Doctor of Theology Agora University

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).