Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Dr. Cory Barnes, Dean of Doctoral Studies: phd@nobts.edu
Assistant Director of PhD Studies: asstdirphd@nobts.edu
PhD Program Coordinator: phd@nobts.edu
Administrative Assistant: redocsec@nobts.edu 
PhD Office: (504) 816-8010

Program Description

The PhD program offered at NOBTS follows a curriculum that utilizes seminars, supervised mentorship, reading seminars, and courses related to research, writing, and teaching all toward the development of an acceptable dissertation and the qualifications to teach at an institution of higher education. The coursework, comprehensive examination, and the dissertation are structured to lead to the completion of the three major components of the PhD program: residency/ThM candidacy, senior residency, and PhD candidacy.

Purpose and Program Outcomes
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary offers a fully accredited, resident, academic research doctoral degree: Doctor of Philosophy. The PhD mission statement is as follows:

The Doctor of Philosophy degree at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is an advanced scholarly research degree that equips students for service in higher education, Christian ministries, and denominational agencies (SBC).

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy degree program will be able to do the following:

• Demonstrate mastery of a body of knowledge related to a chosen field of study

• Design, implement, and report research

• Impart knowledge of the chosen field through teaching and other communication skills

• Express commitment to the vocation of theological scholarship

Majors and Minors
Majors are offered in the following areas:

Biblical Studies

• New Testament

• Old Testament

• Biblical Theology

Theological and Historical Studies

• Theology

• Christian Ethics

• Christian Apologetics

• Philosophy of Religion

Church Ministry

• Biblical Exposition

• Christian Education

• Christian Leadership

• Evangelism

• Missiology 

Counseling

• Counselor Education and Supervision

Minors are offered in all of the above fields, as well as in Biblical Backgrounds and Church History.

The Divisional Associate Deans for the respective majors are as follows:

• Dr. Charlie Ray III (crayiii@nobts.edu): Biblical Theology, New Testament, Old Testament

• Dr. Craig Garrett (cgarrett@nobts.edu): Counselor Education and Supervision

• Dr. Greg Mathias (gmathias@nobts.edu): Biblical Exposition, Christian Education, Christian Leadership, Evangelism Missiology

• Dr. Adam Harwood (aharwood@nobts.edu): Ethics, Missiology, Philosophy of Religion, Theology

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Program Components and Outline

Residential PhD studies at NOBTS involves completed PhD seminars, supervised mentorship, reading seminars, and courses related to research, writing, and teaching. The Adequate preparation for and superior performance on the coursework and examinations are mandatory for continuance to the next stage of the student’s program.

The comprehensive examination and prospectus approval are the delineated milestones to advance from PhD residency to PhD candidacy (ABD) in the program.

PhD Candidacy is the final stage of PhD studies at NOBTS which involves the research and writing of a dissertation. Upon completion of the dissertation, the PhD Candidate must successfully defend it before a committee of faculty in the area of the candidates major.

The coursework, comprehensive examination, and the dissertation are structured to lead to the completion of the three major components of the PhD program: residency/ThM candidacy, senior residency, and PhD candidacy.

Program Stages 

Students who hold a master’s degree and meet all other qualifications for admission into the PhD program but still need 6 or fewer credit hours of leveling work must complete all leveling requirements within their first year in the PhD program to remain in the PhD program. Failure to meet the leveling work requirements may result in termination from the PhD. Required leveling work is determined by the division of the student’s major. 

The PhD program has three stages comprised of the following main elements (please see the program differences for the Counselor Education and Supervision major below):

• Residency/ThM Candidacy: Successful completion of Introduction the Research and Writing, 4 PhD Seminars, Reading Seminar 1, Supervised Mentorship 1, and submission of a ThM portfolio (26 hours)

• Senior Residency: Successful completion of Teaching in Higher Education, 4 additional PhD seminars, Reading Seminar 2, Supervised Mentorship 2, the comprehensive examination, and prospectus approval (30 hours)

• PhD Candidacy: Dissertation research and writing (6 or more hours) 

Doctorate of Philosophy (63 hours)

Requirements for Specific Majors
*In addition to program elements (i.e. Intro to Research and Writing, ThM Portfolio, Prospectus Development, etc.)

Biblical Exposition, Evangelism, Missiology:

• 5 seminars in the respective major

• 2 seminars in a minor

• 1 elective seminar

• 2 reading seminars

• 2 supervised mentorships

Christian Apologetics, Christian Ethics, Philosophy of Religion, Theology:

• 5 seminars in the respective major

• 2 seminars in a minor

• 1 elective seminar

• 2 reading seminars

• 2 supervised mentorship

• Proficiency in German, Latin, or French (by completing 9 credit hours, passing a proficiency exam, or earning a certificate from a recognized program by the end of your first year in the PhD)

New Testament

• 5 seminars in the respective major

• 2 seminars in a minor

• 1 elective seminar

• 2 reading seminars

• 2 supervised mentorships

• Second research language (chosen in consultation with your supervisor) by the time of the comprehensive examination

Old Testament

• 5 seminars in the respective major

• 2 seminars in a minor

• 1 elective seminar

• 2 reading seminars

• 2 supervised mentorships

• Second research language (chosen in consultation with your supervisor) by the time of the comprehensive examination

Theology with Church History Concentration

• 5 Theology seminars

• 2 Church History seminars

• 1 elective seminar

• 2 reading seminars

• 2 supervised mentorships

Biblical Theology:

• 3 Biblical Theology seminars

• 1 OT seminar

• 1 NT seminar

• 2 seminars in a minor

• 1 elective seminar

• 2 Reading Seminars (1 OT Interpretation & Theology; 1 NT Interpretation & Theology)

• 2 supervised mentorships

Christian Education:

• 4 core Christian Education seminars

  • History and Philosophy of Christian Education

  • Educational Psychology or Human Growth and Development

  • Discipleship and Spiritual Formation or Family Ministry in Church Life

  • Principles of Administration or Higher Education Leadership

• 4 additional seminars (choose one option below with advising and approval by the Divisional Associate Dean of the Church Ministry division)

  • 3 Christian Education seminars + 1 elective seminar

  • 2 Christian Education seminars + 2 elective seminars

• 2 reading seminars

• 2 supervised mentorships

Christian Leadership:

• 5 required seminars

  • Strategic Leadership and Organizational Change

  • Conflict Resolution and Crisis Management

  • Biblical and Theological Basis for Christian Leadership

  • Choose 1 of the following:

    • Pastoral Leadership

    • Women in Ministry Leadership

    • Principles of Administration

    • Higher Education Leadership (Christian School Leadership)

  • Choose 1 of the following:

    • Building and Managing an Effective Organization

    • Contemporary Context of Educational Ministries

    • Strategic Proclamation

    • Issues in Risk Management

    • Directed Study in Christian Leadership

    • Church Revitalization and Strategic Leadership

    • 2 seminars in a minor

• 1 elective seminar

• 2 reading seminars

• 2 supervised mentorships

Counselor Education and Supervision:

• 7 core seminars

  • Biblical and Theological Foundations of Counseling

  • Contemporary Approaches in Counseling

  • Counseling in the Church

  • Counseling Supervision Theory and Practice

  • Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology

  • Program Evaluation and Research Design

  • Social Problems and Advocacy

• Quantitative Statistics or Qualitative Methods

• Practicum (counseling clinical practice of 40 direct and 100 indirect hours)

• 2 internships (1-hour biweekly supervision plus group supervision) in 3 of the following areas

  • Advocacy and Leadership

  • Teaching

  • Supervision

  • Research

  • Counseling

• 2 reading seminars

• 2 supervised mentorships

Unique Program Stages for the Counselor Education and Supervision Major
Students pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision follow a program model with differences accounting for the unique elements of their field.

PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision (64 hours)

*Clinical Practice Requirements (9 credit hours total) may be met in either the PhD Residency or Senior Residency stages or a combination, but are placed in this degree plan in their typical progression.

General Policies

• Persons seeking a doctorate need to be highly motivated scholars.

• All students entering doctoral studies in research degree programs must register for RDOC900 Introduction to Doctoral Research and Writing during their first semester in the program. Students who have not completed a course on the SBC and Cooperative Program in their previous undergraduate or masters degree will be registered for COOP9000 in conjunction with this course.

• All PhD students must secure and maintain an email address throughout the program.

• The PhD program is a residential program with courses offered on the main campus. Students are encouraged to be on campus for coursework. However, all courses are also available through synchronous interactive video via an online classroom platform. 

• Students should plan to spend minimally 20 hours in research weekly for each seminar. Thus, a student taking two seminars should be engaged in research minimally 40 hours weekly. Allocation of the necessary time in research is subject to review by the student’s committee.

• No seminar grade below “B” (3.0) will count toward degree requirements. Students making a grade of “C” must consult with their faculty supervisor. Two seminar grades of “C” will result in the student’s dismissal from the PhD program.

• Students may be required by their supervisor to improve their preparation for certain PhD courses by taking supplemental masters-level courses. Students are also encouraged to audit master’s level courses in their field.

• The maximum period allowed for the completion of the PhD program is seven years from initial registration.

• A master’s student at times may be allowed to take a doctoral seminar for master’s credit. Students should contact the Divisional Associate Dean of the appropriate academic division for guidance and approval. 

Faculty Supervisors

Supervision begins during the admission process into PhD Studies. Applicants will select their top 2 or 3 supervisor preferences and will reach out to schedule an interview with them individually to evaluate whether they would serve as the supervisor of that student (i.e., research interest, expertise, and availability). The faculty member has the prerogative to choose the students they wish to supervise.

The supervisor will be responsible for preparing students to become experts and scholars in their disciplines, ensuring that students develop competency in their fields and mastery of their areas of specialization. The supervisor will guide the student in developing their research topic into a proposal and then into a prospectus. The supervisor will also remain involved in the dissertation stage by offering direction and critical feedback along the way. Consequently, supervision will prepare students for the Comprehensive Exam and direct students in developing a statement of research interest.

The faculty supervisor must meet regularly with their students at least once a month every semester that the student is on active status during the residency stage. These meetings should begin the first semester the student begins in the PhD program. Meetings with students should focus on any matters related to their current seminars, research interests, and preparation for prospectus and comprehensive exams. The supervisor may recommend additional reading, preparation, or training in areas where the student may have some deficiencies.

Full Load and Partial Load Semesters

The PhD requires a minimum of three years of full-time study (two years residency and one year dissertation research and writing). As such it is possible to complete the PhD degree in three years, but the average is about four to five years for most students.

Full load is defined as two PhD seminars and one program component (reading seminar or supervised mentorship) every semester. Students taking a full load every semester should be able to complete all PhD residency coursework in about two years and a year or more to complete the dissertation. Students who are not bound by more than part-time employment hours (work or ministry) should consider doing a full load. 

Students may complete their PhD residency coursework over three to four years and a year or more to complete the dissertation by taking partial load semesters. Partial load is defined as one PhD seminar and one program component (reading seminar or supervised mentorship) every semester. Students who have work or ministry commitments that require more than part-time employment hours should consider doing a partial load. 

Weekly Time Requirements

Although there is no set amount of time required for research, a general guide is that students need to allocate about twenty hours of research time per week for each seminar. Thus, students taking a full-time load (two seminars and a reading seminar or supervised mentorship) should plan to be engaged in research about forty hours per week. Students taking a part-time load should plan to engage in research a minimum of twenty hours per week.  

Maximum Program Length

The maximum program length is seven years from the date of initial registration. All work for the degree (residency and dissertation) must be completed within that period of seven years. 

Independent Directed Study 

An independent directed study provides a unique opportunity for a student to work one-on-one with a professor. Directed studies enable a student (1) to engage in specialized research under a professor’s supervision or (2) to cover an area not covered in the regular seminar offerings during a student’s scheduled seminar work. Contact the ReDoc Office (redocsec@nobts.edu) concerning the procedure for submitting a proposal.

Dissertation Requirements

A dissertation must demonstrate independent and original research in the candidate’s field of study. Dissertations must make a scholarly contribution to the field or discipline. Dissertations must also exhibit a mastery of research methods as well as the competency to present research, analysis, and conclusions in an accurate and persuasive manner. Dissertations are expected to exhibit the highest level of accuracy in terms of content, grammar, and style.

The dissertation is to be a research document in a candidate’s major field containing no less than 35,000 words and is not to exceed 85,000 words in the body including footnotes, references, and appendices but excluding bibliography. Rare exceptions must be authorized by the student’s supervisor and the Associate Dean of ReDoc. Candidates should write as concisely as possible, with clear and adequate exposition. The approval of a dissertation topic goes through several stages:

• Research proposal approval by the supervisor and the two faculty readers

• Completion of RDOC9303 Prospectus Development 

• Students must show academic proficiency in the methodologies that they will be using in their dissertation prior to the approval of their prospectus. This proficiency may include taking a course that covers the methodology if their committee and/or division so require.

• Institutional Review Board approval for research involving human subjects

• Prospectus approval by the supervisor and a chosen prospectus committee

As candidates research and write their dissertations, they should submit chapters to their supervisors for review and feedback. The supervisor should provide regular feedback throughout the process. Once the supervisor is satisfied with the dissertation and convinced of its ability to withstand defense, the candidate may submit their dissertation to the ReDoc office along with required submission forms. Students should submit a final draft of their dissertation to the ReDoc office as a PDF document emailed to phd@nobts.edu no later than September 1st or February 1st, as well as one hard copy by hand or by mail to the ReDoc Office by the appropriate deadline (if the Sept/Feb 1st deadline falls on a weekend, the hard copy is due the following business day).

A dissertation defense represents a thorough and critical evaluation of the submitted written dissertation. While it is expected the candidate knows his or her content extremely well, the primary focus of the defense is to ensure that the dissertation is well written, accurate in its treatment of the data, and interacts with the relevant scholarship on the subject in a thorough and accurate manner. A dissertation must make an original contribution to the field that is convincing in order to pass.

The dissertation will be awarded one of the following evaluation options:

• High Pass – Demonstrates an outstandingly conversant knowledge and understanding of the

  field with advanced awareness of the scholarship with accuracy, analysis, and original

  assessment.

• Pass – Demonstrates an adequately familiar knowledge and understanding of the field with a

  good awareness of the scholarship with awareness with accuracy, analysis, but non-original

  assessment, may have needed a little prompting. 

• Low Pass – Demonstrates an acceptable working knowledge and understanding of the field with

  above average awareness of the scholarship, but weak in terms of accuracy, analysis, and

  assessment, needed prompting.

• Fail with Resubmission Allowed – Inadequate knowledge and understanding of the field, limited basic

  awareness of the scholarship, some inaccuracies, poor analysis and assessment, prompting

  didn’t help.

• Fail without Resubmission Allowed – Inadequate knowledge and understanding of the field, limited

  basic awareness of the scholarship, some inaccuracies, poor analysis and assessment,

  prompting didn’t help, and second fail.

If the dissertation passes but requires revisions that cannot be completed before that semester’s graduation date deadline, the candidate may register for RDOC9000 Program Continuance for one semester while making corrections to the dissertation. 

In the case of a failure of the dissertation, the dissertation committee may or may not allow a resubmission. If a resubmission is allowed, the candidate returns to the writing stage (with its standard tuition and fees) and a period of three months must elapse before the dissertation may be presented again. Another dissertation defense may or may not be required depending on the nature of rewrite. Upon resubmission of the dissertation, the dissertation committee will read the resubmitted dissertation and make a final decision. No more than one resubmission is allowed. A second failure of a dissertation results in automatic dismissal from the program. 

Requirements for Graduation

In order to graduate from seminary, students must meet all academic requirements set forth in this catalog, settle all financial obligations to the seminary, and maintain high standards of moral and ethical conduct. The faculty or any appropriate committee of the faculty may at any time advise the President that a student evidences spiritual, ethical, emotional, psychological, or attitudinal deficiencies that in the judgment of the faculty disqualify the student for continued study at the seminary. The student may appeal this determination to the President. The decision of the President shall be final.

Participation in graduation exercises is required of all students unless permission is granted to graduate in absentia. Requests for permission to graduate in absentia would be made in writing to the Registrar. Permission is granted only in emergency cases.

Admission Requirements

Characteristics of Applicants

Applicants should display consistent habits of study, independence, an understanding of the basic techniques of research, superior intellectual capabilities, and the willingness to pay the price in time and isolation required for distinguished scholarly work. In addition, consideration is given to the bearing of health, finances, personality traits, and responsibilities other than graduate study upon the fitness of students for scholarly research.

Research Paper

The applicant must submit a research paper from a master’s-level course related to the major for which the applicant is applying for review by the division. If no paper is available, the applicant should contact the Associate Dean of Research Doctoral Programs for guidance.

Entrance Exams 

Entrance exams are scheduled by the academic division after the initial applications are submitted. Entrance exams are required for all majors except Counselor Education and Supervision.

Division Interview

Applicants normally are required to come to campus for an interview with the division faculty related to the proposed area of major study. The interview focuses on one’s reasons for pursuing a PhD, research interests, and recent academic preparations and readings in their proposed field of study. Other concerns may be addressed in order for the faculty to ascertain the applicant’s potential for advanced studies.

Degree Prerequisites Per Major

Students admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy program must have an accredited master’s degree or its educational equivalent in a field deemed appropriate by NOBTS and meet any other requirements specified for the major. The master’s-level requirements (including languages, research statistics, and graduate hours in the respective majors) are noted below.

Admission Requirements for the Counselor Education and Supervision 

• The MDiv degree with a specialization in either Marriage and Family Counseling or Clinical Mental Health, or a master's degree in a mental health field from a CACREP-accredited or CACREP-equivalent program (other mental health master's degrees will be considered on a case-by-case basis).

• Biblical studies, theology, and practical ministry courses comparable to those included in the NOBTS MA in Counseling. At a minimum, three credit hours in each of the following areas from an accredited theological institution: New Testament, Old Testament, Systematic Theology (or its equivalent), and Practical Ministry (such as missions, evangelism, chaplaincy, or other practical ministry). These master's hours may be satisfied prior to entry or concurrently with the first year of doctoral work.

• State licensure in a counseling field (LPC, LMFT, or equivalent) OR the applicant must be provisionally licensed by a state licensing board. Exceptions will be considered by the Division of Counseling on a case-by-case basis.

• 3 credit hours of Research Statistics.

Application Process

Potential applicants should review carefully all degree admission requirements before submitting the following application materials.

• Online Application with all supporting documents (Statement of Purpose and Call, Church Statement of Affirmation, Proof of Immunization Form, 4 reference evaluations, criminal background check, a secured faculty supervisor, and Transfer of Credit Request Form if applicable)

• Application fee

• Verification of GRE verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing scores

• Official transcripts from all colleges, universities, and seminaries

• Research paper from a master’s level course related to the applicant’s choice of major

• International students will require extra supplemental items outlined in the “International Students’ section of this catalog

All application materials must be received no later than February 1 for an August admission or September 1 for a January admission.

Once the application is submitted, the applicant will work with the Office of Research Doctoral programs to complete the following:

• Entrance Examination (not required for Counseling Education and Supervision)

• Division Interview

The Doctoral Admissions Committee approves and denies admission to the research doctoral programs. All relevant information in the application and the recommendation from the division (including their evaluation of the master’s paper, entrance exam, and division interview) are considered in ascertaining the applicant’s potential for advanced research studies and making a final decision concerning admission.

After the Doctoral Admissions Committee has reached a decision, the Associate Dean of Research Doctoral Programs will notify applicants of acceptance or denial. Application decisions usually are made within six weeks following the application deadline. Applications are valid for one year. A person normally can apply only twice for a research doctoral program at NOBTS. An applicant who is denied admission to a research doctoral program must wait at least one semester to reapply and must meet all requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.

Grade Point Average (GPA) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

An applicant’s grade point average (GPA) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) verbal and analytical writing scores will be considered alongside his or her submitted sample research paper, entrance exam, and divisional interview. The minimum GPA required is a 3.26; the minimum GRE verbal score required is 153; and the minimum GRE analytical writing score required is 4.0. Students with scores falling below the requirements may still be considered in light of their research paper, entrance exam, and divisional interview.

International Applicants

Applicants whose primary spoken language is not English must fulfill one of the following options as part of the application process to the Research Doctoral Programs:

Option 1

• Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the Duolingo English Test (DET). Those taking the DET must achieve a score of 120 or higher. For the TOEFL exam, the minimum score for consideration is 550 on the Paper-Based Test, 213 on the Computer-Based Test, or 100 on the Internet-Based Test. The minimum score for the TOEFL writing section is 3.5. Either the DET or TOEFL must be taken prior to the Admissions Council granting admissions approval. The institutional code for NOBTS is 6472.

• Pass the NOBTS English Entrance Exam (the exam is offered during orientation each January and August).

• All test scores must be within two years.

Option 2

• Students with a master’s degree from an English-speaking institution and have at least a 3.5 GPA may request a waiver of the TOEFL requirement with approval from the Associate Dean of Research Doctoral Programs, the PhD Program Director, and the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO).

Applicants who are within 5 points of the TOEFL standard set forth in this policy but do not meet the requirements of the policy (but meet all other admission requirements) are eligible to begin taking online masters-level courses as non-degree students at NOBTS. A student will need to complete at least one upper-level course in the student’s desired field of study as an online student. The student will submit written work from the course to the Associate Dean of ReDoc, the director of the desired program, and the PDSO in order to fulfill the language requirements of the application.

The International Student Advisor for the seminary is Casey Evans. Applicants may contact him by phone at 504.282.4455 ext. 3312 or 1.800.NOBTS.01 ext. 3312, or by email at cevans@nobts.edu. However, please note that WES transcript evaluations for master’s degrees must be completed course by course.

Prerequisite Completion Options

If the applicant has six or less hours of masters-level prerequisite courses to complete, they may receive conditional acceptance to the PhD program contingent on completing all hours of leveling work within their first year in the program. Failure to complete these leveling hours within the first two semesters of program admittance may result in termination from the PhD program. If the applicant requires more than six hours masters-level prerequisite course to complete, the applicant should consider pursuing the stand-alone ThM.

Stand-Alone ThM

If an applicant has nine or more hours of masters-level prerequisite courses to complete, it would be beneficial to apply to the stand-alone ThM program to complete his or her leveling work. This degree includes twelve hours of upper-level masters courses while also allowing the student to complete two PhD seminars, one reading seminar, and Introduction to Research and Writing, which all will transfer toward the PhD completion upon a potential future acceptance into that program after earning the ThM. 

Stand-Alone ThM (27 hours)

A PhD applicant may be granted admittance to the stand-alone ThM program by the faculty rather than the PhD program. The ThM is an advanced research degree designed specifically for further academic preparation for pursuing a PhD. After completing the ThM, the student may reapply for the PhD program.

Additionally, applicants may choose for themselves to apply for a stand-alone ThM rather than a PhD, whether for personal academic advancement or in order to complete leveling work required to apply for the PhD program.

Non-degree Students

Students with a master’s degree from a theological institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools or a regionally accredited graduate school may apply to take one doctoral seminar as a non-degree student.

An individual desiring non-degree status must complete an application as a non-degree student. Non-degree students may be admitted to one doctoral seminar provided they have met the following requirements:

1. Has a minimum GPA of 3.26 or higher.

2. Meets all the prerequisites for the seminar.

3. The appropriate academic division provides a positive recommendation.

PhD seminars taken by non-degree students must be approved as a transfer of credit if they apply for a NOBTS PhD. Students may provide a formal written request to the Associate Dean with the application to the PhD program. The division of study will make a recommendation to the Doctoral Admissions Committee regarding the number of hours to be transferred and how the credit would be applied (major, minor, or elective). If the student is accepted into the PhD program, the Associate Dean will notify the student in the acceptance letter regarding the request for transfer of courses.

The course will be transferred to the student’s transcript following successful completion of his or her first semester in the program. The transfer will not limit the student from taking the maximum allowable load during the semester of the transfer.

Transfer of Credit

There is a possibility of transferring a minimal number of doctoral-level courses completed at another accredited institution prior to admission. Applicants who believe they qualify should contract the Associate Dean of Research Doctoral Programs during the application process. Students who desire to take a doctoral-level course while enrolled at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary as masters or non-degree students should contact the appropriate divisional associate dean regarding approval, which must be granted prior to enrollment in the course.

Degree Equivalency

Applicants who do not hold the appropriate prerequisite degree should contact the office of Research Doctoral programs for information concerning degree equivalency requirements. 

Advanced Standing From Professional Doctoral Programs

Applicants in Christian education, Christian leadership, biblical exposition, or evangelism who hold the Doctor of Educational Ministry or Doctor of Ministry degree from an institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and/or a regional accrediting agency (such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) may be eligible for advanced standing in the PhD program. To be considered for advanced standing, applicants must fulfill all PhD admission requirements for their major area of study with the exception that GRE scores are waived. At least one academic personal reference must be from a professional doctoral program administrator from the degree-granting institution.

Advanced Standing must be requested by submitting a Transfer of Credit Request from Professional Doctoral Degree Form with the application to the PhD program. Upon recommendation of the division of study to admit and allow transfer and the approval of the Doctoral Admissions Committee, maximum credit of two seminars and one reading seminar may be approved for transfer upon the successful completion of two PhD seminars. A seminar could apply as the elective or as a concentration seminar in the following majors/minors: Christian education, Christian Leadership, Biblical exposition, and Evangelism majors. 

Students with advanced standing would be required to take a minimum of six PhD seminars, one reading seminar, two supervised mentorships, all the required RDOC intensive courses (Intro to Research and Writing, Teaching in Higher Education, Prospectus Development), the comprehensive examination, as well as the dissertation and defense in the PhD program.

Enrollment

Once accepted into a research doctoral program (ThM and PhD), a student must begin his or her program of studies and enroll for seminars in the next regular semester. If an applicant is approved for admission to a doctoral program but cannot begin studies, the applicant’s slot may be vacated, and the application will be returned to the applicant pool for consideration in the next semester. The applicant may petition the division for a delay of entry, and the RDOC will approve or deny the request.

After beginning studies, the student must maintain enrollment (register and pay matriculation fees) each semester until the PhD program is completed. The PhD program is a continuous enrollment program until graduation. Failure to register and pay fees each semester will result in termination from the program.

While all students in a research doctoral program are considered to have full-time status, the preferred load per semester is two seminars and one program component (reading seminar or supervised mentorship). However, the student should consider their other responsibilities and may complete courses at a slower pace if necessary.

Research doctoral programs follow the graduate policy for drop/add and withdrawal. All requests for changes in registration must be made in writing to the Office of Research Doctoral Programs and must be received by the appropriate deadlines.

Miscellaneous Program Information

Manual for Research Doctoral Programs

Following acceptance into a research doctoral program, students should download a copy of the Manual for Research Doctoral Programs from the Research Doctoral Programs area of the seminary website (nobts.edu/research). This manual is the official handbook for research doctoral programs. It includes information on current procedures and policies. Students are notified of updates as appropriate.

Style Guides

The official style guide for NOBTS research doctoral programs are the current editions of the SBL Handbook of Style (biblical studies only); the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (counseling only); A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations by Kate L. Turabian; and A Manual of Style published by the University of Chicago Press. Questions concerning form matters peculiar to NOBTS may be addressed to the Office of Research Doctoral Programs (ReDoc Office).

PhD Registration

Students enrolled in doctoral programs must maintain active status by registering and paying the required fees each semester until graduation. Because PhD students are expected to attend all class sessions, students must be enrolled in courses before the first class session. Failure to be registered for a program status, such as Program Proficiency or Writing Candidate, and pay enrollment feeds by the semester drop/add deadline will result in termination from the program.

Dropping PhD Courses

PhD students are expected to attend all class sessions. Students may drop a PhD block-scheduled seminar, colloquium, or other course before the second class meeting. A class meeting is defined as one half-day session. To drop a course, students must contact the Office of Research Doctoral Programs.

Research Doctoral Oversight Committee (RDOC)

The Research Doctoral Oversight Committee (RDOC) is composed of the Associate Dean of Research Doctoral Programs, a representative from each academic division that offers PhD majors, two at-large faculty members, the Dean of Graduate Studies, the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, and the Registrar. The committee meets monthly during the academic year. RDOC provides administrative oversight for the research doctoral programs. The Associate Dean of Research Doctoral Programs is Dr. Alan Bandy. He can be contacted through the ReDoc Office at 504-816-8010, 1-800-NOBTS-01 ext. 8010, or redocsec@nobts.edu.

Established Program Dates

The following are general dates for program components. See the calendar of events for the research doctoral programs for specific dates for the upcoming academic year.

• Dissertation Submissions/Graduation Applications: Second Monday of Sept/Feb

• Research Proposal Submissions: Nov. 1 / Apr. 1

• Research Proposal Approval: Last Day of the Semester

Fees for Doctoral Students

Fees, effective August 1 each year, are listed in the “Graduate Student Fees” section of this catalog. Students who are not members of Southern Baptist churches should note the fees for non-Southern Baptists.

Financial Assistance

Southern Baptist Doctoral Teaching Program
The Southern Baptist Doctoral Teaching Program provides financial assistance through teaching opportunities to qualified doctoral students through funds generated by the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention. For more information about the program or for application forms, contact the Office of Research Doctoral Programs.

Robert S. Magee Doctoral Scholar
The Robert S. Magee Doctoral Scholar award is made possible by a generous donation from the estate of Dr. Robert S. Magee, a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary who served the Lord faithfully for many decades in pastorates in Mississippi and Louisiana, and also was chairman of the Board of Trustees of NOBTS from 1975 to 1983. This two-semester award is granted primarily with regard to academic excellence and scholarly potential. The Associate Dean of Research Doctoral Programs, associate deans of the academic divisions, Dean of Graduate Studies, and Provost are involved in determining recipients of the award.

Teaching and Research Assistantships
A limited number of teaching assistantships are available on a regular basis. Duties include grading and limited teaching opportunities. Interested persons should contact individual professors or the chair of the division in which the student wishes to work. Research assistantships are available as required by the research projects of the faculty.

Research Doctoral Fellowship Program
The Research Doctoral Fellowship Program provides for most or all tuition and fees for outstanding doctoral students for up to four years from entrance into the doctoral program. Recipients must remain in good standing as determined by the Associate Dean for Research Doctoral Programs, and preference is given to residential students. Fellowships currently available include the following:

• J. Duncan Boyd III Memorial Fellowship in Old Testament and Hebrew

• Lucille and Harold Harris PhD Fellowship in Christian Counseling

• Dr. Chuck Kelley PhD Fellowship for Evangelism Studies

• Dr. Rhonda Kelley PhD Fellowship in Women’s Leadership

• Thomas S. and Mary Wheeler Messer Fellowship in New Testament and Greek

• Charles Ray Pigott Fellowship in Apologetics

• Charles Ray Pigott Fellowship for Minority Students

• C. C. Randall Research Fellowship for the Leavell Center for Evangelism and Church Growth

• Milton and Charlotte Williams Fellowship in Preaching

• Annetta Jernigan Fellowship for Women

Visiting Student

A student enrolled in a doctoral program at another accredited seminary, college, or university may enroll in doctoral seminars for credit or audit at NOBTS as a visiting student.

An individual desiring visiting student status must apply to the Associate Dean of Research Doctoral Programs as a non-degree special student. The Associate Dean of Research Doctoral Programs will forward a copy of the application to the appropriate divisional associate dean. 

In addition to a non-degree application, other items needed include the following:

• A letter to the Associate Dean of Research Doctoral Programs stating the desire and rationale for doing seminar work at NOBTS

• A letter from the appropriate academic officer at the student’s institution indicating approval to do seminar work at NOBTS.

The student must meet all prerequisites for enrollment required of the other doctoral students in the seminar. The division will examine the student’s background and preparation and make a recommendation to the Associate Dean, who will submit the application to the Research Doctoral Oversight Committee. The committee will approve or disapprove of the application for visiting student status. The Associate Dean will inform the student of the committee’s decision in writing. The visiting student must pay the applicable tuition and student fees at the level of doctoral students. The visiting student may request a doctoral carrel in the library though availability is not guaranteed.

Visiting Scholar

A professor who is employed at another accredited seminary, college, or university and who has attained the EdD, PhD, ThD, or equivalent degree may apply to NOBTS for the status of visiting scholar. 

An individual desiring visiting scholar status should submit a request to the Associate Dean, who will forward a copy of the request to the associate dean of the division in which the scholar wishes to pursue study. The division will consider the request and make a recommendation to the Research Doctoral oversight Committee. The Associate Dean will inform the scholar of the committee’s decision in writing. 

A visiting scholar may audit doctoral seminars and master’s-level courses (with permission from the professor) without the payment of fees. A visiting scholar who desires credit for a seminar will need to register as a special student. The individual will be charged a matriculation fee equal to one-half of the normal semester cost for doctoral students.

A visiting scholar may apply for student housing through the normal channels of the Housing Office. He or she may also request a doctoral carrel in the library, though availability is not guaranteed. At present, the NOBTS visit scholar program does not provide for issuance of the J-form required for international scholars to obtain a visiting scholar visa.

PhD Courses and Seminars

Program Components

COOP9000 An Introduction to NOBTS, the SBC, and the Cooperative Program (no credit)
This core curriculum course offered in conjunction with Introduction to Doctoral Research and Writing is required to be taken in the first year. The course will acquaint students with a brief history of NOBTS, the SBC, and the Cooperative Program, as well as their current leadership and operation. In this course students also will gain an understanding of the significance and relationship of the Cooperative Program to the SBC and NOBTS.

RDOC9300 Introduction to Doctoral Research and Writing (3 hours)
In this course students will be introduced to the literature and techniques of doctoral research. Special attention will be given to the development of research proposals and the presentation of research, including individual guidance in the form and style of research writing. The course must be taken during the student’s first year in the program.

RDOC9302 Teaching Methods and Learning Theory (3 hours)
Students in this course will develop an undergraduate or graduate course of their own choosing, from the submission of a course rationale and description through the development of the course syllabus and lesson plans. In addition, they will construct a teaching portfolio prepared to present to an institute of higher learning consisting of a personal philosophy of teaching, a curriculum vita, properly written lesson plans, a syllabus for higher theological education, and a video documentation of teaching. Also can be taken as PDOC8302.

RDOC9303 Prospectus Development (3 hours)
In this one-week course students are given guidance in the development and writing of a prospectus for the dissertation. Prerequisite: a research proposal must be submitted to the student’s guidance committee by the April 1/November 1 deadline. The research proposal must be approved by the division of study by the last day of the semester.

RDOC9010 Program Proficiency
This is not a course per se. Students in the residency/ThM candidacy or senior residency stage of the PhD degree programs will be registered for this component in semesters in which no course work is taken. Each semester after completion of the Oral Comprehensive Examination, students will be registered for dissertation writing in the appropriate major.

RDOC9011 Inactive Status
This is not a course per se. Students who have prior approval from the Research Doctoral Oversight Committee to cease all work on the doctoral program for the semester will be registered for inactive status. See the Manual for Research Doctoral Programs for procedures.

RDOC9000 Program Continuance
This is not a course per se. Students who have prior approval from their guidance committee following a successful dissertation defense can continue editing the dissertation for one semester while registered for Program Continuance.

RDOC9110 ThM Portfolio
This is not a course per se. Students will submit a ThM Portfolio after completing Introduction to Research and Writing, one Reading Seminar or one Supervised Mentorship, and four PhD seminars. The writing portfolio may include a copy of all papers, book reviews, or any additional writing from seminars or mentorship to demonstrate the student met the workload to earn a ThM. An assessment of the portfolio will involve an interview with the Associate Dean of ReDoc and the supervisor (or a faculty member from the division). Pending approval of the portfolio, the student will receive a ThM at graduation.

RDOC9310 Supervised Mentorship I
Mentorship is designed to provide an opportunity for the faculty supervisor to work with their students in a more focused and personalized manner. This first semester of mentorship may be bibliographic in nature. It should focus more narrowly on the student’s area of specialization. The goal would be to ensure the student is conversant with all the major scholars, issues, and literature in their specialization.

RDOC9320 Supervised Mentorship II
Mentorship is designed to provide an opportunity for the faculty supervisor to work with their students in a more focused and personalized manner. This second semester of mentorship would primarily focus on guiding and overseeing the student develop a robust research proposal. 

RDOC9120 Research Proposal Approval (1 hour)

RDOC9130 Comprehensive Exam (1 hour)

RDOC9140 Dissertation Prospectus Approval (1 hour)

RDOC9600 Writing Candidate (6 hours)

RDOC9150 Dissertation Defense (1 hour)

Biblical Backgrounds

BSBB9401 The Dead Sea Scrolls (4 hours)
Research includes historical background and description of the Qumran cult and problems relating to the significance and dating of the Scrolls. Special emphasis is placed on a theological analysis of the nonbiblical scriptures of the Dead Sea library on subjects such as God, humanity, and eschatology. Meaningful comparisons are sought in the Qumran view of angels, sin, forgiveness, ethics, and messianic expectation with Jewish and Christian views of the Old and New Testaments and the intertestamental period. Also can serve as an Old or New Testament or biblical interpretation seminar.

BSBB9402 Archaeology in the Ancient Near East (4 hours)
A survey is made of the political, socioeconomic, and religious aspects of ancient Near Eastern cultures in order to contextualize the history of Israel from its formative Patriarchal to Post-Exilic periods. Findings from archaeological excavations in Egypt, Asia Minor, Mesopotamia, and the Levant are highlighted so as to enhance the student’s understanding of the literary, cultural, and physical environments of the Old Testament world. Also can serve as an Old Testament seminar.

BSBB9403 Studies in Syro-Palestinian Archaeology (4 hours)
Current issues and discoveries in the field of Palestinian archaeology which supplement and illuminate the study of the Old Testament are examined. Major finds from the Neolithic through Early Roman periods are discussed. The study includes an assessment of the current status of the field of biblical archaeology, Neolithic/Chalcolithic research, the Early Bronze Age, the Patriarchal period, issues in the Exodus/Conquest Settlement period, the kingdoms of David and Solomon, and the international situation in the Iron Ages-Divided Kingdoms, Persian, and Hellenistic/Herodian periods. Also can serve as an Old Testament seminar.

BSBB9404 Studies in Greco-Roman Archaeology (4 hours)
This seminar is designed to orient the student in the origins and developments in the Greek and Roman worlds from Neolithic to Byzantine periods. Special emphasis is given to the manner in which archaeology has impacted the understanding of historical, sociocultural, technological, economic, and religious aspects of the Greco-Roman world. The goal of the study is to provide a broad-based background for understanding the Greek and Roman impact on the Old and New Testaments, as well as the Early Church, from 700 BC to AD 340. Also can serve as an Old or New Testament or biblical interpretation seminar.

BSBB9405 Readings in NW Semitic Literature (4 hours)
This seminar is designed to introduce the student to the extant literature of the Northwest Semitic language family. The study includes a comparative analysis of Northwest Semitic grammar, syntax, and other linguistic issues. Epigraphic materials in Hebrew, Ugaritic, Phoenician, Aramaic, Syriac, Moabite, Ammonite, and Edomite are translated and interpreted. Also can serve as an Old or New Testament or biblical interpretation seminar.

BSDS9400 Directed Study in Biblical Backgrounds (4 hours)

Biblical Exposition

BEXP9401 Patristic and Reformation Preaching (4 hours)
In this seminar, significant developments in preaching during the Patristic and Reformation periods will be explored through contextual and biographical research as well as analysis of sermons. Attention will be given to such preachers as Augustine, Chrysostom, Luther, and Calvin.

BEXP9403 British Preaching (4 hours)
A study is made of the classical age of British preaching, the preaching of the Evangelical Revival, and trends and characteristics of 19th-century preaching.

BEXP9404 American Preaching (4 hours)
This seminar is concerned with a selected number of American preachers and their preaching. Some time is given to the study of special movements and circumstances that significantly influenced American preaching.

BEXP9405 A Survey of Expository Preaching (4 hours)
Primary attention is given to types of expository preaching and when and where these types were dominant.

BEXP9406 The Art of Biblical Exposition (4 hours)
A study is made of the development of the art of preaching, giving special attention to definitive works.

BEXP9407 Elements of Style in Contemporary Biblical Exposition (4 hours)
A detailed consideration is given to those elements of expression leading to excellence in preaching. The study is to be based on examples provided by selected contemporary preachers.

BEXP9408 Advanced Biblical Exposition (4 hours)
The work of the seminar involves studying various biblical areas, investigating hermeneutical approaches, studying sermon designs from the biblical area from other approaches, and building sermons from a selected biblical area.

BEXP9409 A Survey of Evangelistic Preaching (4 hours)
This seminar is a study of the factors involved in evangelistic preaching. An investigation of various approaches to evangelistic preaching, past and present, will be included in the study. Also can serve as an evangelism seminar.

BEXP9411 Preaching Lectureships (4 hours)
In this seminar the Lyman Beecher Lectures will be studied along with other significant lectureships on preaching. Major attention will be given to selected lectures and the context in which they were given.

BEXP9412 Studies in Classical and Contemporary Pastoral Theology (4 hours)
This seminar studies the work of significant pastors, past and present, in regard to their times, ministry, person, and contributions to the field of pastoral theology. The study also will include an investigation of important issues and problems faced by these pastors, in order to identify evident trends, practical principles, and helpful resources which can shape effective pastoral ministry. Also can be taken as PMCL9403.

BEXP9413 Pastoral Leadership (4 hours)
This seminar examines current and classic leadership theory from a pastoral viewpoint. Students will utilize leadership theory research to analyze specific pastoral leadership styles in both historic and contemporary examples. The seminar will include the evaluation of various pastoral leadership models from a biblical perspective. Also can be taken as PMCL9402.

BEXP9414 Old Testament Exposition (4 hours)
In this seminar the student will research various Old Testament genres, investigating contextual, intertextual, and exegetical factors, hermeneutical issues, and expositional sermon approaches. Attention will be given directly to the biblical text.

BEXP9415 New Testament Exposition (4 hours)
In this seminar the student will research various New Testament genres, investigating contextual, intertextual, and exegetical factors, hermeneutical issues, and expositional sermon approaches. Attention will be given directly to the biblical text.

BEXP9416 Strategic Proclamation (4 hours)
This seminar will involve researching the application of organizational leadership theory through strategic proclamation in both historic and contemporary church and denominational contexts. Students will examine planned proclamation by significant expositors in a variety of church and denominational contexts, such as church revitalization, church planting, church relocation, congregational and denominational crises, or other strategic situations. Also can be taken as PMCL9405.

BEDS9400 Directed Study in Biblical Exposition (4 hours) Faculty

PRSR9310 Reading Seminar: Biblical and Theological Foundations for Preaching (3 hours)

CMSR9310 Reading Seminar: Applied Theological Studies (3 hours)

Biblical Theology

BTBB9401 Biblical Backgrounds in Interpretation (4 hours)
This seminar is designed to address the hermeneutical principles and resources for integrating biblical backgrounds materials in interpreting the Old and New Testaments. Resources from archaeology, historical geography, social and cultural settings, ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman literature, and others will be explored. Current issues and discoveries in the field of archaeology that supplement and illuminate the study of the Bible are examined.

BTET9401 Biblical Ethics (4 hours)
This seminar surveys the ethical teachings of the Scriptures in the context of their historical and cultural setting. The study will focus on theologians, ethicists, and biblical scholars who have made major contributions in the areas of biblical ethics, biblical interpretation, Old Testament ethics, New Testament ethics, the ethics of Jesus, and the ethics of Paul, as well as developing a methodology for the interpretation of ethical passages in the Scriptures. Also serves as a theology seminar. Also cross-listed as ETHC9401.

BTHM9401 Biblical Hermeneutics (4 hours)
This course explores the history of biblical interpretation, genres, hermeneutical principles, and major contributors in the discipline. The course includes an overview of the history of interpretation and traditional methodologies with a focus on current applications of critical, biblical interpretation. The course addresses the hermeneutical concerns deriving from text-centered, author-centered, and reader-centered approaches, especially noting how each may apply to current settings in biblical interpretation. This course prepares the student with an overarching understanding of the field of biblical interpretation and provides an awareness of methodological approaches for biblical research and investigation. Also cross-listed as NTGK9421 and OTHB9421.

BTBT9401 Biblical Theology (4 hours)
The seminar is a directed doctoral-level research seminar investigating the recent definitions and methods of biblical theology. Students will investigate the key contributors, literature, and significant interpretative issues of biblical theology. Students will study selected biblical themes utilizing hermeneutics and intertextuality to create the best possible foundation for biblical theology. Also cross-listed as OTBT9401 and NTBT9401.

BTBT9403 New Testament Theology (4 hours)
Study is made of selected theological emphases in the Greek New Testament. The Hebrew Old Testament, the Septuagint, and non-biblical writings offering light on New Testament usage, as well as current literature, are studied. Also cross-listed as NTGK9403 and THEO9407.

BTBT9405 Old Testament Theology (4 hours)
This seminar explores the various issues in the field of Old Testament theology. Emphasis is given to historical development and methodology in Old Testament theology as well as treatment of various theological emphases in the Old Testament. Also cross-listed as OTHB9405. 

BTBT9420 Biblical Intertextuality (4 hours)
This seminar is a directed doctoral-level research seminar investigating textual relationships between the Old and New Testaments. Specifically, the seminar focuses on the New Testament authors' use of quotations, allusions, and echoes from the Old Testament.  Also cross-listed as NTGK9420 and OTHB9420.

NTGK9410 The Social Setting of the New Testament (4 hours)
This seminar involves the student in an extensive study of various social, political, religious, and economic backgrounds that can aid in understanding the message of the New Testament. An introduction to the study of social settings and the social science methodology is followed by an analysis of the various social backgrounds based upon extensive study of the historical documents from the New Testament time period. 

BTDS9400 Directed Study in Biblical Theology (4 hours)

OTSR9320 Reading Seminar: Old Testament Interpretation and Theology (3 hours)

NTSR9320 Reading Seminar: New Testament Interpretation and Theology (3 hours)

Christian Apologetics

APOL9401 Contemporary Issues in Philosophy of Religion (4 hours)
This seminar is a focused and intensive study of a particular issue(s) of significance in contemporary theology. Attention is given to historical antecedents as well as logical, theological, ethical, and cultural consequences of the issue or issues studied. Special attention is given to scholars advocating or critiquing the issue or issues considered in the seminar. Accordingly, their presuppositions, methodology, and arguments are analyzed and critiqued, giving special attention to biblical and theological concerns. The seminar may be repeated provided the focus of the course is significantly different each time. Also can be taken as PHIL9401.

APOL9406 World Religions (4 hours)
This study of the world’s living religions treats them individually with attention to historical development and doctrinal content. Emphasis is given to the role of cultural influences in the formation of the religion and in the process of sharing the Christian witness with them. Also can be taken as MISS9406, PHIL9406, or THEO9406.

APOL9410 The Problem of Evil (4 hours)
This seminar introduces students to apologetic, philosophical, theological, and biblical issues related to the problem of evil. Issues addressed include the nature of evil, the cause of evil, the place of evil in the Christian worldview, solutions offered by various world religions to the problem of evil, and representative solutions offered by theistic philosophers and theologians addressing the problem of evil. This seminar will focus on guided reading, research, and writing. Also can be taken as PHIL9410.

APOL9413 Historical Jesus (4 hours)
The seminar introduces students to theological, biblical, philosophical, and methodological issues related to contemporary Historical Jesus research. Issues addressed include the nature of the task, the role of the historian, tools for the task, and past and contemporary personalities in Historical Jesus research. The seminar will emphasize person, reading, research, and writing. Also can be taken as NTGK9413 or THEO9413.

APOL9414 Contemporary Issues in Theology: Atheism and Relativism (4 hours)
This seminar addresses contemporary expressions of atheism and relativism in the academy and culture, including issues that relate to evangelism, biblical studies, apologetics, philosophy, and ethics. Special attention is given to historical and intellectual precursors of atheism and relativism, their contemporary expression, and the methodological presuppositions of those advocating or opposing atheism and relativism. The seminar emphasizes personal reading, research, and writing and will build upon the summer study trip to Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. Students not taking part in the Oxford Study Trip may also take the course for credit with extra work being assigned. Also can be taken as THEO9414.

APOL9415 Theology of Religions (4 hours)
The seminar constitutes an intensive study of key issues concerning how Christianity relates to other religions, focusing particularly upon the differing conceptions of God, Jesus, and salvation. Attention is given to pertinent biblical testimony, historical developments, and contemporary perspectives on these issues with a mind to critiquing various perspectives and constructing a suitable Christian response. Also can be taken as THEO9415.

APOL9416 Christology in the Early Church (4 hours)
The seminar advances the student’s knowledge of Christology in the early church, particularly as related to historical and theological context. The issues treated in the seminar include the person and work of Christ and the Trinity. Primary attention will be given to selected church fathers, controversies, and church councils. Also can be taken as HIST9416 or THEO9416.

APOL9418 Orthodoxy and Heresy in the Early Church (4 hours)
This seminar examines the development of and relationship between orthodoxy and heresy in the early church. Topics include early heresies, such as Gnosticism, Marcionism, and Montanism; early church fathers and writings; and the responses of the church to heresy. Special attention is also given to contemporary discussions about orthodoxy and heresy with the intention of developing an effective apologetic response to critics of traditional views of Christianity. Also can be taken as HIST9418 or THEO9418.

APOL9425 Miracles and the Resurrection of Jesus (4 hours)
This seminar examines classic and modern arguments against the miraculous with special attention to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Also can be taken as PHIL9425.

APDS9400 Directed Study in Christian Apologetics (4 hours)

THSR9310 Reading Seminar: Philosophy & Apologetics (3 hours)

THSR9320 Reading Seminar: Theology & Ethics (3 hours)

Christian Education

CEST9300 Educational Research and Statistics (3 hours)
Research (design) and Statistics (analysis) for social services are the advanced languages of Christian ministry research, especially education, evangelism, administration, and leadership. Students will acquire language tools--vocabulary and concepts--for understanding research in one’s field; skills to design one’s own study, collect valid data, and analyze that data to provide answers; and preparation for analyzing empirical research in EdD and PhD seminars, as well as preparation and execution of a formal doctoral research proposal.

CEAD9401 Adult Education (4 hours)
The purpose of this seminar is to engage students in a comprehensive examination of biblical examples, historical models, and contemporary theories of adult education. The application of biblical and pedagogical principles to various learning communities will be explored based on student research interest and focus. Students will make classroom presentations based on individual research and writing. Also can be taken as CECH9401, CEEF9400, or CEYH9400.

CEAD9403 Contemporary Contexts of Adult Ministry (4 hours)
Students will explore the multifaceted contexts of Christian education, discipleship ministries, and ministry leadership. Emphases will include sociological, educational, technological, and denominational influences on the design and leadership of educational ministry to adults. An effort is made to enhance the student’s understanding of the dominant culture and to equip the student to impact the world more effectively. Also can be taken as CEAL9402, CECH9403, or CEYH9401.

CEAD9404 Adult Discipleship and Spiritual Formation (4 hours)
The purpose of this seminar is to advance understanding of the fields of discipleship and spiritual formation especially within the context of the local church. This seminar is designed to survey discipleship and spiritual formation of adults by collecting and comparing biblical text and social science research. Special attention is given to definitions and terms, strategies and models, and current discipleship practices pertinent to various life stages. Personal spiritual formation also is addressed. Also can be taken as CECH9404, CEDI9401, or CEYH9404.

CEAD9405 Adult Development and Aging (4 hours)
In this seminar students will engage in an examination of classic and current theory and research regarding the physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual development of adults. Students will acquire a basic understanding of factors that shape the developmental process. Targeted research and individual presentations of selected topics guide student focus in the seminar. Also can be taken as CECH9402, CEEF9403, or CEYH9402.

CEAL9400 Higher Education Leadership (4 hours)
Leadership principles, philosophies of Christian higher education, and trends in curriculum are investigated through research and lectures. The roles of the principles in the context of higher education are explored. Papers are presented and discussed, and several leadership theories are evaluated.

CEAL9401 Christian School Leadership (4 hours)
The purpose of this seminar is to provide quality theological education for students in the area of advanced research in the context of the K-12 Christian schools.  Leadership principles, philosophies of Christian schools, and trends in curriculum are investigated through research and lectures.  Also can be taken as CEAL9400.

CEAL9402 Contemporary Contexts of Educational Ministry (4 hours)
Students will explore the multifaceted contexts of Christian education, discipleship ministries, and ministry leadership. Emphases will include sociological, educational, technological, and denominational influences on the design and leadership of educational ministry to children, youth, and adults. An effort is made to enhance the student’s understanding of the dominant culture and to equip the student to impact the world more effectively. Also can be taken as CEAD9403, CECH9403, or CEYH9401.

CEAL9406 Conflict Resolution and Crisis Management (4 hours)
This seminar will involve studying and researching the issues and implications of conflict resolution and crisis management in congregations and ministry organizations. Students will explore intensity levels of conflict, theories of conflict resolution and crisis management, and appropriate leadership skills related to conflict resolution and crisis management in congregations and ministry organizations. This course may also be taken as PMCL9406.

CEAM9401 Strategic Leadership and Organizational Change (4 hours)
This seminar will involve studying and researching strategic leadership theory and its applications and implications upon churches and ministry organizations. Strategic dimensions of leadership to be examined include strategic thinking, foresight, influence, team building, and action. The seminar will also explore the leadership disciplines required to initiate and implement successful organizational change. Attention will be given to creating a climate for change, discerning and communicating vision, developing strategic planning skills, and analyzing change theory and practice. Also can be taken as PMCL9400.

CEAM9402 Principles of Administration (4 hours)
The purpose of this seminar is to engage students in a comprehensive examination of administrative principles. The direction of the seminar may involve the functional areas of administration; the historical development, philosophy, and contemporary application of the church program organization approach to Christian education; management functions; supervisory methods and tasks; or other fields of study related to administration.

CEAM9403 Building and Managing an Effective Organization (4 hours)
This seminar guides students in the understanding, evaluation, and research of management systems utilized in churches, Christian organizations, denominational entities, and Christian higher education institutions. Special attention is given to diagnosing organizational health and guiding productive change. The seminar explores the impact of various forms of church governance on management expressions in churches and the denomination. Also can be taken as PMCL9401.

CEAM9404 Issues in Risk Management (4 hours)
The purpose of this seminar is to provide quality theological education for students in the area of advanced research in the context of risk management in the local church and the Christian institution or organization. Leadership principles, philosophies, hazards, and trends are investigated through research and lectures. Papers are presented and discussed, and several leadership theories are evaluated.

CECH9401 Childhood Education (4 hours)
The purpose of this seminar is to engage students in a comprehensive examination of biblical examples, historical models, and contemporary theories of childhood education. The application of biblical and pedagogical principles to various learning communities will be explored based on student research interest and focus. Students will make classroom presentations based on individual research and writing. Also can be taken as CEAD9401, CEEF9400, or CEYH9401.

CECH9402 Child Development (4 hours)
In this seminar students will engage in an examination of classic and current theory and research regarding the physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual development of children. Students will acquire a basic understanding of factors that shape the developmental process. Targeted research and individual presentations of selected topics guide student focus in the seminar. Also can be taken as CEAD9405, CEEF9403, or CEYH9402.

CECH9403 Contemporary Contexts of Children’s Ministry (4 hours)
Students will explore the multifaceted contexts of Christian education, discipleship ministries, and ministry leadership. Emphases will include sociological, educational, technological, and denominational influences on the design and leadership of educational ministry to children. An effort is made to enhance the student’s understanding of the dominant culture and to equip the student to impact the world more effectively. Also can be taken as CEAD9403, CEAL9402, or CEYH9401.

CECH9404 Spiritual Formation of Children (4 hours)
The purpose of this seminar is to advance understanding of the fields of discipleship and spiritual formation especially within the context of the local church. This seminar is designed to survey discipleship and spiritual formation of children by collecting and comparing biblical text and social science research. Special attention is given to definitions and terms, strategies and models, and current discipleship practices pertinent to various life stages. Personal spiritual formation also is addressed. Also can be taken as CEAD9404, CEDI9401, or CEYH9404.

CEDI9401 Discipleship and Spiritual Formation (4 hours)
The purpose of this seminar is to advance understanding of the fields of discipleship and spiritual formation especially within the context of the local church. This seminar is designed to survey discipleship and spiritual formation across the lifespan by collecting and comparing biblical text and social science research. Special attention is given to definitions and terms, strategies and models, as well as current discipleship practices pertinent to various life stages. Personal spiritual formation is also addressed. Also can be taken as CEAD9404, CECH9404, or CEYH9404.

CEDI9402 Family Ministry in Church Life (4 hours)
This seminar is designed to survey contemporary family discipleship ministry and developmental concerns involving preschoolers, children, youth and parents. Needs that can be addressed through family ministry and discipleship endeavors in local Baptist churches are identified and researched. Special attention is given to introduction to current literature in the field. Family discipleship projects are developed and evaluated.

CEEF9400 Lifespan Education (4 hours)
The purpose of this seminar is to engage students in a comprehensive examination of biblical examples, historical models, and contemporary theories of education. The application of biblical and pedagogical principles to various learning communities will be explored based on student research interest and focus. Students will make classroom presentations based on individual research and writing. Also can be taken as CEAD9401, CECH9401, or CEYH9400.

CEEF9401 History and Philosophy of Christian Education (4 hours)
A survey is made of both the historical development of Christian education as well as the philosophical foundations that influenced that development. Receiving special attention are influential personalities, significant movements, and contextual matters that have shaped and continue to shape Christian education. Consideration is given to the impact of these historical factors upon contemporary Christian education ministry and its future expressions. Current philosophical trends are observed and evaluated.

CEEF9402 Educational Psychology (4 hours)
The purpose of this seminar is to engage students in a comprehensive examination of educational psychology. Special attention is devoted to concepts which describe principles of teaching, theories of learning, motivational psychology, and instructional objectives. The study provides for an analysis of representative expressions of the teaching-learning transaction as they focus on the ministry of Christian education.

CEEF9403 Human Growth and Development (4 hours)
In this seminar students will engage in an examination of classic and current theory and research regarding the physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual development of children, adolescents, and adults from conception through senior adulthood. Students will acquire a basic understanding of factors that shape the developmental process. Targeted research and individual presentations of selected topics guide student focus in the seminar. Also can be taken as CEAD9405, CECH9402, or CEYH9402.

CEEF9405 Advanced Pedagogy (4 hours)
Students will compare and evaluate contemporary instructional strategies and forms of assessment to be used in higher education. Instructional strategies to be examined include the flipped classroom, problem-based learning, and teaching online. Forms of assessment to be examined include rubrics, tests and measurements, portfolios, and informal and formal assessments. At the end of this course students will apply appropriate contemporary instructional strategies and forms of assessment to topics of study in an existing syllabus. RDOC9302 is a prerequisite for this course.

CEWM9401 Women in Ministry Leadership (4 hours)
Students will examine biblical, theological, philosophical, and historical perspectives of women in ministry leadership. Research concerning vocational callings and opportunities, leadership challenges, and cultural perceptions of ministry leadership for women will be explored.

CEYH9400 Youth Education (4 hours)
The purpose of this seminar is to engage students in a comprehensive examination of biblical examples, historical models, and contemporary theories of youth education. The application of biblical and pedagogical principles to various learning communities will be explored based on student research interest and focus. Students will make classroom presentations based on individual research and writing. Also can be taken as CEAD9401, CECH9401, or CEEF9400.

CEYH9401 Youth Ministry in Cultural Contexts (4 hours)
Students will explore the multifaceted contexts of Christian education, discipleship ministries, and ministry leadership. Emphases will include sociological, educational, technological, and denominational influences on the design and leadership of educational ministry to youth. An effort is made to enhance the student’s understanding of the dominant culture and to equip the student to impact the world more effectively. Also can be taken as CEAD9403, CEAL9402, or CECH9403.

CEYH9402 Adolescent Development (4 hours)
In this seminar students will engage in an examination of classic and current theory and research regarding the physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual development of adolescents. Students will acquire a basic understanding of factors that shape the developmental process. Targeted research and individual presentations of selected topics guide student focus in the seminar. Also can be taken as CEAD9405, CECH9402, or CEEF9403.

CEYH9404 Discipling Adolescents and Emerging Adults (4 hours)
The purpose of this seminar is to advance understanding of the fields of discipleship and spiritual formation especially within the context of the local church. This seminar is designed to survey discipleship and spiritual formation of adolescents and emerging adults by collecting and comparing biblical text and social science research. Special attention is given to definitions and terms, strategies and models, and current discipleship practices pertinent to various life stages. Personal spiritual formation also is addressed. Also can be taken as CEAD9404, CECH9404, or CEDI9401.

CEDS9400 Directed Study in Christian Education (4 hours)

CESR9310 Reading Seminar: Readings in Christian Education (3 hours)

MLSR9310 Reading Seminar: Ministry Leadership and Practice (3 hours)

Christian Ethics

ETHC9401 Biblical Ethics (4 hours)
This seminar surveys the ethical teachings of the Scriptures in the context of their historical and cultural setting. The study will focus on theologians, ethicists, and biblical scholars who have made major contributions in the areas of biblical ethics, biblical interpretation, Old Testament ethics, New Testament ethics, the ethics of Jesus, and the ethics of Paul, as well as developing a methodology for the interpretation of ethical passages in the Scriptures. Also serves as a theology seminar. Also cross-listed as BTET9401.

ETHC9402 Contemporary Christian Ethics (4 hours)
The seminar surveys recent trends in Christian ethics by studying major contemporary theological movements and evaluating the key theologians/ethicists who have made significant contributions to Christian ethics. Students will analyze the biblical, theological, and historical bases for moral character development and ethical decision making in these contemporary resources to develop an adequate ethical methodology. Also serves as a theology seminar.

ETHC9403 Current Ethical Issues (4 hours)
The seminar surveys current moral issues addressed in Christian ethics, critically examining a variety of topics and questions regarding individual conduct, character, and the church, as well as how cultural, social, and political mores influence the way Christians live in and respond to the world. Students will analyze and develop biblical, theological, and philosophical positions on current moral issues. Possible topics include issues on life and death, medical ethics, wealth and poverty, human sexuality, marriage and divorce, and so forth.

ETHC9404 History of Christian Ethical Thought (4 hours)
The seminar surveys major Christian and non-Christian figures and movements that have shaped moral theology and Christian ethics from the first century church to the early twentieth century. Emphasis is placed on the moral positions and ethical methodologies of Catholic and Protestant theologians and ethicists. Histories of Christian ethics are utilized. Primary sources are highlighted. Also serves as a theology seminar.

ETHC9421 Theological Ethics (4 hours)
The seminar examines ethics and the moral life within the framework of Christian theology. This examination draws upon the rich tradition of Christian moral thought as shaped historically, systematically, and philosophically, by the sources of the Christian faith and moral knowledge. The seminar will evaluate key theologian-ethicists who have contributed to the field of ethics. Analyzing the theological bases (e.g., theology proper, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, pneumatology, eschatology, and so forth) for developing character, structuring moral reflection, and governing ethical beliefs, the seminar will apply moral-theological frameworks to the Christian life and to issues of personal, pastoral, and societal importance (such as personhood and human dignity, biomedical technologies, sexual ethics, and the pursuit of peace, justice, and reconciliation).

ETHC9490 Contemporary Issues in Public Policy (4 hours)
The seminar is offered in partnership with the ERLC and is an examination of selected issues in contemporary public theology. It will analyze the biblical, doctrinal, historical, and practical aspects of applying Christian theology and ethics in the public square. The seminar may be repeated provided the focus of the course is significantly different each time.

ETDS9400 Directed Study in Ethics (4 hours)

THSR9310 Reading Seminar: Philosophy & Apologetics (3 hours)

THSR9320 Reading Seminar: Theology & Ethics (3 hours)

Christian Leadership

CEAL9400 Higher Education Leadership (4 hours)
Leadership principles, philosophies of Christian higher education, and trends in curriculum are investigated through research and lectures. The roles of the principals in the context of higher education are explored. Papers are presented and discussed, and several leadership theories are evaluated.

CEAL9402 Contemporary Context of Christian Education (4 hours)
Students will explore the multifaceted contexts of Christian education, discipleship ministries, and ministry leadership. Emphases will include sociological, educational, technological, and denominational influences on the design and leadership of educational ministry to children, youth and adults. An effort is made to enhance the student’s understanding of the dominant culture and to equip the student to impact the world more effectively. Also can be taken as CEAD9403, CECH9403, or CEYH9401.

CEAM9401 Strategic Leadership and Organizational Change (4 hours)
This seminar will involve studying and researching strategic leadership theory and its applications and implications upon churches and ministry organizations. Strategic dimensions of leadership to be examined include strategic thinking, foresight, influence, team-building, and action. The seminar will also explore the leadership disciplines required to initiate and implement successful organizational change. Attention will be given to creating a climate for change, discerning and communicating vision, developing strategic planning skills, and analyzing change theory and practice. Also can be taken as PMCL9400.

CEAM9402 Principles of Administration (4 hours)
The purpose of this seminar is to engage students in a comprehensive examination of administrative principles. The direction of the seminar may involve the functional areas of administration; the historical development, philosophy, and contemporary application of the church program organization approach to Christian education; management functions; supervisory methods and tasks; or other fields of study related to administration.

CEAM9403 Building and Managing an Effective Organization (4 hours)
This seminar guides students in the understanding, evaluation, and research of management systems utilized in churches, Christian organizations, denominational entities, and Christian higher education institutions. Special attention is given to diagnosing organizational health and guiding productive change. The seminar explores the impact of various forms of church governance on management expressions in churches and the denomination. Also can be taken as PMCL9401.

PMCL9400 Strategic Leadership and Organizational Change (4 hours)
This seminar will involve studying and researching strategic leadership theory and its applications and implications upon churches and ministry organizations. Strategic dimensions of leadership to be examined include strategic thinking, foresight, influence, team building, and action. The seminar will also explore the leadership disciplines required to initiate and implement successful organizational change. Attention will be given to creating a climate for change, discerning and communicating vision, developing strategic planning skills, and analyzing change theory and practice. Also can be taken as CEAM9401.

PMCL9401 Building and Managing an Effective Organization (4 hours)
This seminar guides students in the understanding, evaluation, and research of management systems utilized in churches, Christian organizations, denominational entities, and Christian higher education institutions. Special attention is given to diagnosing organizational health and guiding productive change. The seminar explores the impact of various forms of church governance on management expressions in churches and the denomination. Also can be taken as CEAM9403.

PMCL9402 Pastoral Leadership (4 hours)
This seminar examines current and classic leadership theory from a pastoral viewpoint. Students will utilize leadership theory research to analyze specific pastoral leadership styles in both historic and contemporary examples. The seminar will include the evaluation of various pastoral leadership models from a biblical perspective. Also can be taken as BEXP9413.

PMCL9403 Studies in Classical and Contemporary Pastoral Theology (4 hours)
This seminar studies the work of significant pastors, past and present, in regard to their times, ministry, person, and contributions to the field of pastoral theology. The study also will include an investigation of important issues and problems faced by these pastors, in order to identify evident trends, practical principles, and helpful resources which can shape effective pastoral ministry. Also can be taken as BEXP9412.

PMCL9404 Church Revitalization and Strategic Leadership (4 hours)
This seminar will seek to identify the factors common to leaders and their churches which have experienced growth from a plateaued or declining position. The factors associated with church health and revitalization will be compared and contrasted with characteristics of churches experiencing plateau and decline. Implications will be drawn for strategic planning, the SBC, and the personal development of the church’s leaders. Also can be taken as EVAN9407.

PMCL9405 Strategic Proclamation (4 hours)
This seminar will involve researching the application of organizational leadership theory through strategic proclamation in both historic and contemporary church and denominational contexts. Students will examine planned proclamation by significant expositors in a variety of church and denominational contexts, such as church revitalization, church planting, church relocation, congregational and denominational crises, or other strategic situations. Also can be taken as BEXP9416.

PMCL9406 Conflict Resolution and Crisis Management (4 hours)
This seminar will involve studying and researching the issues and implications of conflict resolution and crisis management in congregations and ministry organizations. Students will explore intensity levels of conflict, theories of conflict resolution and crisis management, and appropriate leadership skills related to conflict resolution and crisis management in congregations and ministry organizations. This course may also be taken as CEAL9406.

PMCL9407 Biblical and Theological Basis for Christian Leadership (4 hours)
This seminar will involve studying and examining the biblical leadership principles and styles of leadership in the Old Testament and New Testament. Students will determine the theological implications and leadership principles foundational for effective Christian leadership.

CLDS9400 Directed Study in Christian Leadership (4 hours)

MLSR9310 Reading Seminar: Ministry Leadership and Practice (3 hours)

MLSR9320 Reading Seminar: Historical Leadership Developments (3 hours)

Church History

HIST9401 Studies in Early Christianity (4 hours)
This seminar involves a critical examination of the Christian movement during the first six centuries of its development. Attention is given to the political, social, philosophical, and religious milieu of the Greco-Roman world and to the institutional, theological, and literary development of Christianity in this environment. Also cross-listed as NTGK9404.

HIST9405 Theology of the Major Reformers (4 hours)
Beginning with an overview of late medieval theology, especially of those flashpoints that elicited increasing debate and dissent, the seminar addresses significant features of Reformation thought on the European continent during the 16th century. Also cross-listed as THEO9405.

HIST9407 Christianity in the United States: From the Pilgrims to the Present (4 hours)
This seminar addresses the formation and development of a variety of theological and ecclesiastical expressions of Christianity, from Colonial America to the present. It includes the theology, practices, and organizational structure of the various denominational families in the United States. This seminar gives attention to the relationship between Church and State, the struggle for religious liberty, and the formation of national denominational organizations. Also cross-listed as THEO9427.

HIST9409 Baptist Theology and Practice (4 hours)
Participants will engage in selected studies of Baptist theological perspectives, practices, personalities, principles, problems, and movements that have influenced Baptist faith and practice significantly since the 17th century. Also cross-listed as THEO9409.

HIST9410 Keepers of the Springs: The Devotional Classics and the Heritage of Christian Spirituality (4 hours)
This seminar is a theological and historical examination of Christian spirituality through the lens of the classics of Christian devotion. Attention is given to the dynamics of the Christian life and the disciplines that nurture it. The seminar explores the relationship of the classics to current discussions on the method and content of spiritual theology. Also cross-listed as THEO9419.

HIST9416 Christology in the Early Church (4 hours)
The seminar advances the student’s knowledge of Christology in the early church, particularly as related to historical and theological context. The issues treated in the seminar include the person and work of Christ and the Trinity. Primary attention will be given to selected church fathers, controversies, and church councils. Also cross-listed as APOL9416 and THEO9416.

HIST9418 Orthodoxy and Heresy in the Early Church (4 hours)
This seminar examines the development of and relationship between orthodoxy and heresy in the early church. Topics include early heresies, such as Gnosticism, Marcionism, and Montanism; early church fathers and writings; and the responses of the church to heresy. Special attention also is given to contemporary discussions about orthodoxy and heresy with the intention of developing an effective apologetic response to critics of traditional views of Christianity. Also cross-listed as APOL9418 and THEO9418.

Students also may take the following as a church history seminar upon request: MISS9404 A History of Christian Missions

HIDS9400 Directed Study in Church History (4 hours)

THSR9310 Reading Seminar: Philosophy & Apologetics (3 hours)

THSR9320 Reading Seminar: Theology & Ethics (3 hours)

Counselor Education and Supervision

COUN9301 Counseling Approaches to Social Problems and Advocacy (3 hours)
Counseling principles and techniques are applied to the process of understanding and alleviating social problems. Institutions and agencies working specifically in the areas of study are surveyed. Students will conduct substantial research to delineate counseling processes of change to social problems.

COUN9302 Biblical and Theological Foundations of Counseling (3 hours)
Recognizing the need for personal integration of Christian theology and the Bible into the counselor’s own life, this course is designed to examine and express the connections between humans and God as defined in Scripture. Models of integrating Scripture and counseling are presented. Students are challenged to learn effective, therapeutic methods of sharing biblical passages, principles, theology, and historical contexts with counselees. God’s Word is presented as the truth which permeates the presence of the Christian counseling environment.

COUN9308 Contemporary Approaches in Counseling (3 hours)
This seminar is an intensive examination of the contemporary approaches to therapy. Students must demonstrate conceptual and execution skills in several models of therapy.

COUN9312 Counseling in the Church (3 hours)
This seminar will examine the ministry of counseling in the church. Areas of study will include the biblical, theological, and historical foundations for counseling ministry; existing models of church counseling; preparation and development of counseling ministries; lay counseling; and ethical issues related to counseling ministries.

COUN9313 Counseling Supervision Theory and Practice (3 hours)
This course in counselor supervision covers the basic concepts and models of supervision in counseling; the supervisory relationship; supervision methods and techniques; administrative issues; and ethical, legal, and theological issues in supervision. Students will develop knowledge and skills in supervision through readings, research, seminar discussions, and evaluation of their supervision of counselors-in-training.

COUN9314 Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology (3 hours)
In this course students will examine the theory and practice of neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. Neuropsychology seeks to assess and interpret the relationship between nervous system function, cognition, emotion, and behavior and to apply this knowledge to the design of individualized client interventions. Students will be challenged to explore how neuropsychology and biblical concepts intersect.

COUN9362 Advanced Quantitative Statistics (3 hours)
This course will provide to doctoral-level students experience in conducting advanced quantitative research methods and discovering how they aid in the promotion of efficient and effective evidenced-based practices with clients, counselors, students, and supervisees. Specific attention is given to various methods of regression analysis, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling, including the utilization of a statistical software for each method of analysis.

COUN9365 Advanced Qualitative Methods (3 hours)
This course examines the theoretical and conceptual frameworks for qualitative research methods, including training to do a qualitative data analysis, participant observation, organizational observation, structured and non-structured interviewing, discourse analysis, and interpretation and presentation of original research.

COUN9375 Research Design and Program Evaluation (3 hours)
This course will provide to doctoral-level students experience in conducting various research methods and program evaluation. The course covers an investigation of regression analysis and other forms of multivariate analyses. Additionally, specific attention is given to methods of research, experimental control, validity, behavioral assessment, instrumentation and measurement techniques, sampling methods, hypothesis development, descriptive and inferential statistics, the writing of research proposals and report development. The students will learn how to apply and solve statistical questions using various data sets as well as how to input data sets into SPSS.

COUN9380 Doctoral Practicum (3 hours)
This practicum course provides supervised experiences in counseling. Students must participate in a supervised practicum of a minimum of 100 hours, of which 40 hours must be providing direct counseling services. The nature of the doctoral-level practicum experience is to be determined in consultation with the counselor education program faculty. Individual or triadic supervision meetings with a faculty supervisor or a qualified supervisor, as well as regular group supervision meetings with a faculty supervisor, are required.

COUN9390 Doctoral Internship 1 (3 hours)
COUN9391 Doctoral Internship 2 (3 hours)
These internships provide supervised experiences in teaching, supervision, leadership and advocacy, counseling, and research and scholarship. Each student develops the internship program according to the areas identified by the student and advisor that are necessary for comprehensive preparation as a counselor educator and supervisor and that are relevant to the specific career goals of each student. Each Doctoral Internship requires a total of 300 hours of work experience in the professional areas selected by the student, and 120 hours of the 300 hours must constitute direct service to clients, students, supervisees, or professionals. Individual or triadic supervision meetings with a faculty supervisor or a qualified supervisor, as well as regular group supervision meetings with a faculty supervisor, are required. The internship offers psychosocial support, role modeling, and professional development in counselor education and supervision.

CODS9300 Directed Study in Counselor Education and Supervision (3 hours)

COUN9310 Reading Seminar: Leadership, Advocacy, and Counselor Identity (3 hours)

COUN9320 Reading Seminar: Spirituality, Culture, and Personhood (3 hours)

Evangelism

EVAN9401 Emerging Issues in Evangelism and Church Growth (4 hours)
This seminar is a study of the most current positive issues and potentially dangerous issues that are emerging in evangelism and church growth. In addition to researching the latest printed resources to discover and discuss issues, students will gain new information through the construction and implementation of surveys and other data-gaining devices.

EVAN9402 History of Revivals and Awakenings (4 hours)
A study is made of the origin and growth of revivalism and its impact upon evangelism and church expansion in the 20th century. The European and American contexts will be the primary focus. Attention also is given to past and present evangelistic preaching and to the evangelistic history of the Southern Baptist Convention.

EVAN9403 Church Growth Foundations and Development (4 hours)
This seminar is a study of the church growth movement in America from the middle part of the 20th century to the present.

EVAN9404 The Biblical and Theological Basis of Evangelism and Discipleship (4 hours)
This seminar will examine the biblical and theological basis and approaches to evangelism and disciple making. The early church will be examined as to why and how it engaged in spreading the life-changing message of Christ as well.

EVAN9407 Church Revitalization and Strategic Leadership (4 hours)
This seminar will seek to identify the factors common to leaders and their churches which have experienced growth from a plateaued or declining position. The factors associated with church health and revitalization will be compared and contrasted with characteristics of churches experiencing plateau and decline. Implications will be drawn for strategic planning, the SBC, and the personal development of the church’s leaders. Also can be taken as PMCL9404.

EVAN9408 First- and Twenty-First Century Ministry and Missions Parallels (4 hours)
This seminar examines the striking parallels between the context for missions and ministry in the early church and missions and ministry in the church of the 21st century. Context and corresponding methods will be examined in the areas of evangelism and church planting along with disciple making and global missionary principles. The book of Acts and the early church will be examined, along with the local and global evangelism and missions tasks and context facing the 21st-century church. Also can be taken as MISS9408.

Students majoring in evangelism may count the following seminar toward the five required seminars in the major: BEXP9409 A Survey of Evangelistic Preaching (4 hours)

EVDS9400 Directed Study in Evangelism (4 hours) Faculty

EVSR9310 Reading Seminar: Biblical and Theological Foundations of Evangelism (3 hours)

CMSR9310 Reading Seminar: Applied Theological Studies (3 hours)

Missions

MISS9401 Cross-Cultural Communication (4 hours)
This seminar examines the dynamics of cross-cultural communication, integrating biblical, sociological, anthropological, and psychological perspectives. Particular attention is given to issues of worldview and to contextualization of evangelism, discipleship, spirituality, hermeneutics, preaching, and other disciplines of the Christian faith.

MISS9402 Urban and Diaspora Missiology (4 hours)
This seminar examines urban and diaspora missiology in light of biblical and theological foundations, history, and contemporary applications. Trends of urbanization, globalization, and immigration are examined with an emphasis on their impact on missions.

MISS9403 Missions Theology and Principles (4 hours)
The theology and principles of missions are examined from the perspectives of biblical foundations, historical development, contemporary discussions, and future directions. Special attention is given to major missiological motifs, the impact of significant missiological movements, and the interaction between theology and missiological principles.

MISS9404 A History of Christian Missions (4 hours)
This seminar is designed to survey the expansion of Christianity from its small Jewish beginnings to its present position as a unique universal faith. Emphasis is placed on major periods and outstanding personalities from Pentecost to the present. Additionally, distinctive patterns of development, or influences, are noted that radically changed Christianity from a local religious movement of the Near East into the dominant religion of Europe and increasingly freed it from limitations of geographic and cultural restraints so that it could spread into all areas of the world. Also may be taken as a church history seminar upon request.

MISS9406 World Religions (4 hours)
This study of the world’s living religions treats them individually with attention to historical development and doctrinal content. Emphasis is given to the role of cultural influences in the formation of the religion and in the process of sharing the Christian witness with them. Also can be taken as APOL9406, PHIL9406, or THEO9406.

MISS9408 Global Issues and Trends in Mission (4 hours)
This seminar examines the current issues, trends, and methodologies in missions. Building from biblical and historical foundations, students will examine, engage, and build strategies, focused on global evangelism, discipleship, and missions, for contemporary cross-cultural contexts.

MISS9411 Strategic Leadership and Practice in Mission (4 hours)
This seminar is a study and examination of strategic leadership models, principles, and practice in ministry, with a particular focus on Great Commission organizations. Students will engage issues related to strategic thinking, team building, change, and action through biblical, theological, and contemporary perspectives.

MISS9412 Church Planting Models and Methods (4 hours)
This course is a study of biblical ecclesiology in relation to principles and practices associated with global church planting. Students will focus attention on issues of leadership, multiplication, methodology from biblical, historical, and contemporary perspectives.

MIDS9400 Directed Study in Missions (4 hours)

Students also may take one of the following as a missions seminar:

• NTGK9435 Acts

• THEO9410 Theological Method

MISR9310 Reading Seminar: Biblical and Theological Foundations for Missions (3 hours)

CMSR9310 Reading Seminar: Applied Theological Studies (3 hours)

New Testament

Note: Twelve hours of Greek are prerequisite for advanced study in the New Testament.

NTGK9401 New Testament Textual Criticism (4 hours)
This seminar builds upon the course in textual criticism taught at the master’s level by way of first-hand work in the Greek manuscripts, attention to recent works in the field of textual criticism, and the use and analysis of dominant methodologies in the field. Early versions of the New Testament, church father citations, and factors affecting transmission of the New Testament text also are considered.

NTGK9403 New Testament Theology (4 hours)
Study is made of selected theological emphases in the Greek New Testament. The Hebrew Old Testament, the Septuagint, and nonbiblical writings offering light on New Testament usage, as well as current literature, are studied. Also cross-listed as BTBT9403 and THEO9407.

NTGK9404 The Canon of the New Testament (4 hours)
This seminar includes such subjects as the motives which retarded the development of the canon and those which led to the development of the canon; the collection, use, and canonization of the various sections of the New Testament; the use of books outside the canon by Christians; and the churches, people, and documents which bear witness to the development of the canon. Also can be taken as HIST9401.

NTGK9405 New Testament Manuscript Studies and Analyses (4 hours)
This seminar builds upon a working knowledge of New Testament textual criticism and manuscript collation procedures. The emphasis in the seminar is on the study and analysis of the Greek minuscule manuscripts of the New Testament. Data is compiled by adding collations of manuscripts or portions of manuscripts to the database at the Center for New Testament Textual Studies and then analyzing the results utilizing such methods as the quantitative analysis method and the Claremont profile method. A prerequisite for entrance into the seminar is the course NTGK6390 Textual Criticism of the Greek New Testament or its equivalent.

NTGK9410 The Social Setting of the New Testament (4 hours)
This seminar involves the student in an extensive study of various social, political, religious, and economic backgrounds that can aid in understanding the message of the New Testament. An introduction to the study of social settings and the social-science methodology is followed by an analysis of the various social backgrounds based upon extensive study of the historical documents from the New Testament time period.

NTGK9413 Historical Jesus (4 hours)
The seminar introduces students to theological, biblical, philosophical, and methodological issues related to contemporary Historical Jesus research. Issues addressed include the nature of the task, the role of the historian, tools for the task, and past and contemporary personalities in Historical Jesus research. The seminar will emphasize personal reading, research, and writing. Also can be taken as APOL9413 or THEO9413.

NTGK9416 New Testament Chronology (4 hours)
The seminar consists of an intensive study of the data dealing with the chronology of the New Testament. The design is such as to elicit maximum participation on the part of the students.

NTGK9420 Biblical Intertextuality (4 hours)
This seminar is a directed doctoral-level research seminar investigating textual relationships between the Old and New Testaments. Specifically, the seminar focuses on the New Testament authors' use of quotations, allusions, and echoes from the Old Testament. Also can be taken as BTBT9420 and OTHB9420.

NTGK9421 Biblical Hermeneutics (4 hours)
This course explores the history of biblical interpretation, genres, hermeneutical principles, and major contributors in the discipline. The course includes an overview of the history of interpretation and traditional methodologies with a focus on current applications of critical, biblical interpretation. The course addresses the hermeneutical concerns deriving from text-centered, author-centered, and reader-centered approaches, especially noting how each may apply to current settings in biblical interpretation. This course prepares the student with an overarching understanding of the field of biblical interpretation and provides an awareness of methodological approaches for biblical research and investigation. Also cross-listed as BTHM9401 and OTHB9421.

NTGK94XX New Testament Exegesis (4 hours)
The seminars are designed for intensive exegetical work in selected portions of the New Testament. Attention is given to such introductory matters as date, authorship, occasion, and purpose. Exegesis of the Greek text is made with the help of the best critical literature available.

Students majoring in New Testament may count one of the following seminars toward the five required seminars in the major:
BSBB9401 The Dead Sea Scrolls
BSBB9404 Studies in Greco-Roman Archaeology
BSBB9405 Readings in NW Semitic Literature

NTDS9400 Directed Study in New Testament (4 hours) Faculty

NTSR9310 Reading Seminar: New Testament Studies (3 hours)

NTSR9320 Reading Seminar: New Testament Interpretation and Theology (3 hours)

Old Testament

Note: Twelve hours of Hebrew are prerequisite for advanced study in the Old Testament.

OTHB9401 Religion in the Former Prophets (4 hours)
This seminar is designed as an intensive exegetical study of selected texts in Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings. Attention is given to the ancient Near Eastern religious environments and the practices of ancient Israel, including the areas of cultic leadership, practices, symbols, and worship centers.

OTHB9402 Wisdom Literature (4 hours)
This seminar explores the literature and theology of the sages in the Old Testament and Apocrypha. Emphasis is given to the field of wisdom studies, the ancient Near Eastern context of wisdom, and particular themes and texts in the wisdom literature.

OTHB9403 The Workings of Hebrew Poetry (4 hours)
This seminar explores the major theories about the nature of Hebrew poetry, with the aim of identifying the driving mechanism(s) behind this rich literary form. It also deals in depth with several selected poetic texts, with the aim of applying the principles learned to the interpretation of such texts. As such, the seminar has both a theoretical and a practical component, and a goal of full and proper exegesis of poetic texts is constantly kept in view.

OTHB9404 Historiography: The Theology of Writing History (4 hours)
“History” comes in many guises. The term refers to bare facts or events, as well as to various forms of the record of such facts or events. “Historiography” (or “history writing”) generally refers to the latter: the record of events. This course covers (1) general historiography and philosophies of history, (2) ancient Near Eastern historiography, and (3) biblical (OT) historiography. It addresses such questions as an author’s view or philosophy of history, his purpose in writing, and how well he executes that purpose via his use of sources, selectivity, point of view, and literary artistry.

OTHB9405 Old Testament Theology (4 hours)
This seminar explores the various issues in the field of Old Testament theology. Emphasis is given to historical development and methodology in Old Testament theology as well as treatment of various theological emphases in the Old Testament. Also cross-listed as BTBT9405.

OTHB9406 The Pentateuch as Narrative (4 hours)
This seminar is a study of the Pentateuch as a whole, involving comparison and contrast of various methodological approaches, but with particular emphasis on its narrative quality. Consideration of the history of the critical analysis of the material will set the stage for the study.

OTHB9407 Old Testament Criticism (4 hours)
This seminar explores the various critical methods (classical and current) used in the study of the Old Testament. Emphasis is given to an application of the critical methods to texts in the Old Testament.

OTHB9410 Studies in Biblical Law (4 hours)
The focus of the study is biblical law, particularly on the Pentateuch and the recognized law codes within it. The foundation for the study will be the consideration of the significant literature on the subject and an exposure to and evaluation of the basic issues related to biblical law. This will include a study of the nature of law in general, its social context in the ancient Near East, the role of Moses as lawgiver, the origin and development of individual laws, and the significance of Old Testament law for modern Christians. The core of the study will be intensive textual work, consisting of textual criticism, grammatical and syntactical analysis, and thorough exegetical work employing both traditional historical and modern literary methodologies. Exposition of the text will lead to an application of the principles to modern living from a Christian perspective.

OTHB9411 Ancient Hebrew Language and Texts (4 hours)
This seminar focuses on advanced studies in Hebrew syntax and lexicography, Historical Hebrew Grammar, and textual criticism. The seminar will consider fundamental issues that underlie the current research regarding Hebrew language and linguistics, especially as it relates to exegesis. Study will include reading large swaths of the Hebrew Masoretic Text, as well as the presentation of original research concerning Hebrew language and linguistics.

OTHB9420 Biblical Intertextuality (4 hours)
This seminar is a directed doctoral-level research seminar investigating textual relationships between the Old and New Testaments. Specifically, the seminar focuses on the New Testament authors' use of quotations, allusions, and echoes from the Old Testament. Also can be taken as BTBT9420 and NTGK9420.

OTHB9421 Biblical Hermeneutics (4 hours)
This course explores the history of biblical interpretation, genres, hermeneutical principles, and major contributors in the discipline. The course includes an overview of the history of interpretation and traditional methodologies with a focus on current applications of critical, biblical interpretation. The course addresses the hermeneutical concerns deriving from text-centered, author-centered, and reader-centered approaches, especially noting how each may apply to current settings in biblical interpretation. This course prepares the student with an overarching understanding of the field of biblical interpretation and provides an awareness of methodological approaches for biblical research and investigation. Also cross-listed as BTHM9401 and NTGK9421.

OTHB9433 Studies in the Pentateuch: Leviticus/Numbers (4 hours)
This seminar provides an overview of the Pentateuch with special attention to the overall structure, form critical genres, analysis of the Hebrew texts of Leviticus and Numbers. Attention will be given to theological themes, and understanding the legal, narrative, and poetic texts in their literary contexts. Selected portions of the biblical texts will be studied in depth. This course will explore the major theories about the composition history of the Pentateuch. This seminar includes introductory and background issues related to the development of Old Testament historiography in the context of the Ancient Near East. This study includes narrative analysis, social and cultural anthropological study, and analysis of the legal literature of the Ancient Near East. The study intersects with the current critical scholarly literature in Pentateuchal study.

OTHB94XX Old Testament Exegesis (4 hours)
These seminars are designed for intensive exegetical work in selected texts within the Old Testament, delineated by themes, genres, or biblical books. Attention will be given to issues such as background, history of interpretation, language, and theology of the selected texts.

Students majoring in Old Testament may count one of the following seminars toward the five required seminars in the major:
BSBB9401 The Dead Sea Scrolls
BSBB9402 Archaeology in the Ancient Near East
BSBB9403 Studies in Syro-Palestinian Archaeology
BSBB9404 Studies in Greco-Roman Archaeology
BSBB9405 Readings in NW Semitic Literature

OTDS9400 Directed Study in Old Testament (4 hours) Faculty

OTSR9310 Reading Seminar: Old Testament Studies (3 hours)

OTSR9320 Reading Seminar: Old Testament Interpretation and Theology (3 hours)

Philosophy of Religion

PHIL9401 Contemporary Issues in Philosophy of Religion (4 hours)
A focused and intensive study of a particular issue(s) of significance in contemporary theology. Attention is given to historical antecedents as well as logical, theological, ethical, and cultural consequences of the issue or issues studied. Special attention is given to scholars advocating or critiquing the issue or issues considered in the seminar. Accordingly, their presuppositions, methodology, and arguments are analyzed and critiqued, giving special attention to biblical and theological concerns. The seminar may be repeated provided the focus of the course is significantly different each time. Also can be taken as APOL9401.

PHIL9402 Contemporary Philosophical Hermeneutics (4 hours)
An intensive study of contemporary hermeneutical methods focusing particularly on those drawing from philosophy and literary criticism such as deconstruction, structuralism, poststructuralism, reader-response theories, and canon criticism, as well as those derived from or indebted to sociological, psychological, and/or political theory, such as the hermeneutics of suspicion, Marxist, Freudian, and various liberation theologies. Attention will be given to explicating the presuppositions and methodologies of leading representatives of each school. Additionally, critiques will highlight areas of promise and/or peril for biblical interpretation and theological construction. Also can be taken as THEO9417.

PHIL9406 World Religions (4 hours)
This study of the world’s living religions treats them individually with attention to historical development and doctrinal content. Emphasis is given to the role of cultural influences in the formation of the religion and in the process of sharing the Christian witness with them. Also can be taken as APOL9406, MISS9406, or THEO9406.

PHIL9410 The Problem of Evil (4 hours)
This seminar introduces students to apologetic, philosophical, theological, and biblical issues related to the problem of evil. Issues addressed include the nature of evil, the cause of evil, the place of evil in the Christian worldview, solutions offered by various world religions to the problem of evil, and representative solutions offered by theistic philosophers and theologians addressing the problem of evil. This seminar will focus on guided reading, research, and writing. Also can be taken as APOL9410.

PHIL9425 Miracles and the Resurrection of Jesus (4 hours)
This seminar examines classic and modern arguments against the miraculous with special attention to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Also can be taken as APOL9425.

PHDS9400 Directed Study in Philosophy of Religion (4 hours)

THSR9310 Reading Seminar: Philosophy & Apologetics (3 hours)

THSR9320 Reading Seminar: Theology & Ethics (3 hours)

Theology

THEO9401 The Doctrine of God (4 hours)
An intensive study of the doctrine of God is made through an analysis of the biblical data in the light of historical and contemporary interpretations. A contemporary theology of God is developed.

THEO9402 The Doctrine of Humanity (4 hours)
An intensive study of the doctrine of humanity is made through an analysis of the biblical data in the light of historical and contemporary interpretations. A contemporary theological understanding of humanity is developed.

THEO9403 The Person of Christ (4 hours)
An intensive study of the doctrine of the person of Christ is made through an analysis of the biblical data in the light of historical and contemporary interpretations. A contemporary theological understanding of the person of Christ is developed.

THEO9404 The Work of Christ (4 hours)
An intensive study of the doctrine of the work of Christ is made through an analysis of the biblical data in the light of historical and contemporary interpretations. A contemporary theological understanding of the work of Christ is developed.

THEO9405 Theology of the Major Reformers (4 hours)
Beginning with an overview of late medieval theology, especially of those flashpoints that elicited increasing debate and dissent, the seminar addresses significant features of Reformation thought on the European continent during the 16th century. Also can be taken as HIST9405.

THEO9406 World Religions (4 hours)
This study of the world’s living religions treats them individually with attention to historical development and doctrinal content. Emphasis is given to the role of cultural influences in the formation of the religion and in the process of sharing the Christian witness with them. Also can be taken as APOL9406, MISS9406, or PHIL9406.

THEO9407 New Testament Theology (4 hours)
Study is made of selected theological emphases in the Greek New Testament. The Hebrew Old Testament, the Septuagint, and nonbiblical writings offering light on New Testament usage, as well as current literature, are studied. Also can be taken as BTBT9403 and NTGK9403.

THEO9408 Theological Interpretation of Scripture (4 hours)
This doctoral seminar in the theological interpretation of Scripture is an interdisciplinary exploration of the relationship between biblical studies, theology, and hermeneutics. Complementing the traditional historical exegesis offered in other courses, this seminar offers a critical evaluation of the way in which the contemporary church and the church throughout history have read the Bible as the Word of God. Students will be exposed to important theoretical works in theological hermeneutics, as well as theological commentaries on biblical books.

THEO9409 Baptist Issues (4 hours)
Participants will engage in selected studies of ecclesiology, theological perspectives, personalities, principles, problems, and movements that have influenced Baptist faith and practice significantly since the 17th century. Also can be taken as HIST9409.

THEO9410 Theological Method (4 hours)
Students will read contemporary theologies and books about theological method to discover the purposes of the authors and the theological methods employed in pursuit of those purposes. Also serves as a missions seminar.

THEO9412 Contemporary Evangelical Theology (4 hours)
Students in this seminar will analyze the particular theological concerns of evangelicals and will survey the major contributions to evangelical theology in the 20th century, giving special attention to the last half of this century. An attempt will be made to relate evangelical theology to the broader spectrum of Christian theology.

THEO9413 Historical Jesus (4 hours)
The seminar introduces students to theological, biblical, philosophical, and methodological issues related to contemporary Historical Jesus research. Issues addressed include the nature of the task, the role of the historian, tools for the task, and past and contemporary personalities in Historical Jesus research. The seminar will emphasize personal reading, research, and writing. Also can be taken as APOL9413 or NTGK9413.

THEO9414 Contemporary Issues in Theology: Atheism and Relativism (4 hours)
The seminar addresses contemporary expressions of atheism and relativism in the academy and culture, including issues that relate to evangelism, biblical studies, apologetics, philosophy, and ethics. Special attention is given to historical and intellectual precursors of atheism and relativism, their contemporary expressions, and the methodological presuppositions of those advocating or opposing atheism and relativism. The seminar emphasizes personal reading, research, and writing and will build upon the summer study trip to Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. Students not taking part in the Oxford Study Trip also may take the course for credit with extra work being assigned. Also can be taken as APOL9414.

THEO9415 Theology of Religions (4 hours)
The seminar constitutes an intensive study of key issues concerning how Christianity relates to other religions, focusing particularly upon the differing conceptions of God, Jesus, and salvation. Attention is given to pertinent biblical testimony, historical developments, and contemporary perspectives on these issues with a mind to critiquing various perspectives and constructing a suitable Christian response. Also can be taken as APOL9415.

THEO9416 Christology in the Early Church (4 hours)
The seminar advances the student’s knowledge of Christology in the early church, particularly as related to historical and theological context. The issues treated in the seminar include the person and work of Christ and the Trinity. Primary attention will be given to selected church fathers, controversies, and church councils. Also can be taken as APOL9416 or HIST9416.

THEO9417 Contemporary Philosophical Hermeneutics (4 hours)
An intensive study of contemporary hermeneutical methods focusing particularly on those drawing from philosophy and literary criticism such as deconstruction, structuralism, poststructuralism, reader-response theories, and canon criticism, as well as those derived from or indebted to sociological, psychological, and/or political theory, such as the hermeneutics of suspicion, Marxist, Freudian, and various liberation theologies. Attention will be given to explicating the presuppositions and methodologies of leading representatives of each school. Additionally, critiques will highlight areas of promise and/or peril for biblical interpretation and theological construction. Also can be taken as PHIL9402.

THEO9418 Orthodoxy and Heresy in the Early Church (4 hours)
This seminar examines the development of and relationship between orthodoxy and heresy in the early church. Topics include early heresies, such as Gnosticism, Marcionism, and Montanism; early church fathers and writings; and the responses of the church to heresy. Special attention also is given to contemporary discussions about orthodoxy and heresy with the intention of developing an effective apologetic response to critics of traditional views of Christianity. Also can be taken as APOL9418 or HIST9418.

THEO9419 Keepers of the Springs: The Devotional Classics and the Heritage of Christian Spirituality (4 hours)
This seminar is a theological and historical examination of Christian spirituality through the lens of the classics of Christian devotion. Attention is given to the dynamics of the Christian life and the disciplines that nurture it. The seminar explores the relationship of the classics to current discussions on the method and content of spiritual theology. Also can be taken as HIST9410.

THEO9420 Doctrine of the Holy Spirit (4 hours)
An intensive study of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit is made through an analysis of the biblical data in the light of historical and contemporary interpretations. A contemporary theological understanding of the Holy Spirit is developed.

THEO9427 Christianity in the United States: From the Pilgrims to the Present (4 hours)
This seminar addresses the formation and development of a variety of theological and ecclesiastical expressions of Christianity, from Colonial America to the present. It includes the theology, practices, and organizational structure of the various denominational families in the United States. This seminar gives attention to the relationship between Church and State, the struggle for religious liberty, and the formation of national denominational organizations. Also can be taken as HIST9407.

Students majoring in theology may count one of the following seminars toward the five required seminars in the major:
ETHC9401 Biblical Ethics
ETHC9402 Contemporary Christian Ethics
ETHC9404 History of Christian Ethical Thought
NTGK9403 New Testament Theology
OTHB9405 Theology of the Old Testament

THDS9400 Directed Study in Theology (4 hours)

THSR9310 Reading Seminar: Philosophy & Apologetics (3 hours)

THSR9320 Reading Seminar: Theology & Ethics (3 hours)