Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy is a -post-graduate level program designed to provide quality education and training in interest areas of the candidate’s current ministry or future ministry goals. The candidate demonstrates the ability to conduct independent research and organize the data on his or her own initiative. The program aims to enhance the candidate’s personal growth toward maturity and professional competence in the practice of ministry and to prepare gifted scholars and qualified ministers for teaching positions in seminaries and Bible colleges in Asia Pacific region. 

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Requirements:

  • Master of Divinity (or M.Div equivalent) with a 3.3 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
  • English Proficiency: TOEFL or APTS English Proficiency Test score of 550 or IELTS score of 6.5-7.0.
  • Minimum of five years of active full-time teaching or ministry experience. Or, with M.Th. with a GPA of 3.3 (B+) and must have a minimum of three years of full-time teaching or ministry experience
  • Proficiency in Hebrew, Greek or any other language as required by the field of study.
  • Equivalency is through life experience for mature ministers (over 40) – pastoring, Bible School teaching, etc. Syllabi and ministry explanations must be submitted and verification letters are required.

Curriculum:

The Doctor of Philosophy is the highest academic degree offered by APTS and is intended for individuals who are actively engaged in full-time Christian ministry. The PhD program is structured as a research-based program. The applicant has a choice to do research in the fields of Education, Missions, Counseling, Theology or Biblical Studies; and write a dissertation. The duration is a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years to complete the dissertation without leaving the ministry. The program consists of research seminars, comprehensive exam, dissertation, and oral defense (three credit hours).

Core CoursesCredits
Comprehensive Exam9
PHD 901 Research Methodology Seminars3
PHD 902 Guidelines for Theologizing in Asia/Pacific Seminar3
PHD 903 Dissertation12
PHD 904 Oral Defense9