Ph.D. in Practical Theology

What Will You Learn in Liberty University’s Practical Theology Ph.D.?

• Challenges and opportunities related to ministry in the 21st century
• Philosophical and ministry foundations for practical theology
• Teaching and research methods

Through this program, you can become equipped to apply theological principles to challenges in church growth, spiritual formation, social issues, preaching, church administration, educational ministries, family life, and more. Your courses will cover the hands-on aspects of carrying out practical theology as well as research techniques and tools for contributing your own findings to the field.

As you prepare to write and defend your dissertation, you can learn how to position your own research within the broader scholarly conversations taking place about your topic – and how to use your research to address practical theology- and ministry-related challenges.

Potential Careers for Graduates of the Ph.D. in Practical Theology Program

• Author
• Church staff leader
• Parachurch ministry leader
• Pastor
• Professor

Benefits of Pursuing Your Online Ph.D. in Practical Theology with Liberty University

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America. Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
• Your ministry matters – so when you take 7-15 credit hours per semester in your divinity program, you’ll pay a discounted block rate of $2,750.* It’s our way of supporting all you do to serve others.
• Electronic textbooks are provided for many divinity courses** all for one convenient fee. To continue our mission of providing affordable education, this fee is waived for students who enroll by Summer 2024 D-term.
• You can complete this Ph.D. in Practical Theology degree program in as little as 3 years!

*Credits taken below 7 and above 15 credit hours are charged at the part-time rate.

**Electronic textbooks are not provided for courses that fall under departments outside the School of Divinity.

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour. Here’s how:

• If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
• If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!