A PhD in Biblical Studies is a terminal degree program that teaches students the necessary skills to become biblical scholars and religious educators.
This research-based doctoral program helps you hone your ability to perform a deep dive into the Bible. With this degree, you may consider work opportunities in a variety of settings, from seminaries to hospitals.
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Those with the ability to study and interpret the Bible as well as teach their findings to others can be valuable members of institutions like universities, churches, and even non-profits.
PhD in Biblical Studies Programs Online
The people who pursue a PhD in Biblical Studies typically have a strong connection to their faith. As such, they may pursue this degree to learn more about their faith and further their biblical expertise, specifically in an academic context.
A PhD in Biblical Studies is a terminal degree with a curriculum that helps deepen your knowledge of Christianity through close readings of the Bible. These programs teach you how to write and research at an advanced level so that you can then communicate your findings.
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Ultimately, like many other PhD programs, a PhD in Biblical Studies is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to push the field forward through research. There are many fields you may enter or advance in post-graduation, particularly within theology-based or social service-based fields.
Here’s a list of common occupations that biblical studies scholars may pursue:
- Pastor or minister
- University or seminary professor
- Program director in a Christian institution
- Social worker
To help you become a well-rounded biblical studies professional, you’ll study core subjects like:
- Biblical archaeology
- World of the Bible
- Theology
- Critical interpretation of the Bible
These doctoral programs have a lot to offer, especially if you’re an individual who values and prioritizes your faith in everyday life.
Common Online PhD in Biblical Studies Concentrations
A biblical studies Ph.D. program will often allow you to take a concentration to focus your studies and research on a particular area of interest.
Common concentrations for biblical studies programs include:
- Biblical Theology. This concentration exposes you to various seminars in subjects like biblical historiography and ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman literature.
- New Testament. This concentration helps you deepen your knowledge and expertise of the New Testament, including relevant sociocultural and historical contexts.
- Old Testament. This concentration develops your knowledge of the Old Testament through subjects like ancient Near Eastern archaeology, history, and religion.
Choosing a concentration can be a strategic way to increase your knowledge and dive deeper into a specific area of biblical studies. This also allows you to focus your research on your preferred area of interest.
Biblical Studies Careers and Salaries
One of the benefits of obtaining an online doctoral degree in biblical studies is that it helps you qualify for various fields. While the primary sectors that these graduates enter are based in religion, they can also find job opportunities outside of religious institutions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median wages of potential positions associated with advanced biblical studies.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $96,910 |
| Principals of Private K-12 Schools | $79,780 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $79,640 |
| Writers and Authors | $69,510 |
| Historians | $63,940 |
| Editors | $63,350 |
| Archivists | $60,050 |
| Clergy | $49,720 |
| Directors of Religious Activities and Education | $46,980 |
| Religious Workers, All Other | $37,500 |
It’s common for biblical studies graduates to enter positions within theology, such as clergy members or ministers. In fact, a growing number of universities now offer on-campus or online degree in theology programs in addition to the ones in biblical studies.
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Other graduates pursue non-profit work that takes on a religious perspective. Additionally, with a PhD you may also choose to enter academia as a biblical scholar or postsecondary educator. There are many factors, though, that influence the hiring process, such as your work experience, prior education, and area of specialization.
Doctor of Biblical Studies Online Curriculum & Courses
The courses you take during a biblical studies PhD program will vary depending on your school, but below is a list of common courses:
- World Religions: This course provides you with an overview of major world religions.
- Religion in America: This course charts the history of religion in America, from the Quakers to modern subjects.
- Contemporary Moral Lessons: In this course, you’ll explore the ethics and morality of topics like euthanasia, war, racism, and abortion.
- Christianity: This course explores the development of Christianity and its involvement in the modern world.
- Regions of the Middle East: This course is focused on the history of the three main religions of the Middle East and how they have interacted throughout history.
- Religions of the Near East: In this course, you’ll study the practices of Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism, Jainism, and more.
- Biblical Interpretation and Theology: This course teaches you about modern theological interpretation, with an emphasis on hermeneutical issues.
- Biblical and Theological Integration: In this course, you’ll review the theological interpretation of Scripture and modern practices in theology.
- Supervised Pedagogical Experience: This course requires you to teach your own course with the supervision of a faculty member.
- Topics in Systematic or Historical Theology: This course requires you to study a specific topic within systematic and historical theology.
It can help to review the specific curriculum of your programs of choice to see if there are any courses in particular that best align with your interests and career goals. Many PhD programs also require students to conduct original research and write a dissertation.
Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements to a given program vary by school. That said, there are some standard admissions criteria that you can expect to encounter when applying for online PhD programs in biblical studies. These include:
- Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- GRE or GMAT scores (not required by all schools)
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of intent
It’s essential to review the specific criteria of your program of choice to ensure you have all the proper materials collected and turned in by your school’s admissions deadline.
Accreditation
Attending an accredited institution can give you an added advantage in both your education and the workforce.
The regional accreditation process consists of a regional accrediting agency reviewing and evaluating both secular and Christian colleges online or traditional to determine whether they provide high-quality educational offerings and services. Accredited universities challenge you more as a student, helping you to grow and develop your work ethic.
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Employers recognize this and tend to prefer candidates who received their education from an accredited institution.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you’re interested in seeking financial assistance to meet the cost of your education, there are many options that you can consider.
The primary resource for many doctoral students is student loans from the federal government. You can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for this type of need-based aid. You can also pursue scholarships or grants. These essentially offer free money that doesn’t need to be paid back.
Each award program will consist of its own eligibility requirements and application process. In addition, some schools offer assistantships or research fellowships for doctoral students. Employers may also offer tuition benefits to workers who are furthering their academic studies.
What Can You Do with a Biblical Studies PhD Degree?
Many students who graduate with a biblical studies doctorate go on to work across various fields, many of which are in accordance with their faith. Because of the nature of these programs, most go on to enter religious positions, whether it be as clergy members or ministers.
Biblical studies professionals with PhDs also pursue educational roles within religious fields. It’s common for professors at seminaries or universities to hold a doctoral degree in biblical studies. You may also consider opportunities in non-profits or even media-related fields. Biblical scholars may also head up educational programs or even write books or journal articles on their interests and findings.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Biblical Studies Online?
Most full-time students can complete biblical studies doctorate programs in 3 to 5 years. Generally speaking, the first 3 years of your curriculum are usually dedicated to coursework.
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If your program has a dissertation component, you may then take an additional year or two to conduct research and complete your written dissertation. That said, this timeline is just an estimate. The duration of your program will ultimately depend on your course load, your program’s academic schedule, and how long it takes to complete your dissertation.
What’s the Difference Between a PhD in Biblical Studies vs. Theology Program?
Here are some of the differences between a PhD in Biblical Studies and a PhD in Theology.
| PhD in Biblical Studies | PhD in Theology |
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Understanding these differences can help you determine which program best matches your interests and career goals.
What’s the Difference Between a DMin vs. PhD in Biblical Studies?
Here are some of the differences between a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Biblical Studies and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biblical Studies.
| PhD in Biblical Studies | DMin in Biblical Studies |
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Pursuing higher education is a significant endeavor, so it’s helpful to understand which path best aligns with your goals.
Is a PhD in Bible Studies Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Bible Studies is worth it for many students. Online PhD programs in biblical studies are beneficial for people who are looking to become biblical scholars and postsecondary teachers. This type of program can help you hone your research skills as well as deepen your understanding of the Bible.
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Regarding the job market, capable leaders are necessary for religious institutions—such as churches, non-profits, and seminaries—to function. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for clergy is expected to grow by 4% over the next ten years, which is as fast as the average. Postsecondary teachers are expected to see 12% job growth over the same period.
Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Biblical Studies Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Calvary University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Bible and Theology Studies. This program may be an excellent fit for religious leaders, scholars, and theologians hoping to deepen their understanding of biblical scriptures. Courses cover topics such as Greek and Hebrew language, exegesis, systematic theology, geography, and archaeology as it pertains to the Bible.
Calvary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Columbia International University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies. The curriculum is designed to help students develop advanced research, writing, and analysis skills. This program utilizes a fully online learning format. The program’s 45 required credit hours can typically be completed in 3 years of full-time study.
CIU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Faulkner University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies. Students planning to apply their scriptural knowledge in settings like ministry, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions may find an ideal next step in this program. The program requires the completion of 54 semester hours of credit at the doctoral level. Coursework may be completed entirely online.
Faulkner University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Lancaster Bible College offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies. Potential courses include Hermeneutics and Theology, Contemporary Instructional Methods, and Advanced Biblical Research. The program’s 60 required credits can typically be completed in 4 to 4.5 years of full-time enrollment. Classes are 16 weeks long and meet using a blend of online and in-person delivery.
Lancaster Bible College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Liberty University offers a Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Studies. The program’s interdisciplinary curriculum features principles from subjects like history, education, theology, geography, and language studies. Classes are housed 100% online and are typically 8 weeks long. On average, the program’s 30 required credit hours can be completed in 2 years when attending full-time.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Regent University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Renewal Theology with an emphasis in Biblical Studies. Many graduates pursue careers as church pastors or theologians, university professors, or renewal theology leaders. This 60 credit program meets primarily online but does have periodic residency requirements. Start dates are offered three times a year in fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary offers a Doctor of Ministry in Biblical and Theological Studies. The curriculum is designed to equip students with skills in biblical interpretation, preaching, and leadership. The program requires the completion of 31 credit hours. Potential courses include Theology of the Old Testament, Theology of the New Testament, and the Doctrine of God.
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Doctorate in Biblical Studies Online
Much like with other Christian studies degree online programs, a doctorate in biblical studies online is a strategic option for students looking to deepen their biblical understanding and elevate their professional qualifications.
These programs are filled with both recent graduates and working professionals who are looking to elevate their career prospects. A biblical studies PhD program enables you to develop your knowledge of the Bible, your research skills, and your ability to teach your findings to a larger audience. PhD graduates often pursue careers in academia or ministry.
If you’re interested in growing both personally and professionally in the area of biblical studies, you can start exploring PhD programs from accredited institutions today.
