Students wanting to enter the Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies program must have completed a Doctor of Ministry Degree or an equivalent of 196 credit hours.

Upon the successful completion of the Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies, the students should be able to:

• Constructively defend research outcomes.
• Carry out and present original work of research in their discipline.
• Communicate the major tenets of their field and their work orally and in writing for students, peers and supervising professors.
• Explain and identify open problems and areas needing development in their fields.
• Communicate effectively within diverse contexts.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in and a general mastery of their major area of specialization.
• Contribute to the body of knowledge in the field through research and publications.
• Demonstrate a capacity to produce original, publication-worthy research and writing that contributes to the knowledge and advancement of the field.
• Relate sophisticated philosophical material acquired during the program for use in the local church and popular culture.
• Learn the importance of professional learned societies and how to submit papers to conferences and professional meetings.
• Become familiar with the world of academic publishing.
• Minister effectively in academic, local church and parachurch settings with a spirit of graciousness and humility, standing for truth and fostering community with those to whom the student ministers.
• Construct coherent arguments and articulate ideas clearly to a range of audiences, formally and informally through a variety of techniques.