Doctoral Programs
Doctoral Programs
We’ve designed each of our doctoral programs with hand-tailored academic seminars which give you the specific training you need to excel in God’s ministry plan for your life. Browse our doctoral programs to see which program is right for you.
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Your prior studies have supplied you with knowledge, but you aren’t ready to stop learning. Your prior experiences have allowed you to apply your knowledge, but you aren’t ready to stop growing. The Doctor of Ministry degree is designed to increase your learning—in the context of praxis—and to increase your giftedness for the next challenge God is leading you to in your life.
The DMin degree prepares ministers to practice ministry reflectively and meaningfully through the ongoing integration of theory and practice. The program also trains ministers to acquire and develop effective leadership skills and competency in pastoral research. Students, advised by their supervisor, will contribute to the understanding and practice of ministry through the design, implementation, evaluation, and completion of a doctoral-level project.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The Carroll PhD program is designed for men and women called by God into the vocation of theological scholarship in teaching, writing, and research. It also enables students to develop a sense of and a commitment to the vocations of research and teaching in theological ministerial practice.
Admission to this program is extended only to persons who have demonstrated the intellectual ability, preparation, and motivation for a scholarly vocation (this includes prerequisite training in biblical languages, except in selected non-pastoral vocations including counseling and leadership). Students who are accepted into the program must also obtain proficiency in research languages (German, French, or another research language approved by the director) or, for the PhD in Christian Counseling, advanced statistics.
Successful completion of this course of study requires the student to demonstrate: a comprehensive knowledge of a selected discipline of religious study; the capacity for critical thinking and evaluation; the competence to engage in original research and writing which advances theological understanding for the sake of church, academy, and society; a breadth of knowledge in other academic disciplines; and a sense of and a commitment to the vocation of theological scholarship in its dimensions of research, learning, teaching, devotion to God, and life-long stewardship.
PhD seminars are non-residential and engage student learning through a variety of delivery systems.
The Association of Theological Schools only recognizes the nomenclature of “Doctor of Philosophy.” Therefore, B. H. Carroll offers the Doctor of Philosophy degree. However, students may choose a major area of study within the seminary’s learning clusters (Scripture and Witness, Faith and Heritage, Ministry and Formation). Major areas of study include Biblical Studies (Old or New Testament), Biblical Languages (Hebrew and Greek), Hermeneutics and Preaching, Christian Heritage (History), Theology, Philosophy, Christian Ethics, Pastoral Ministry, Christian Education, Leadership, Missions, Spiritual Formation, Worship, and Psychology and Counseling. Students engaged in Psychology and Counseling are required to possess an advanced knowledge of statistical analysis for quantitative research. Click here for additional information on doctoral studies in the area of Psychology and Counseling.
