Become a Seasoned Scholar with a PhD in Biblical Studies from Liberty University
Do you have a desire to understand the Bible better in its original languages? Do you feel called to teach others about God’s Word? Perhaps you want to conduct biblical research. If that sounds like you, then a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biblical Studies from Liberty may be right for you.
The need for strong, Christ-centered individuals in today’s world cannot be understated. Through a rigorous study of the Bible, you can further develop yourself as a leader in the church and lead others to meld intellectual curiosity and faith.
Embarking on this PhD journey, you can have the opportunity to be surrounded by a community of like-minded scholars and mentors, all dedicated to exploring the rich tapestry of the Bible. This degree is not just an academic pursuit; it’s a personal journey into the heart of biblical teachings, offering profound insights into the text that can enrich your understanding and perspective on life and spirituality.
Whether you aim to apply this knowledge in academic, personal, or professional contexts, the PhD in Biblical can help provide you with a solid foundation for understanding and interpreting one of the world’s most influential books. Embrace this opportunity to deepen your comprehension of the Bible, enhance your analytical skills, and discover new perspectives that can enrich your life and studies.
Accreditation
Your seminary degree is approved by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and has met rigorous accreditation standards. You can feel confident that your degree is both academically excellent and well-respected among churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.
Why Choose Liberty’s PhD in Biblical Studies?
As you study at the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, you will be taught by leading experts in the Old and New Testaments. Your professors are excited to partner with you as you embark on the pinnacle of your educational journey. Our faculty are not only experts in the biblical studies field – they are also authors, researchers, and pastors. As your professors share their experiences with you, you can better prepare to combine theory with praxis upon graduation.
At Liberty, we believe that your doctoral degree program should be affordable. That is why the tuition rate for our program is just $2,850 per semester.* At Liberty, you can pursue your degree in biblical studies without having to break the bank.
Located in the foothills of Central Virginia, Liberty’s campus is home to top-notch facilities. For example, our 17-story Freedom Tower houses the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity – the world’s largest school for religious studies and ministerial training.
In addition, Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), so you can be confident that you are receiving a world-class education. As a student in this program, you can benefit from a curriculum that balances academic rigor with personal exploration.
*Tuition is $2,850 per semester when taking 9-15 credit hours. Credits taken below 9 and above 15 credit hours will be charged at the part-time rate of $410 per credit hour.
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Award-Winning Campus
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education that equips students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence helped us rank as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com. Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
What Will You Learn in Our Biblical Studies PhD Program?
As you pursue your PhD in Biblical Studies, you can engage with and study a variety of topics that can give you an advanced knowledge of the Bible and how to further the Kingdom.
During this program, you will select a major area of focus in either biblical theology, New Testament, or Old Testament. That way, you can tailor your degree to match your interests and goals. You can study topics like Old and New Testament theology, the Apostle Paul, the theology of the Gospel, and more. Additionally, you can have the opportunity to engage in scholarly studies of biblical text in the original Greek and Hebrew.
The PhD New Testament studies can take you on an in-depth journey through the New Testament, exploring its writings, authors, and the historical world in which they lived. This facet of the program deepens your knowledge of the New Testament and enhances your ability to critically examine and appreciate its significance in the broader context of biblical theology.
Through an in-depth study of current biblical and theological issues, the theology of the Torah, and Old and New Testament languages, you can prepare to write your dissertation and contribute new knowledge to the field.
In addition to your coursework and dissertation, you will take comprehensive examinations to exhibit your mastery of the biblical studies field. With training like this, you can be especially positioned to add value to universities, churches, research organizations, and other institutions.
View the Degree Completion Plan, and check out our featured courses below for more information!
Featured Courses
BIBL 915 – New Testament Theology
NBST 900 – Reading Seminar in Early Judaism and Greco-Roman World
NBST 910 – Use of the Old Testament in the New Testament
OBST 900 – Reading Seminar in the Ancient Near Eastern History and Culture
Degree Information
Careers
Admission Requirements
Highlights of Our Biblical Studies PhD Degree
- This program has been approved by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) Board of Commissioners.
- Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- Our faculty members are well-respected authors, speakers, and researchers.
- Our divinity degrees provide hands-on training and learning opportunities within local church settings as well as churches and organizations like the International Mission Board, Hume Lake, Samaritan’s Purse, and Second Baptist Houston.
- Our program has comprehensive exam requirements and a German language competency exam that can help you stand out in the biblical studies field.
- Our biblical studies doctorate program allows you to choose from 3 major focus areas: biblical theology, the Old Testament, and the New Testament.
- This program has a dissertation requirement.
PhD in Biblical Studies Degree Information
- Residential
- 57 total credit hours
- Transfer in up to 50% of your required credits
- This program falls under our John W. Rawlings School of Divinity
- View our PhD in Biblical Studies Degree Completion Plan
- View our course catalog
Potential Career Opportunities for PhD in Biblical Studies Graduates
As a graduate of our PhD in Biblical Studies, you can better prepare for a variety of careers, including:
- Biblical author/researcher
- Christian apologist
- College administrator
- Pastor theologian/scholar
- Professor of biblical studies/divinity
Admission Requirements for Our PhD in Biblical Studies Program
Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:
- Admission application
- Official college transcripts showing a Master of Divinity or Master of Biblical Studies degree (minimum 3.0 GPA)
- Language requirements
- 12 hours of graduate Greek with a B or higher
- 9 hours of graduate Hebrew with a B or higher
- Contact information for 3 approved recommenders (2 academic contacts from graduate degree faculty and 1 pastoral contact)
- Professional vita/résumé (including degrees earned, ministry and/or teaching experience, and career goals)
- Letter of Intent
- 300 word minimum
- Specifying purpose and goals for entering the PhD program
- Doctrinal Questionnaire
- Writing sample from master’s degree or recent research (10-12 pages)
- Department/faculty review
Please note: A working knowledge of the original biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew is strongly recommended in order to be successful in this program. Additionally, German language competency is a graduation requirement.
