Explore Southern Doctoral Programs

What best describes you?

I'm interested in doctoral studies for further ministry training and equipping

I'm interested in doctoral studies for research and/or teaching

I'm interested in more education, but not sure what direction to go

In addition to your ministry calling, do you also have interest in contributing to scholarship and teaching in higher education?

No

Yes

Professional Doctoral Studies

Our Doctor of Ministry & Doctor of Educational Ministry degrees are built specifically with ministers in mind. These degrees are meant to be an extension of your current ministry, not a distraction from it.
From the very beginning of your degree, you will be working on a 80-125 page research project that applies specifically to your interests and ministry context. The culmination of the degree is an oral examination over the written project.
Program completed in 36 months.

What's the difference between the D.Min. and D.Ed.Min?

These degrees are very similar, but the D.Ed.Min. is designed specifically for those in an educational ministry context (Ex: Minister of Discipleship, Minister to Families, Teachers in Christian Education, etc.). However, it is not limited to these students.
D.Ed.Min. students will take 2 additional seminars focusing on teaching/pedagogy, but can still be completed in 3 years.

Research Doctoral Studies

Southern's Research Doctoral Degrees (RDS) aim to equip students for advanced scholarship in service of the church and the Academy.
RDS degrees include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Missology (DMiss)
- Master of Theology (ThM)

Why are you interested in teaching, scholarship, and doctoral studies in general?

To lead on the mission field, in international church planting, or another global context.

To serve as an administrator or other leader in a Christian educational organization.

To pursue scholarship through research and writing and to teach in higher education.

I'm interested in continuing to study in a particular area, but I'm not sure that I want to complete a full doctoral degree.

I'm not sure

Doctor of Missiology (D.Miss.)

The Doctor of Missiology program is designed for Missionaries, Church Planters, Sending Pastors, and Administrators/Teachers providing advanced formal education, guided reading in pertinent missiological literature, field experience, mentoring, and supervision. Learn more.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is a 60-hour degree that has been carefully designed to develop skills in scholarship, service, and problem-solving in the context of coordinated learning communities. This design has been structured around a “signature pedagogy” that sets the Ed.D. apart from other doctoral degrees. Learn more.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

With a combination of academic excellence and personal mentoring in an environment of confessional scholarship, Ph.D. students at Southern Seminary are trained to advance Christian scholarship for effective kingdom ministry. Learn more.

Master of Theology (Th.M.)

The Master of Theology allows students to engage in intensive study in further research. Whether you want further expertise in a specific area of study or want further preparation before Ph.D. studies, the Th.M. is the degree for you. The Th.M. program offers the student an opportunity to gain greater mastery in an area of study than is normally possible at the M.Div. level. Learn more.

How do you wish to take courses?

Modular (short trips to campus - relocation not required)

Fully online

Residential (Louisville campus)

Completed a D.Min. or D.Ed.Min. without relocating to Louisville

Our professional doctoral degrees are offered in a modular format, only requiring 2 trips per year to the Louisville campus for 1 week at a time.

Fully Online D.Min. & D.Ed.Min Concentrations

We offer a select number of concentrations fully online, including Applied Theology, Biblical Counseling, Christian Ministry, and Global Missions
Online concentrations are offered on the same schedule as on-campus seminars, and include live, online instruction.

Research Doctoral Degrees available in modular format:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Students will travel to campus twice a year (in December & May) for 2 weeks at a time during their first 2 years in the program.
- Modular concentrations include: Biblical Counseling, Biblical Spirituality, Biblical Studies, Christian Apologetics, Christian Missions, Christian Philosophy, Christian Preaching, Christian Worship, Ethics and Public Theology, Evangelism, Historical and Theological Studies, Leadership, Philosophy and Theological Studies, World Religions
Doctor of Education
- Students will visit campus twice a year for 1 week (in January & July)
Master of Theology
- ThM Students can attend modular doctoral seminars or upper-level masters electives.

Research Doctoral Degrees available online:

Doctor of Missiology
Master of Theology (Students can choose from upper-level masters electives available fully online.)

Research Doctoral Degrees available on our Louisville campus:

Doctor of Philosophy
- The following concentrations are only available for full-time residential students: Biblical Theology, Church History & Historical Theology, New Testament, Old Testament, Systematic Theology
- Students can also live on-campus while completing a modular PhD concentration.
Master of Theology

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