The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at Garrett Seminary prepares teachers and scholars for seminaries, church-related colleges, universities, ecumenical agencies, and local congregations. While the program is centered at Garrett, it draws on faculty resources at Northwestern University; the Association of Chicago Theological Schools, which includes four seminaries with PhD programs; and other approved universities. You will not only receive individual attention from faculty members but also a curriculum that can be tailored to your area of interest.
Garrett has recently redesigned its Ph.D. program in order to develop more dynamic cohorts for intentional community and scholarly formation for our Ph.D. students. Moving forward, Garrett will admit four students a year in a singular field. The Seminary will alternate which field is accepting new students on an annual basis.
The application cycles are as follows:
Future admissions cycles are still being decided, but Garrett will be accepting students in the following two areas:
Dr. Kate Ott is the Jerre and Mary Joy Stead Professor of Christian Social Ethics and Director of the Stead Center for Ethics and Values as well as the Director of the Doctor of Philosophy program.
All students accepted into the Doctor of Philosophy program at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary receive a 100% tuition scholarship!
PhD students may specialize in one of six concentrations with an optional focus in African American/Black Religious Studies available in any concentration.
The Christian Education and Congregational Studies concentration studies how Christian faith is formed and embodied in communities of faith through the integration of insights from theology and the social sciences.
The Pastoral Theology, Personality, and Culture concentration studies the integration of theology and psychology with a focus on developing as pastoral theologians and (optionally) as pastoral psychotherapists.
The Theological and Ethical Studies concentration is based on an integration of theological and ethical studies, while allowing a student to have a major area of focus within the two. The concentration presupposes that these disciplines cannot ultimately be separated from each other in Christian understanding.
Even though students interested in Garrett’s Ph.D. program must apply to one of the three above concentrations, they can also share their desire to work interdisciplinarily with other represented concentrations and faculty members. These include:
The Biblical Studies concentration combines critical historical study of the Bible and contemporary hermeneutical theory and method to provide students with wide-ranging exposure to the discipline in its current diversity and to afford students a rich engagement with interdisciplinary avenues of inquiry.
Liturgical Studies The Liturgical Studies concentration prepares students to become practical liturgical theologians, who contribute to the ongoing reform and renewal of Christian worship.
The History of Christianity and Historical Theology concentration focuses upon historical themes, issues, and methodologies.
Thanks to our partnership with Northwestern University, Garrett PhD students have the opportunity to apply to Northwestern’s Teaching Certificate program through the Searle Center once they are admitted to candidacy.
Garrett shaped me to be critical and vocal in raising my concerns, to embody the idea of persistence and survival, to enjoy studying and working, to teach passionately in a class, and to value friendships and communality with the fellow students, faculty, and staff.
Dr. Toar Banua Hutagalungm (G-ETS 2021)
The Styberg Library, the Northwestern University Library, and the libraries of the 12 Association of Chicago Theological School libraries provide an extraordinary collection of print and digital resources. In addition, Garrett PhD students may take courses at Northwestern University and at any of four PhD-granting seminaries and universities in Chicago.
Garrett is a proud member of the Forum for Theological Exploration’s (FTE) Institutional Doctoral Network, which is dedicated to creating conditions for scholars of color to thrive.
Garrett 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
My goal is to make the historical authors, their worlds, worldviews, and their thought accessible to the twenty-first century student. I strive to bring the past to life so that students can see the relevance of those who have gone before them in the faith and be inspired to teach others.
Dr. James Papandrea
Professor of Church History and Historical Theology
There is a great need for the proclamation of authentic good news in today’s church. The issues faced by 21st-century Christians have never been greater and we all need good news that is real and active in our world.
Rev. Dr. Gennifer Brooks
Ernest and Bernice Styberg Professor of Preaching
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
I am deeply grateful to be part of a theological institution that embodies a longstanding global sensibility, a deep commitment to creative theological exploration, and a robust practice of interdisciplinary scholarship.
Dr. Hendrik Pieterse
Associate Professor of Global Christianity and Intercultural Theology50
