Theology

American Liberty University

Mission Statement

The College of Theology provides students with tools to study the complexity and power of religious traditions. It also assists students with understanding the place of theology and religion in the human enterprise.

Goals

The College of Theology at American Liberty University provides students with an opportunity to study deeply in theology, as well as to take electives in related fields in order to develop a solid liberal arts foundation. Students in this major take many of the advanced courses in biblical, historical, systematic, and practical dimensions of theology. With a bachelor’s degree in theology graduates of this program will have a well-rounded education for entering various career paths. Or if they choose, students are well prepared to continue on toward graduate studies in theology, with the goal of becoming teachers of theology.

If a student isn’t sure about studying for the ministry but wants to focus on theology, this particular program will provide theological challenge and academic freedom for students to pursue their sense of calling.

Degrees and Programs
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (Ph.D.)

With a focus on global religions, religion, and culture, and forces that shape religious traditions and thought, the Ph.D. prepares students for advanced research and scholarship in religion and theological studies. 

Resources for the study of religion at ALU are vast. We offer courses in the whole range of religious traditions from the ancient Zoroastrian tradition to modern Christian liberation movements, Islamic and Jewish philosophies, Buddhist social movements, and Hindu arts and culture. Some of the students work primarily as historians, others as scholars, and others as anthropologists, although the boundaries of these methodologies are never firm. Some the students are adherents of a religious tradition; others are not at all religious. The Study of Religion is exciting and challenging precisely because of the conversations that take place across the complexities of disciplines, traditions, and intellectual commitments.

American Liberty University’s online Ph.D. degree prepares master’s level practitioners to address the diverse needs of our times.

A Ph.D. is a terminal research degree. Earning it can demonstrate that students are an expert in the field of theological study. It can also show that students have the determination and dedication to conduct original research and share students’ findings with others.

Theology is a large field with many subdisciplines. The area of focus that the candidate chooses for student Ph.D. might be:

  • Apologetics
  • Biblical hermeneutics
  • Chaplaincy
  • New Testament studies
  • Old Testament studies
  • Religious history
  • Systematic theology

For online theology doctoral programs, students may take some courses, like the ones listed below, before writing a student’s dissertation.

  • Biblical Hermeneutics: hermeneutics, or the practice of reading and interpreting biblical texts.
  • Church in Modern Times: In a class like this, students may discuss what role faith-based organizations and houses of worship should take in influencing culture and politics.
  • Counseling and Spiritual Care: Religious leaders sometimes provide counseling services to parishioners, so this class can equip students with foundational care skills.
  • Gospel Studies: the students might closely study one or more of the four Gospels as students become better acquainted with the life of Jesus.
  • Religious Expression in Art: During this course, students may be introduced to a variety of artistic works that were created as expressions of worship or to aid in worship practices.
  • Spiritual Formation: In this course, students may explore spiritual practices from other eras and discuss the factors that shape a person’s spirituality.
  • Theological Research: In preparation for students’ dissertations, candidates will learn the steps for undertaking a major research project on a theological topic.
  • Women and Faith: Throughout history, women have played key roles in the development and practice of the Christian faith, and candidates can learn about some of them in this course.
  • World Religions: Students may take a comparative theology class in which students analyze various religious traditions from around the world to identify key differences as well as shared teachings.

Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (Ph.D.)

Purpose and Nature of the Program 

The Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies with concentration of the Leadership is an advanced graduate degree primarily intended to prepare students for academic teaching and research in the fields of Church History, Systematic Theology, New and Old Testament Exegesis and Theology.

The Ph.D. is a unique multidisciplinary program designed for those who desire to lead as Christians across a variety of church, ministry, and other settings.

Goals:

  • Academia-focused
  • Driven by scholarly research
  • Often earned through full-time online study
  • Suited to careers in teaching, writing, research, or ministerial leadership
  • Covers a variety of world religions
  • Esteems Objectivity

Examination

The student may complete a comprehensive Examination. This examination has written and oral parts and covers the candidate’s program of study. Students are admitted to candidacy after satisfying all general degree requirements, passing the comprehensive examination, fulfilling the residency requirement, and successfully defending a written dissertation proposal in an oral examination conducted by the student’s advisory or dissertation committee.

Dissertation

Each doctoral candidate is required to complete a dissertation that embodies original and independent research and demonstrates advanced scholarly achievement. As soon as possible after a student’s admission to candidacy, and during or before enrollment in the Dissertation Course, the student forms a dissertation committee.

The dissertation committee consists of a minimum of three members. Two shall be chosen from the faculty of the College of Theology; the third may be a member of the faculty of another College/Department within the American Liberty University, or an appropriate doctorate holding person outside the University. The Chairperson and committee are chosen by the student, approved by his/her advisor, and then formally appointed by the Dean or Chairman of the College of Theology.

The candidate in a public oral examination shall defend the dissertation. Official approval of the dissertation committee is required. Committee members certify their acceptance by signing the title page of the dissertation. Three signed copies of the dissertation, one original and two clear copies should be filed in the College of Theology.

The submitted dissertation becomes the property of the American Liberty University, but the University does not limit the author’s right to publish the results. 

Method of Instruction/Study

Online, webinars, research, seminars

Distance education as defined in section 94834 of the Code, does not require the physical presence of students and faculty at the same location but provides for interaction between students and faculty by such means as telecommunication, correspondence, electronic and computer-augmented educational services, postal service, and facsimile transmission.

Though Ph.D. program will not require visits to campus, it may require a ministry internship in local community to get hands-on, real-world experience. The candidates may choose a general ministry program track, specialized track in a specific field, or an in-depth academic program that will prepare for doctoral studies or ministry leadership.                           

Research Development

ALU may offer monthly and/or annual seminars to provide doctoral students with opportunities to present their research to their peers and faculty.

The Doctoral Seminar

The core of the formal course instruction is seminar experience. The interaction of a doctoral seminar is much more than a discussion; it is a mode of learning. The assumption is that ideas are not a person’s own until they can be shaped into language and used in disciplined conversations. To facilitate dialogue, the instructor may provide for a common base of reading and reference by assigning preparatory work. Where required, participants are expected to have read the assigned textbooks and other materials before the first class session.

Independent Study Courses

Two kinds of courses may be taken independently under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member: Reading Courses, which are courses listed in the School Catalog; and Guided Research Courses, which are non-catalog courses specifically designed to meet the academic interests or professional needs of the participant. 

Admission Requirements/Application Procedure

Priority to the Ph.D. program is given to graduates of accredited master’s degree programs in Theology.

 Applicants must provide evidence of the following:

  1. Complete the Application for Admission and submit it with a non-refundable check or money order for $120.00 payable to American Liberty University.
  2. A Master’s degree in Theology (or equivalent); from an accredited or recognized institution.
  3. Two letters of reference affirming the applicant’s potential for scholarly, investigative, and creative endeavors regarding business administration.
  4. Submit official transcripts from the previous colleges and/or universities.
  5. A statement of educational objectives, specific focus of research, and program and career goals.
  6. Provide two current color passport size photos.
  7. Optional: It is recommended that applicants submit course descriptions of master’s degree courses to assist the Admissions Committee in determining if prerequisites have been met.

The candidates for Ph.D. program may need to submit application materials like the following as well:

  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • Master’s thesis or example of scholarly writing
  • References from academic, professional, or spiritual leaders
  • Signed acknowledgement of the school’s statement of faith
  • Transcripts from undergraduate and graduate studies
  • Some universities require scores from the GRE or a similar examination, but there are others that offer waivers or base their admissions decisions on alternative criteria.

Graduation Requirements

  1. Complete a minimum of 58 semester hours of prescribed Graduate-level Theology courses.
  2. Completion of course requirements
  3. A dissertation that must be relevant to the student’s field of study.
  4. Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA.

Length of Compilation:

This 58-credit degree program can be reasonably completed in 3 years if students maintain a full-time course load and complete dissertation.

Ph.D. program required: 58 semester units

The candidates will complete 25 credit courses, followed by a 9-credit research methodology, 18 credit dissertations, and 6 credit electives.

Education and Research Methods Courses                                                     9

TH 900 Advanced Research Methodology                                                         3

TH 901 Theological Education in Intercultural Contexts                                     3

TH 902 Advanced Research and Study on Church Leadership

            and Administration                                                                               3

 

Required Courses                                                                                           25

TH 910 Church Revitalization                                                                           5

TH 911 Digital Discipleship                                                                              5

TH 912 Advanced Ministry Leadership                                                              5

TH 913 Next Generation Ministry                                                                     5

TH 914 Strategic Christian Ministry                                                               5                                 

 

Dissertation                                                                                                    18

TH 970 Dissertation Proposal                                                           non-credit

TH 975 Dissertation I (Research Methodology)                                                  3       

TH 980 Dissertation II (Material and Format)                                                     9

TH 990 Dissertation III (Oral Defense)                                                              6

Electives                                                                                                          6

 

TOTAL                       58 Semester Units