Doctor of Philosophy in Pastoral Theology

<h3 id="section---WhatAreTheAdmissionsAndAcademicRequirementsForAPh.D.InPastoralTheology">What are the Admissions and Academic Requirements for a Ph.D. in Pastoral Theology?</h3> <p>Admissions requirements for most Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pastoral Theology programs include a Master of Divinity from an accredited university. Some schools require that students undergo a background check. Generally, you must have professional pastoral experience and letters of recommendation from people who have seen your potential for church leadership. You may also need to complete an admissions interview with a faculty member. Other prerequisites can include comprehension of a Biblical language, such as Greek or Hebrew. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Common Prerequisites</b></td><td>Master's degree, background check, professional pastoral experience, letters of recommendation, comprehension of a Biblical language</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td>Doctoral programs in pastoral theology online are rare, but related programs can be found</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Program Overview</b></td><td>Core courses include theological interpretations, pastoral theology and research; heavily research-based; teaches ability to lead a congregation</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td>Church pastor or counselor, teach at college level, conduct theological research</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 4% growth (<i>for all clergy</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Annual Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $51,940 (<i>for all clergy</i>)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---DoOnlineProgramsExist">Do Online Programs Exist?</h3> <p>Online programs in Ph.D. in Pastoral Theology are very rare, although some schools do offer related online programs, like theology, and make certain courses available online. Some courses are hybrids that combine online learning with some on-campus work. Other courses are available entirely online, so you can turn in work, complete assignments, conduct research and interact with classmates over the Internet. Programs may also feature intensive online courses that allow students to complete the class within a few weeks. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3> <p>The program is a 40-60 credit program, depending on the track you choose. You will take core courses in the Bible, theological interpretations, research, teaching, pastoral theology and church history. Other program requirements may include: </p> <ul><li>Conducting theological research in a Biblical language </li><li>Taking comprehensive exams in research methods, pastoral theology and Biblical languages </li><li>Researching, writing and presenting an original dissertation </li></ul><p>Although a major portion of this program is research-based, there are still a number of courses that you will have to take. These include the core courses, which are based in theology, and also courses that cover the history of religion and the church. Through these courses, you should gain the ability to lead a congregation through tough theological questions. You will also learn to present your teachings so that the average person can understand them. Courses can include: </p> <ul><li>Pastoral practice and sexuality </li><li>Health and justice in the community </li><li>Providing care to the elderly </li><li>Counseling couples and families </li><li>Pastoral theology </li><li>Guilt, shame and forgiveness </li></ul><h3 id="section---HowCanIUseThisDegree">How Can I Use This Degree?</h3> <p>With a Ph.D. in pastoral theology, you can become a pastor of a church, which typically involves preparing weekly sermons, organizing Bible studies and visiting the sick and elderly in your church community. You may also be responsible for marrying people and providing premarital or marital counseling. You could also become a church counselor and aid members of a congregation in a therapeutic manner. After obtaining a doctorate degree, you can teach at the college level or, if it interests you, continue working in theological research. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOutlookAndSalaryInfo">Career Outlook and Salary Info</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, clergy are projected to see a 4% growth in employment from 2019-2029. The median annual salary of these workers was $51,940 in May 2020.</p>