Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy


(Suburban Philadelphia only)

The purpose of the program:
• The purpose of the program is to develop in a limited number of advanced students of high intellectual ability the capacity for independent inquiry and criticism required for doing original research in a particular area of theological study, teaching in a theological seminary or a college, or providing specialized leadership in the church.

The degree of Ph.D. is offered in two areas:
(1) Historical and Theological Studies
(2) Hermeneutics and Biblical Interpretation

Faculty Field Committees bear general responsibility for the direction of the program, admitting students, supervising the curriculum, setting area examinations, and recommending candidates for the degree.

A student who holds a baccalaureate degree and a first theological degree from approved institutions receives the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) on the completion of the prescribed program of study. A minimum of two years of full-time residence study and a dissertation are required.

To satisfy the biblical language requirement for the Ph.D. programs, the applicant must have the equivalent of the Greek and Hebrew requirements for the M.Div. or M.A.R. programs at Westminster.

For detailed information on the following topics please see the catalog links below:
• Admissions
• Registration
• General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy
• Time Limits
• Hermeneutics and Biblical Interpretation Requirements
• Historical and Theological Studies Requirements