About PhD Program,
The PhD degree program is offered to students wishing to enhance their knowledge and competence in teaching and research and to contribute to scholarship in a specialized area of theological studies. The PhD is a research doctorate and requires students to give evidence of the highest standards of scholarship at every stage of the degree program. STH PhD degrees are to be distinguished from other PhD degrees by their focus on theological approaches to the histories, communities, practices, beliefs, and ethical values of Christian institutions and traditions (and the institutions and traditions of other faiths, resources permitting); and by their intention to prepare students for scholarship and teaching in a broad range of institutions, including seminaries, schools of theology, divinity schools, and religiously affiliated colleges. The full text of the PhD handbook may be found on the Advanced Studies website.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
- The program requires 10 courses (of 3 or 4 units) plus 2 units that are fulfilled by the first-year doctoral colloquia (STH TF 903 A1, see 2.2.3).
- In addition, students must take eight terms of 4-unit supervised internships (20 hours/week) in the 3rd through 10th terms (with a possible exemption in terms 9 and 10 if the student receives a dissertation fellowship). Students register for STH TZ 911 for each of these. A student may “buy out” internship terms by forfeiting their University stipend, but only after they have completed a minimum of three terms of 4-unit internships, as these are central to the STH PhD training model.
- Students not enrolled in internships must enroll for 2 units of directed study (or “continuing study”) with their advisor each term.
PhD Funding Coverage,
All students admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy program are awarded full tuition fellowships plus a generous stipend for the first five years of study. The Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan program is also open to students in the Doctor of Philosophy program.
All fellowship recipients must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.3 and comply with all requirements detailed in their fellowship award letter.
The purpose of BU doctoral fellowships is to allow students to devote the time necessary to completing their studies in a timely fashion. For this reason, students receiving doctoral fellowships may not be employed during the five-year period of the fellowship, at least during the eight months of the academic year (outside employment is permitted from May 1 to August 30). There are two exceptions to this policy. First, STH students may serve as Resident Assistants or Graduate Resident Assistants in the Boston University dorms. Second, fully funded students may be employed as graders, researchers, center or program assistants, or other similar positions for additional payment only under the following conditions:
- The assignment provides the student with an opportunity for professional growth in teaching, research, and research-related program development;
- The assignment does not exceed five (5) hours/week averaged over the term;
- The total additional payment for the term does not exceed $1,500;
- The payment is set up as a weekly salary; and
- The assignment has approval of the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
Students awarded fellowships or other financial support for their studies from outside Boston University must immediately inform the Office of the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the School of Theology. Those awards can very much be worth pursuing as they may extend funding into the summer months, but they may also affect the funding commitment from the University. Learn more about financial aid on the School of Theology website.
Application Requirement,
Completed Online Application
Unofficial transcripts
3 Letters of Reference
Personal Statement
Application Essay
English Proficiency Exams
Resume/CV
Sample of Scholarly Writing
Application Deadline,
Dec 15, 2024
Application Fee,
There is a $95 non-refundable application fee for all programs,
