The PhD in Pastoral Theology, Personality and Culture prepares persons for teaching in theological seminaries, for clinical services in pastoral care and counseling settings, and for leadership within the academy, clinic and church. Students study the integration of theology and psychology with a focus on developing as pastoral theologians and (optionally) as pastoral psychotherapists.
As a program in practical theology, it is interdisciplinary and focuses on increasing the knowledge of the theories and practices of healing and care in church and society. The concentration is designed for persons who want to teach or conduct research in pastoral theology and is completed in residence at Garrett-Evangelical.
An optional clinical track prepares persons beginning clinical training in affiliated pastoral counseling centers. This track includes courses at the Center for Religion and Psychotherapy of Chicago and at Garrett and involves an additional estimated twelve to eighteen months of coursework.
Marshaé A. Sylvester is currently working on a PhD in Pastoral Theology, Personality and Culture with a focus on Decolonial projects of spiritual care for Black queer femme identified people. She is interested in topic of religious syncretism or queering religion, resiliency, and cohesive self-identity. Additionally, she is being trained as a clinical therapist, with an emphasis on spiritually integrated care for LGBTQIA people of color.
The PhD in Pastoral Theology, Personality and Culture is a 40-credit hour degree program.
3 Foundational Courses (7-credit hours)
6 Courses in Major (18-credit hours)
3 Courses in Minor (9-credit hours)
2 Elective Courses (6-credit hours)
2 Research Languages and/or Research Tools
Qualifying Exams
Dissertation Proposal
Dissertation and Defense
Students pursuing the Clinical Track in the PhD in Pastoral Theology, Personality and Culture will need to complete the following courses for a total of 61 semester hours in the degree program:
3 Foundational Courses (7-credit hours)
6 Courses in Major (18-credit hours)
3 Courses in Minor (9-credit hours)
2 Clinical Training Courses from Northwestern University or other approved school (6-credit hours)
7 Clinical Training Courses from the Center for Religion and Psychotherapy of Chicago (21-credit hours)
2 Research Languages and/or Research Tools
Qualifying Exams
Dissertation Proposal
Dissertation and Defense
To add a focus in African American/Black Religious Studies on either degree track, 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.
The Clinical Track fulfills the educational requirements for licensure (Licensed Professional Counselor or LPC) with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Completion of the degree does not, however, guarantee fulfillment of educational requirements for licensure outside of Illinois. Students seeking licensure outside the state of Illinois should inform themselves about the curricular requirements for licensing in that state.
I am delighted to join a world class faculty in a school that in many ways is synonymous with the academic discipline of Pastoral Care worldwide. I look forward to collaborating in the formation of would be pastors and academics for the needs of a multicultural church and society. I bring a decidedly intercultural voice and a teaching style that helps students question their answers to arrive at even deeper questions, and a collaborative style that ensures students learn to share their intellectual gifts and thus live of a life of service.
Rev. Dr. Esther E. Acolatse
Professor of Pastoral Theology and World Christianity
My vocation as a teacher, pastoral theologian and librarian is deeply rooted in the commitment to serve and lead others as we together try to understand the complexities of the world and engage in the caring and community building activities of the Divine.
Dr. Jaeyeon Lucy Chung
Director, Styberg Library
Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology
As a teacher, scholar, and clinician, it is my intention to create an atmosphere of hospitality and curiosity and to encourage religious imagination in spaces of teaching and learning.
Dr. Rolf Nolasco
Rueben P. Job Professor of Spiritual Formation and Pastoral Theology
As persons of faith, a psychology based on the assumption of the central need and motivation for relational connectedness to another resonates with the biblical accounts of the partnership of Adam and Eve, the covenant of Yahweh with the people of Israel, the New Testament accounts of a redeeming relationship with the Christ, the commandment to love self and neighbor, and the necessity of the church to function as a body.
Dr. Lallene Rector
Professor of Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Psychotherapy
Not only am I thrilled to be working alongside such a distinguished faculty, I am also excited to teach and connect with the bold and adventurous students of the Garrett community. I hope to continue my work as an ally and advocate for greater representation of minority and underserved communities to access pastoral and spiritual care.
Rev. Dr. AHyun Lee
Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care, and Psychotherapy
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.
