work.

Students applying to the program are required to provide evidence of reading competence in one ancient or modern language necessary for their research. Additional language preparation is required for admission in cases where the primary sources for the proposed area of study are in a language other than English. See Handbook for details.

For full eligibility requirements, visit the TST website.

Application deadlines:
First round applications are typically due in December.  Space permitting, a second round opens in the Winter.  See details here.

Domestic PhD Fees (2023-2024)

• Tuition: $6210.00 per academic year
• Ancillary fee: $839.37 per academic year

International PhD Fees (2023-2024)

• Tuition: $26,220.00 per academic year
• Ancillary fee: $839.37 per academic year
• University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP): $756.00 per academic year

Financial Aid

Major scholarships are available for both domestic and international students, including the Thompson Doctoral Fellowship and Weston Doctoral Entrance Scholarships. The William and Virginia Leach Full Tuition Scholarship covers 100% of tuition costs for 4 years for domestic students demonstrating financial need.

TST’s graduate faculty have specializations in a wide variety of areas of study. Prospective students will identify topics that connect with faculty in specializations within or across these areas:

• The study of sacred and canonical texts, specifically, the Old Testament (or Hebrew Bible) or the New Testament (both involving languages; historical contexts and processes of development; related literature; subsequent theological interpretation, pastoral function and social effects).
• The study of articulated structures of belief – the structures, contents, premises, and implications of Christian belief and practice (foundational theology; systematic theology; historical theology; theological ethics; and philosophical theology).
• The study of the history of Christianity, understood in the broadest sense to include the variety of Christian traditions over the ages and throughout the world.
• The study of ecclesiastical practices (liturgy, homiletics, education and formation, pastoral care, spirituality), pastoral and other religious leadership, and the social organizations in which these occur (such as congregations, faith-based organizations, ecclesial bodies, and ecumenical and interfaith organizations).
• The study of the Christian faith in its relations with wider social and cultural contexts (social ethics; aesthetics; cultural studies; contextual theology; religion in the public sphere; comparative theology; and inter-faith dialogue)

Graduates are equipped to teach in universities and seminaries as well as to serve in positions of ecclesiastical leadership, benefiting from TST’s unique ecumenical and interdisciplinary context. Wycliffe doctoral students have gone on to serve in the academy, church, Christian publication, missions, and other fields.