Overview
The Doctor of Theology (ThD) program offered at Agora University aims to develop advanced theological researchers trained in the theological discourse of Eastern Christian traditions, preparing future leaders in interdisciplinary domains. The Doctor of Theology degree is a manageable program that provides the appropriate rigor for advanced research. This degree is aimed at students who may or may not pursue, be pursuing, or are ordained in clerical ministry, but who desire to use the knowledge and skills gained through pursuing a doctoral degree in order to serve their communities. As such, the program endeavors to form a network of highly trained persons in our communities in order to create educational excellence and opportunities for autonomous learning.
Students pursuing the ThD degree will have acquired appropriate theological training at the Master’s level prior to entry into the program. The ThD provides students critical research skills and methods for the purposes of conducting original research, engaging with one’s community, and establishing a world-wide cadre of theologians able to bridge historically rooted theology with the contemporary world. The program focuses on producing future scholars knowledgeable with the roots and legacy of ancient Christianity, as particularly represented by the Orthodox Christian tradition.
The Doctor of Theology is a 60 credit-hour program comprising doctoral seminars (42 credit-hours), comprehensive examinations, and a dissertation (18 credit-hours). The program culminates in the production of an original contribution to the field of theology through the research and writing of the doctoral dissertation.
Objectives
Students pursuing the ThD program will by the end of their program be able to:
- Recall an advanced knowledge important to the history, culture, and theology of early and Eastern Christianity.
- Orally articulate ideas and concepts pertinent to Orthodox Christian history, culture, and theology.
- Utilize appropriate research theories, methodology, and theoretical frameworks to address fundamental questions concerning Eastern Christian theology for engaging contemporary challenges in society.
- Demonstrate theologically based critical thought and contemplation concerning the Orthodox Christian theological positions and their application, both historically as well as within contemporary church and society.
- Construct and defend a position rooted in Orthodox Christian thought, demonstrating effective written communication sufficient to publish or present student’s work within the appropriate theological research domains.
- Produce new and original contributions to Orthodox Christian theological discourse, at a level appropriate to teaching at the community as well as collegiate or university levels.
Accreditation
Agora University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) in the United States. DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- The Two Ways of Knowing
- Theological Anthropology
- Orthodoxy in the Modern World
- The Christian Doctrine of God and Diversity
- Scripture in its Ancient Near Eastern Context
- Death in the Christian Tradition
- From Cult to Culture
Audience
The ThD is intended for students with master’s-level theological training, including clergy, ministry leaders, educators, researchers, and advanced learners seeking to conduct original research in Eastern Christian theology and serve academic, church, community, or interdisciplinary contexts.
Lecturers
Holy Transfiguration College faculty include distinguished theologians, clergy, and scholars in Orthodox Christian theology, scripture, patristics, church history, liturgy, spirituality, and Eastern Christianity, including Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury; Sebastian Brock; and Norman Russell.
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
- Part-time
- 72 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- StartingApply anytime.
- StartingApply anytime.
- StartingApply anytime.
Language
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Credits
Delivered
- Fully structured
- Only feedback on assignments and exams, Continuous support with feedback on request, Proactive tutoring and support
- Individual work/assignments (with online group discussions)
Campus Location
- Burke, United States
Disciplines
History Theology and Religious Studies Christian Studies View 12 other PhDs in History in United StatesWhat students do after studying
Academic requirements
English requirements
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Other requirements
General requirements
In addition to the general admissions requirements, ThD applicants must meet the following prerequisites:
- Master’s degree in a theology-related discipline, such as M.Div., M.T.S., M.A.T., Th.M., or similar
- Or a master’s degree with substantial theology coursework and a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Research language competence in at least one relevant modern language: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Modern Greek, Modern Hebrew, or Russian
- Knowledge of Classical Greek; students without Greek may be admitted but must learn it before advancing to candidacy
- Official transcripts from an accredited college or university
- Resume or CV
- Statement of Purpose, including a research project proposal approved by the doctoral supervisor
- Two letters of recommendation
Work experience
Professional work experience is not formally required. Admission is based on prior theological education, research readiness, language preparation, statement of purpose, research proposal, transcripts, CV/resume, recommendations, and interview review.
Technological requirements
Students should have access to:
- Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB memory, 256GB hard drive
- 15.6” HD display, wireless adapter, webcam, and microphone
- Reliable high-speed internet and email access
- Windows or Mac operating system
- Updated browser, PDF reader, and word processor such as Microsoft Word
Tuition Fees
-
International Applies to you
Applies to youNon-residents5340 USD / year≈ 5340 USD / year - Out-of-State5340 USD / year≈ 5340 USD / year
Funding
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Scholarships Information
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