Doctor of Philosophy
(PhD)
Get equipped to go the distance.
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. 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 that 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.
Structure of the PhD Program
Carroll’s Doctor of Philosophy degree is earned by the successful completion of semester-long seminars in the student’s academic field of study, directed study and readings seminars with a supervisor, student teaching, publishing, attending colloquies, completing a Comprehensive Written Exam, and the writing of a Prospectus and the Dissertation. To find out more, see the PhD Handbook.
Courses
Courses
Course Title | Course Number | Credits |
---|---|---|
ADVANCED COMPETENCY SEMINARS | ||
Advanced Research & Writing or Advanced Research Methods | ACRES—7201 or LMETH—7201 | 2 |
Learning Systems & Teaching Skills | ACLNS—7201 | 2 |
Professional Development | ACPDV—7201 | 2 |
Institutional Systems | ACINS—7201 | 2 |
ADVANCED DISCIPLINARY SEMINARS | ||
Seminar | 2 | |
Seminar | 2 | |
Seminar | 2 | |
ADVANCED INTERDISCIPLINARY SEMINARS | ||
Seminar | 2 | |
Seminar | 2 | |
DIRECTED STUDY AND READING PROGRAMS | ||
Basic Directed Study & RP I | 2 | |
Basic Directed Study & RP II | 2 | |
Intermediate Directed Study & RP II | 2 | |
Advanced Directed Study & RP | 2 | |
Intermediate Directed Study & RP I | 2 | |
ADVANCED ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES | ||
Colloquy I | 1/2 | |
Colloquy II | 1/2 | |
Colloquy III | 1/2 | |
Colloquy IV | 1/2 | |
Colloquy V | 1 | |
Colloquy VI | 1 | |
Guild Publication/Presentation | 1 | |
Teaching Experience | 1 | |
ADVANCED CAPSTONE EXPERIENCES | ||
Written Examination | 1 | |
Prospectus Preparation & Submission | 1 | |
Dissertation and Oral Defense | 6 | |
Total Units: | 42 |
Facts & Figures
Units Required
Avg years
%
Completion Rate

Karen Bullock
Director
Prior to her service at Carroll, Dr. Bullock taught Church History and was director of the PhD program and associate dean at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She founded and directed the PhD in Leadership Studies program at Dallas Baptist University and has taught in seminaries and Baptist Universities in the US, Canada, Nigeria, and Uganda. Dr. Bullock is deeply involved with the Baptist World Alliance, where she served as chair of the Heritage and Identity and Religious Freedom commissions. She is a sought-after speaker and also the archivist of Buckner Baptist Benevolences.
Phone: (972) 580-7600, Ext. 31
Email: kbullock@bhcarroll.edu
Interested in the Doctor of Philosophy program?