Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies (PhD)

Commitment to Academic Excellence
With a rich history of scholarship, a strong reputation for teaching, and access to world-class academic resources, Garrett-Evangelical is committed to excellence throughout its PhD program.
- Substantial scholarship resources
- Emphasis on pedagogical theories and methods
- Opportunities for developing skills as teachers and scholars through serving as research and teaching assistants and developing a teaching portfolio
- Home to one of the top ten theological libraries in the nation
- Connected to faculty and libraries at the largest concentration of seminaries in the United States as part of the Association of Chicago Theological Schools
- Partnership with Northwestern University libraries and faculty
- Exceptional record of placing students in teaching positions at colleges and seminaries as well as leadership roles in the church
Renowned Faculty Dedicated to Rigorous Academics and the Practice of Ministry
Our faculty is one of Garrett-Evangelical's greatest assets. They are widely recognized for their expertise, scholarship, and leadership in the Church and academy. They represent most of the major denominations and a variety of theological perspectives. Our faculty members have published hundreds of books and articles, and several hold places of international recognition and preeminence in their fields.
Our faculty in the area of Biblical studies include:
- Dr. Cheryl Anderson, Professor of Old Testament
- Dr. Charles Cosgrove, Professor of Early Christian Literature
- Dr. Julie Duncan, Associate Professor of Old Testament
- Dr. Brooke Lester, Associate Professor of Hebrew Scripture
- Dr. Dong Hyeon Jeong, Assistant Professor of New Testament Interpretation
- Dr. K.-K. Yeo, Harry R. Kendall Professor of New Testament
Affording Your Education
All students accepted into the Doctor of Philosophy program at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary will receive a 100% tuition scholarship!
About the PhD at Garrett-Evangelical
The PhD program prepares teachers and scholars for seminaries, church-related colleges, universities, denominations, ecumenical agencies, and local congregations. While the program is centered at Garrett-Evangelical, it draws on faculty resources at Northwestern University; the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS), which includes four seminaries with PhD programs; and other approved universities.
Students may specialize in one of six concentrations with an optional focus in African American/Black Religious Studies available in any concentration:
- Biblical Studies
- Christian Education and Congregational Studies
- History of Christianity and Historical Theology
- Liturgical Studies
- Pastoral Theology, Personality and Culture
- Theological and Ethical Studies
Our graduates leave with a knowledge and mastery of key approaches, scholarly literature, and research methods in their focused area and appropriate cognate studies. They are engaged in practices of research, teaching, and leadership and are theologians and practical theologians contributing to the missions of the Church and the academy.
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Founded in 1853, Garrett-Evangelical is a graduate school of theology related to The United Methodist Church with an ecumenical outreach. Faithfully embracing the future, we are committed to preparing skilled, bold and articulate leaders for ministry in the 21st century. On the campus of Northwestern University, upon the shores of Lake Michigan and on the outskirts of Chicago, Garrett-Evangelical is a place to nurture mind, body, and spirit. The seminary serves more than 400 students from many denominations and various backgrounds and its 4,500 living alumni serve church and society around the world.
Degree Requirements
The Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies is a 40-credit hour degree that includes:
- Foundational Courses (7-credit hours)
- Courses in Area of Concentration (33-credit hours)
- Research Languages (Hebrew, Greek, and a modern language)
- Qualifying Exams (4 written, 1 oral)
- Dissertation Proposal
- Dissertation and Defense
Note: PhD students are expected to complete a minimum of 3 semesters on campus at Garrett-Evangelical
PhD Teaching Certificate
The Garrett-Evangelical PhD program offers the opportunity for students earn a PhD teaching certificate. Through teaching seminars and workings, teaching assistant (TA) experiences, and TA case conferences, the PhD teaching certificate program equips PhD students to:
- Be reflective practitioners in the scholarship and practice of teaching
- Become a partner with other students in reflecting on and supporting colleagues as teachers
- Reflect critically on teaching philosophies and practices
- Foster relationships that will support and sustain participants over the year of the workshop and beyond
- Fashion unique identities as teachers
- Understand and navigate institutional cultures
- Prepare a teaching portfolio in anticipation of future employment in college or theological school
Meet Some of Our PhD Students
Admission Requirements
- Masters degree in religious or theological studies from an accredited college or university
- Basic knowledge of Hebrew and Greek (one-year each)
- MTS or MDiv that includes at least 4 biblical studies courses
- Proficiency in the English language
Admission Process
Detailed information for the application requirements and process can be found here.
In response to COVID-19 pandemic, PhD applications WILL NOT require GRE scores for those applying during the 2020-2021 academic year. The TOEFL test will still be required for students who have not completed a previous degree in English. Those who are unable to complete the test due to COVID-19 should contact the admissions office for alternative options.
PhD applications are due by January 20. The admissions committee reserves the right to determine in its sole judgment whether an applicant is a suitable candidate for a specific concentration in the PhD program.