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United Theological Seminary

Doctor of Theology

Become a scholar for the church.

42 credit hours, virtual courses with summer intensives. 3-5 years.

United’s Doctor of Theology (ThD) is an advanced research degree program designed to support leading pastor-scholars, teachers, and thinkers in the church, by expanding knowledge in the fields of Historical Theology, Biblical Studies, or Practical Theology. Our ThD program will train educators for the future of theological education to work at the intersection of church and academy.

Flexible

United’s ThD requires a total of only four weeks of summer intensives on-campus, two weeks the first summer, and one week each the second and third summer, during the mid-July intensive weeks. Students also participate in weekly virtual courses to fulfill elective requirements.

Individual

Every ThD program is customized to the student’s area of interest and research. Students work closely with United’s faculty to develop and execute a plan of study.

Personal

The ThD program admits a small number of students to work closely with United’s faculty. Every student receives close mentorship in teaching, scholarship, and church renewal.

DEGREE PLAN – 42 CREDIT HOURS

ThD Core Requirements – 12 credit hours

    • THD800 Advanced Theological Research and Methodology
    • THD801 Scholarship for Church Renewal
    • THD802 Research Colloquy
    • THD803 Comprehensive Examination Seminar

ThD Electives – 24 credit hours

  • Determined by student interest and faculty expertise

ThD899 Comprehensive Examinations – 0 credit hours

ThD Dissertation – 6 credit hours

  • Required Travel to Dayton: 2 weeks during the first summer, 1 week during the second summer, 1 week during the third summer

Non-Credit Requirements

  • SS500 Online Student Orientation (500)

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • A Master of Divinity degree or a qualifying theological masters degree totaling to at least 48 credit hours
  • A 3.5 grade point average or above on a 4.0 scale for all graduate level studies.

Learn more about the application process.

AT A GLANCE

  • $815/Credit Hour
  • Average Annual Tuition & Fees*: $14,670
  • United ThD Half-Tuition Scholarship: $7,335**

Total Cost after Scholarship: $7,335

*Based on the average of total program credits completed in 3 years. Actual program credits are 18 in year one, 15 in year two, and 9 in year three.

**Scholarship limited to the first 20 students in the ThD program.

Learn More

United’s Doctor of Theology (ThD) is an advanced research degree program designed to support leading pastor-scholars, teachers, and thinkers in the church, by expanding knowledge in the fields of Historical Theology, Biblical Studies, or Practical Theology. Our ThD program will train educators for the future of theological education to work at the intersection of church and academy.

Flexible

United’s ThD requires a total of only four weeks of summer intensives on-campus, two weeks the first summer, and one week each the second and third summer, during the mid-July intensive weeks.

Individual

Every ThD program is customized to the student’s area of interest and research. Students work closely with United’s faculty to develop and execute a plan of study.

Personal

The ThD program admits a small number of students to work closely with United’s faculty. Every student receives close mentorship in teaching, scholarship, and church renewal.


DEGREE PLAN


 

42 CREDIT HOURS

  • ThD Core Requirements – 12 credit hours
    • Advanced Theological Research and Methodology
    • Scholarship for Church Renewal
    • Research Colloquy
    • Comprehensive Examination Seminar
  • ThD Electives – 24 credit hours
    • Determined by student interest and faculty expertise
  • ThD Dissertation – 6 credit hours
 

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS

 

DISSERTATION AND DEFENSE


ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS



  • A Master of Divinity degree or a qualifying theological masters degree totaling to at least 48 credit hours
  • A 3.5 grade point average or above on a 4.0 scale for all graduate level studies.

Learn more about the application process.


AT A GLANCE



  • $815/Credit Hour
  • Average Annual Tuition & Fees*: $14,670
  • United ThD Half-Tuition Scholarship: $7,335**

Total Cost after Scholarship: $7,335

*Based on the average of total program credits completed in 3 years. Actual program credits are 18 in year one, 15 in year two, and 9 in year three.

**Scholarship limited to the first 20 students in the ThD program.

Learn More

United’s Doctor of Theology (ThD) is an advanced research degree program designed to support leading pastor-scholars, teachers, and thinkers in the church, by expanding knowledge in the fields of Historical Theology, Biblical Studies, or Practical Theology. Our ThD program will train educators for the future of theological education to work at the intersection of church and academy.

Flexible

United’s ThD requires a total of only four weeks of summer intensives on-campus, two weeks the first summer, and one week each the second and third summer, during the mid-July intensive weeks.

Individual

Every ThD program is customized to the student’s area of interest and research. Students work closely with United’s faculty to develop and execute a plan of study.

Personal

The ThD program admits a small number of students to work closely with United’s faculty. Every student receives close mentorship in teaching, scholarship, and church renewal.


DEGREE PLAN


 

42 CREDIT HOURS

  • ThD Core Requirements – 12 credit hours
    • Advanced Theological Research and Methodology
    • Scholarship for Church Renewal
    • Research Colloquy
    • Comprehensive Examination Seminar
  • ThD Electives – 24 credit hours
    • Determined by student interest and faculty expertise
  • ThD Dissertation – 6 credit hours
 

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS

 

DISSERTATION AND DEFENSE


ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS



  • A Master of Divinity degree or a qualifying theological masters degree totaling to at least 48 credit hours
  • A 3.5 grade point average or above on a 4.0 scale for all graduate level studies.

Learn more about the application process.


AT A GLANCE



  • $815/Credit Hour
  • Average Annual Tuition & Fees*: $14,670
  • United ThD Half-Tuition Scholarship: $7,335**

Total Cost after Scholarship: $7,335

*Based on the average of total program credits completed in 3 years. Actual program credits are 18 in year one, 15 in year two, and 9 in year three.

**Scholarship limited to the first 20 students in the ThD program.

Learn More
A ThD degree might be for you if you are interested in…
Writer/Research
Pastor-Scholar
Educator

OUR FACULTY

United strives to cultivate an environment where its students may learn and grow. That’s why our outstanding faculty are faithful Christians who are committed to the academic and spiritual growth of every student. Most are ordained, and many have served as pastors, bringing real-world experience into the classroom.

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Begin your journey. Follow God’s call at United.