Doctor of Theology (Th.D.)

Deepen Your Theological Scholarship and Ministry Impact

The Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) at Eldermont University is designed for scholars, theologians, pastors, and ministry leaders seeking to make a significant academic and spiritual contribution to theology, biblical studies, and Christian leadership. This program fosters advanced theological research, biblical scholarship, and faith-based leadership, equipping graduates to teach, publish, and lead in Christian academia, ministry, and global missions.

Through our self-paced, research-driven model, students earn 30 credits through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and complete a 30-credit Dissertation, allowing them to demonstrate expertise and contribute original theological scholarship.

Program Features
✅ 100% Online, Self-Paced Format – Study anywhere, anytime.
✅ Earn 30 Credits Through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) – Maximize credit for ministry and theological experience.
✅ 30-Credit Doctoral Dissertation – Conduct and publish groundbreaking theological research.
✅ Rooted in Biblical Truth & Scholarly Excellence – Explore advanced biblical studies, systematic theology, and ministry leadership.
✅ Complete Your Th.D. in as Little as 90 Days – Most students finish within 6-12 months.
✅ No Semester Deadlines – Students set their own pace for degree completion.

What Will You Study?
The Th.D. program provides a rigorous exploration of theological research, biblical exegesis, systematic theology, and Christian ministry.
📖 Biblical Hermeneutics & Exegesis – Conduct in-depth exegetical analysis of Scripture using historical, linguistic, and theological methods.
🛐 Systematic Theology – Engage in advanced theological discussions on Christology, soteriology, eschatology, pneumatology, and ecclesiology.
📜 Historical Theology & Church History – Examine the development of Christian doctrine from the early church to modern times.
🛠 Practical Theology & Ministry Leadership – Apply theological principles to pastoral ministry, discipleship, and mission work.
✍ Theological Research & Academic Writing – Develop scholarly research skills for writing, publishing, and teaching.
🗣 Christian Apologetics & Ethics – Defend the faith in a secular and pluralistic world with advanced theological reasoning.

Degree Structure
The 60-credit program consists of:
📌 Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) – 30 Credits
Students demonstrate extensive theological expertise through a comprehensive portfolio, including:
✅ Previous theological education, ministry experience, or seminary training.
✅ Published theological writings, research papers, or academic presentations.
✅ Significant ministry leadership experience (pastoring, teaching, missionary work, biblical counseling, etc.).
✅ Letters of validation from theologians, ministry leaders, or academic mentors.
📢 PLA enables students to accelerate degree completion based on prior ministry and theological experience.
📌 Doctoral Dissertation – 30 Credits
The capstone of the Th.D. program is a doctoral dissertation, where students conduct and publish original theological research.

Possible Career Paths
A Doctor of Theology prepares students for academic, ministerial, and research-based leadership roles, including:
🏛 Professor of Theology or Biblical Studies
📚 Theological Researcher & Author
⛪ Senior Pastor or Church Leader
🛐 Christian Apologist & Scholar
🎓 Seminary President or Administrator
🌍 Global Missions Leader or Evangelist

Graduates serve in seminaries, universities, churches, research institutions, and mission organizations worldwide.

Doctoral Dissertation – Your Scholarly Contribution
Students develop a dissertation that contributes original research to theology, biblical studies, or Christian ministry.
Examples of Dissertation Topics:
📝 The Doctrine of the Trinity: A Comparative Study of Early Church and Contemporary Theological Perspectives
📝 Justification by Faith: A Biblical and Theological Examination from Paul to the Reformers
📝 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Sanctification: A Biblical and Systematic Analysis
📝 Biblical Inerrancy and Hermeneutics: A Defense in Postmodern Theological Thought
📝 The Intersection of Theology and Leadership: A Study on Servant Leadership in the Early Church

📢 The Doctoral Dissertation positions graduates as thought leaders in theology and biblical scholarship.

Admission Requirements
📌 Master’s Degree in Theology, Biblical Studies, or Related Field
📌 Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Submission (Résumé/CV with Supporting Documentation)
📌 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Submission

📢 Eldermont University offers a streamlined admissions process and does not require standardized test scores.

Why Choose Eldermont University?
🌍 100% Online & Self-Paced – Study at your own pace, from anywhere.
📖 Biblically Centered & Research-Driven – Grounded in Scripture and rigorous academic scholarship.
✍ Dissertation-Based Program – No coursework, just impactful theological research.
🏛 Earn Credit for Ministry & Theological Experience – Maximize PLA credits.
⏳ Flexible Completion Timeline – Graduate in 6-12 months, or accelerate to finish in as little as 90 days.

At Eldermont University, we prepare theologians, educators, and ministry leaders to shape Christian thought, defend the faith, and lead the church into the future.

Take the Next Step in Your Theological Journey
📌 Apply Now – Begin your Doctor of Theology program today.
📌 Request More Information – Speak with an advisor about PLA + Dissertation.
📌 Explore Our Programs – See how Eldermont University equips the next generation of theological scholars.