Earn a PhD in Biblical Studies
Be a Teacher to Teachers
Our Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies will do much more than simply add two letters to the beginning of your name – it will transform the way you understand the Bible and do ministry.
In this terminal research doctorate, you will become a biblical scholar and gain deep insights into the Word of God. Through the program, students will gain a greater mastery of the original languages of the Bible, the cultural backgrounds of the Bible, the significance of the intertestamental period, and the history of hermeneutical frameworks and theological developments from the early church up to the present.
What Makes Our Program Different?
This program blends the American and European model of PhD studies by devoting 40 hours to the coursework phase and 20 hours to the dissertation phase. Other things that set our program apart include:
- It’s designed for life-engaged learners who need to maintain residency near their existing ministries and vocations.
- Courses are delivered in a unique, blended learning model that combines online and face-to-face classes, including three face-to-face learning experiences each year.
- This program uses the cohort model, which allows a group of students to travel the educational path together, supporting and encouraging each other throughout the journey.
In This Program, Students Will…
- Develop greater expertise in exegesis through advanced training in the original biblical languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.
- Comprehend and analyze Scripture against the backdrop of the languages, civilizations, and literatures of the ancient world in which the revelation of God was first given to humanity.
- Explore and evaluate the history of hermeneutical frameworks and theological developments from the early church to the present day in order to have a more informed understanding of the theological foundations of the church.
- Be equipped to think and execute skillfully as classroom and online teachers in the rapidly changing higher education environment.
- Be equipped to think and execute skillfully as researcher-scholars and authors, honing the skills necessary to complete a doctoral dissertation.
- Elect one of two approaches to research – the humanities approach most commonly employed in biblical scholarship or the empirical approach often employed in the field of education.
CURRICULUM PLAN
PhD in Biblical Studies (60 Credits)
Resource
- Capital Catalog – View for the complete curriculum plan, course descriptions, and further program details.
Hear from Students: PhD Program
Listen to our students explain why they love our PhD in Biblical Studies, what made them choose it and how it is impacting them as ministers and professionals.
Meet the Faculty
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Dr. Mark Meyer
Director, PhD in Biblical Studies
“I aim to see each student equipped, enlightened and strengthened for their high calling to ministry.” — Dr. Meyer
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Dr. Samuel Harbin
Chair of Bible & Theology Department
“I want my students to deeply appreciate the importance of the gospel for every aspect of their life and ministry.” — Dr. Harbin
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Dr. Douglas Finkbeiner
Professor
“It is my great joy to know Christ and to minister His Word to others for His glory.” — Dr. Finkbeiner
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Dr. Joe Kim
Professor
“I want my students to know that learning doesn’t end in the classroom – it is where it begins.” — Dr. Kim
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Dr. John Soden
Professor
“My motivation for teaching can best be summarized by Paul’s words in Colossians 1:28 – “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (ESV). — Dr. Soden
Read BioLooking for Ways to Finance Your PhD Degree?
Our LBC Financial Aid Office can help you navigate through the process.