In the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Christian Education and Congregational Studies program students study how Christian faith is formed and embodied in communities of faith through the integration of insights from theology and the social sciences (psychology, education, sociology, anthropology).
Two key emphases of the program are:
Our interdisciplinary emphasis equips students to engage several fields in their research projects such as congregational studies, multi-cultural education, human development, qualitative research, history, and theology.
Adriana (Dri) Rivera, MDiv is an educator with a love for the stories of the city and her people. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Christian Education and Congregational Studies with concentrations in Latina feminist theology and critical pedagogy. As a poet and part of the Puerto Rican diaspora, Adriana is interested in how language and stories (testimonios) can be used for decolonial and life-giving purposes in classrooms, congregations and communities.
The PhD in Christian Education and Congregational Studies is a 40-credit hour degree program.
3 Foundational Courses (7-credit hours)
6 to 8 Courses in Major (18- to 24-credit hours)
3 to 4 Courses in Minor (9- to 12- credit hours)
2 Elective Courses as needed (6 credit hours)
Research Languages and/or Research Tools (2)
Qualifying Exams
Dissertation Proposal
Dissertation and Defense
To add a focus in African American/Black Religious Studies, a student would take a minimum of fifteen hours of courses with specific African American/Black content, as selected by the student in consultation with their advisor. Persons opting for this focus would have an African American/Black advisor or consulting co-advisor, or as a committee member. At least one of the student’s Qualifying Examination questions would be on a dimension of African American/Black religion. The student’s dissertation would incorporate some element relating to African American/Black religious life and thought.
I believe the purpose of Christian education is to be emancipatory, to set people free to be children of God and co-creators with God.
Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount
Murray H. Leiffer Associate Professor of Formation, Leadership and Culture
Through my interdisciplinary approach to education, my areas of interest range from Paulo Freire’s work, critical pedagogy, global citizenship, intercultural and postcolonial studies, cultural-historical theory activity (Lev Vygotsky), and liberation theologies.
Dr. Débora Junker
Associate Professor of Critical Pedagogies
Garrett-Evangelical provides a unique space to discern and interpret one’s call, the coursework necessary to prepare for a variety of ministries, and the companionship necessary to sustain one on the journey.
Rev. Dr. Virginia Lee
Associate Professor of Christian Education
Church leaders are often bombarded with material that hints it is only by human effort the church will be effective. The study of evangelism starts with the assumption that God is active, and that our efforts are only to participate in what God is already doing.
Rev. Dr. Mark Teasdale
E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism
I consider learning a risk-taking (and inevitably painful) adventure in which we pursue knowledge (information), ground self in foundations of integrity (formation), and commit to live and act in ways that ensures essential well-being for all and for this planet (transformation).
Rev. Dr. Mai-Anh Le Tran
Associate Professor of Religious Education and Practical Theology
Graduates of this program will be able to:
Garrett accepts applications from students with a masters degree in religious or theological studies from an accredited college or university and proficiency in the English language.
In response to COVID-19 pandemic, PhD applications WILL NOT require GRE scores. Applications are due by January 20th.
