Academics
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
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- Description
- Admission Requirements
- Program Requirements
- Study Options
- Two Required Courses
- Transfer Credit
- Tuition
- Language Requirement
- Thesis Proposal
- Thesis
- Thesis Style Statement
- Doctoral Abstract
- Thesis Supervision
- Doctoral Oral Defense
- All But Dissertation Transfers
- Concentrations
This degree is a 36 credit program that may be completed in no less than two years and no more than seven years.
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy as the accepted terminal academic degree is related to specific fields of specialization, including Islam, Judaism, psychology, biblical, historical and theological studies. The Foundation program seeks to address specialty concerns in the context of overarching perspectives whereby specialties are removed from potential isolation and located in the large-scale dynamics of religious traditions and their ministries. Candidates for Foundation degrees thus seek a two-fold academic identification: as specialists in various fields and as those who undertake to relate such fields to the multiple dimensions of religion, religious experience, and religious traditions.
- Baccalaureate degree or equivalent validated by a transcript.
- Graduate degree or equivalent training in an appropriate field validated by documentation.
- Professional doctorate (Ed.D., D.Min., Psy.D.) or equivalent from a recognized institution or the M.Th. from the Foundation. (At the discretion of the Director of Islamic Studies at the Foundation, this requirement for admission to the Ph.D. in Islamic Studies may be waived.)
- Five years of accumulated experience in a cognate field of ministry.
- Completion of the Application Procedure.
- Students are expected to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the Student Handbook of the year of their acceptance with particular focus on their particular degree program. Students are bound by the academic and financial requirements of the Handbook in use at the time of their acceptance. The current Student Handbook as well as past years’ Handbooks can be viewed here.
- Completion of ten Units of Study: two required from the Graduate Theological Foundation (see below), and eight completed through the Foundation, through other approved educational institutions, or through the use of transfer credit
- Fulfillment of language requirements if such have been determined by the Thesis Supervisor.
- Nomination and approval of Thesis Supervisor.
- Submission of an electronic copy of a doctoral thesis of 45,000-60,000 words (180-240 pages) and required forms (abstract, personal biography, cover sheet, Thesis Supervisor Report Form).
- Successful defense of the thesis before Foundation faculty in Indiana, one of our satellite defense locations, or at Oxford during the Summer Programme in Theology. (Students in the course-based Ph.D. program are not required to attend graduation.)
This program requires the completion of ten Units of Study. A Unit of Study is defined as 40 contact hours of instruction, and is equivalent to a 3-credit graduate-level course, one Unit of Clinical Pastoral Education, or 4 Continuing Education Units.
Units of Study may be completed through the Foundation, from other approved venues, or by using transfer credit.
The Study Options button on the Foundation’s website under the heading Academics lists the course offerings of the Foundation and provides information about the various methods of earning Units of Study for your degree.
All students are required to take two courses directly from the Foundation. These two courses are a Research Methodology course, and a second course of the student’s choice from any of the Foundation’s online, distance, or residential offerings. The Research Methodology course requirement is explained here.
The Study Options button on the Foundation’s website under the heading Academics lists the course offerings of the Foundation and provides information about the various methods of earning Units of Study for your degree.
NOTE: For Paper Guidelines, please Click Here.
Any student wishing to have previously completed academic work evaluated for possible transfer credit or wishing to complete coursework through a venue other than the Graduate Theological Foundation for use as transfer credit toward a degree, must contact the Office of the Registrar for approval. Accepted transfer credit has the potential to decrease the total tuition paid by the student. Requests for acceptance of transfer credit are reviewed on a case by case basis.
Total Program Cost amounts include all required courses if taken through the Foundation. The acceptance of transfer credit will decrease total program cost.
Total Program Cost: $16,250
Degree candidates are bound by the regulations of the Student Handbook of the year in which they are accepted into their program of study. Tuition fees will not change during a student’s course of study, providing the student submits payments and papers on schedule and completes the degree program within the prescribed time. If the student does not conform to scheduled payment and/or paper submission deadlines, the student’s file will be deactivated. Upon reactivation, the student will be responsible for the tuition and degree requirements which are current at the time of reactivation.
Transfer Credit
Any student wishing to have previously completed academic work evaluated for possible transfer credit or wishing to complete coursework through a venue other than the Graduate Theological Foundation for use as transfer credit toward a degree, must contact the Office of the Registrar for approval. Accepted transfer credit has the potential to decrease the total tuition paid by the student. Requests for acceptance of transfer credit are reviewed on a case by case basis.
Tuition payment schedule for Academic Doctorates
1/3 of total fees paid within 30 days of acceptance
1/3 of total fees paid within one year of the date of acceptance
1/3 of total fees paid prior to scheduling of the doctoral defense
Payment Plan Option
Students who are unable to make tuition payments in three installments may request to be placed on a payment plan. The payment plan option allows the student to make small monthly or quarterly tuition payments for the duration of the degree program. There is no interest charged on payment plans. If a student requests a mailed invoice as a reminder to make payment, there is a ten dollar fee per invoice.
To make tuition and fee payments online click here.
If you have a question for the Bursar please click here or contact our office 9am-3pm est.
In instances where the doctoral thesis topic requires competency in one or more languages as determined by the Thesis Supervisor, the student must produce either a transcript of two academic semesters of language courses or some other means of demonstrated competency to the satisfaction of the Thesis Supervisor and the Office of the President.
The candidate will submit a thesis proposal to the Foundation. This will be the first working document generated from the relationship between the candidate and the Thesis Supervisor. The proposal will include a brief description of the proposed thesis, a working title, and an exemplary bibliography. A form for this proposal is provided by the Foundation.
After completing all coursework, candidates undertake the research and writing of a doctoral thesis of 45,000-60,000 words (180-240 pages) in their field of specialization. It must be clearly a work of original academic scholarship making a contribution to the field of specialty. The thesis must be written in 12 point Times New Roman (or comparable) font, double-spaced and with the appropriate table of contents and bibliography.
The basic commitment of the Graduate Theological Foundation is to serve the ministries of the various ecclesial traditions through programs of advanced professional education. The thesis, as the culminating work of the highest academic degree, must always relate significantly to some aspect of ministry and be an original and distinct contribution to the knowledge of a specific discipline or area of inquiry.
The thesis is shaped as a written work of original systematic research, which includes the substantive exposition of the theoretical basis and rationale of the subject, together with a demonstration of familiarity with the appropriate scholarly and professional literature. It should be noted that the written form of theses is to be in the style of actual scholarly publications; that is, the thesis as finally submitted is to be suitable for publication without being rewritten.
When the thesis in its final form has been reviewed and approved by the student’s Thesis Supervisor, it must be submitted to the Foundation for final review and for forwarding to defense panel members. One copy of the thesis, abstract, cover sheet and biographical statement must be submitted by email to the Office of the Registrar a minimum of three months prior to the intended date of defense. Click here to fill out the form to request the email address of The Office of the Registrar. After receiving both the completed thesis and the Thesis Supervisor Report Form, the Foundation will appoint two additional readers, as the thesis is a demonstration of the capacity of the candidate to engage in significant professional scholarship and thus be a peer to other scholars in the field.
There are several internationally recognized thesis styles acceptable in the academic community. In light of the fact that the Foundation has a rather large international student body, the Foundation has not adopted a single style form acceptable for thesis writing. The Foundation will, rather, accept any of the internationally recognized styles, given that the student consistently employs the same style throughout the writing of the thesis. Those most commonly used but not required include Turabian, MLA, APA, as well as others known and recognized universally.
The Ph.D. candidate must submit a 750-1,250 word (3-5 page) overview of the Ph.D. thesis at least three months prior to sitting for the oral defense. A one-page biographical statement should accompany the abstract.
When degrees first began to be awarded by universities in the twelfth century in Bologna, Paris, and Oxford, the doctor’s degree was recognized as a universal authentication of scholarship. The doctorate was not earned by attending classes but by sustained residency and demonstrated scholarship. The credential was awarded by the faculty of the university on the basis of a thesis which was submitted by the candidate and followed by an oral defense of the document before the gathered academic community.
Times have changed but much of the doctoral process has endured. The Graduate Theological Foundation requires a demonstration of academic research considered by the faculty to be an original work of scholarship and a contribution to the field. After the doctoral candidate has completed residency and language requirements (if required), the development of the thesis is initiated under the direct supervision of the Thesis Supervisor.
The Thesis Supervisor, in this style of learning, is specifically mandated to work closely with the candidate in the development of the thesis topic and through its evolving refinements leading to the finished product. The Thesis Supervisor is nominated by the candidate and approved Academic Affairs Committee, on the basis of academic qualifications at the doctoral level of training and experience.
Selection of Faculty Thesis Supervisor and Nomination Procedure
Students select a faculty member of the Foundation to serve as Thesis Supervisor. This enables the student to receive helpful and pragmatic evaluative feedback from a member of the faculty in the developmental process of producing the doctoral thesis. The role of the faculty Thesis Supervisor is responsive and suggestive. The faculty person is encouraged to limit feedback to pragmatically helpful hints and suggestions and not to attempt any censorship of the thesis. The exercise of discretion with respect to time demands is very important for both the student and faculty member. The faculty Thesis Supervisor must give final approval of the student’s work by submitting the Thesis Supervisor Report Form.
- The student peruses the Faculty Details page and makes a selection.
- The student completes the Faculty Thesis Supervisor Nomination Form 106 (Forms).
- Academic Affairs provides the nominated faculty member with Form 106.
- The selected faculty member notifies Academic Affairs of acceptance of student nomination.
- Academic Affairs informs the student and faculty member of relationship approval and contact information is provided.
The doctoral defense will be scheduled no sooner than 90 days and no longer than 180 days from the time that all academic and financial obligations have been met. You will be notified by the Office of the Registrar of your eligibility to schedule a defense after the following have been received by the Office of the Registrar:
- Thesis Proposal
- Thesis Cover Sheet
- Abstract and Biographical Statement
- Thesis Supervisor Report Form answering the six key points within the thesis (this form is mailed directly to our offices by the Thesis Supervisor)
- One electronic copy of the thesis (PDF or MS Word format)
For scheduling procedures click here.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies is designed for those in ministry who are engaged in advanced study and research in the academic field of theology as this reflects the dynamics of analysis, theory and application of the various dimensions of religious traditions. The program involves graduate Units of Study designed to develop overarching perspectives on significant areas of theology, further graduate coursework in the candidate's specialized interest, a research thesis of creative scholarship and an oral defense demonstrating professional competence in the chosen specialty.
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The Doctor of Philosophy in Pastoral Psychology is designed for those in ministry who are engaged in advanced study and research in the academic field of psychology as this reflects pastoral concerns of individuals and communities. The program involves graduate Units of Study designed to develop overarching perspectives on significant areas of theology and psychology, further graduate coursework in the candidate's specialized interest, a research thesis of creative scholarship, and an oral defense demonstrating professional competence in the chosen specialty.
Individuals must comply with the licensure and/or board certification requirements of the state in which they intend to be engaged in professional counseling as nomenclature is controlled by State Boards related to the various fields of counseling practice. Visit this webpage, State Professional Counselor Licensure Boards and this webpage, State Licensure for Pastoral Counselors, for licensure details.
This program is open to those who have been actively engaged in some form of professional ministry (parish, social service, community outreach, chaplaincy, etc.) for at least five years and who meet the Admission Requirements listed for this degree. The degree is offered exclusively to the already credentialed ministry professional and is in no sense designed for those seeking to enter the field of counseling. Professional counseling and ministry credentials are viewed as prerequisites to entering this course of study with the Foundation.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Franklian Psychology is designed for counseling practitioners who would benefit from an academic study of Viktor Frankl and his logotherapeutic theory and methodology. This degree is for the experienced practitioner who desires to teach or write at the highest professional level of scholarship. At the time of application, students planning to enter the Ph.D. in Franklian Psychology program must hold either a D.Min. or a Psy.D. in a cognate field of counseling that is not logotherapy. In order to complete this Ph.D. program, the student must have earned the Diplomate Certification from the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy and must present a letter indicating that the applicant is in good standing with the Institute, write a research-based thesis under faculty supervision, and defend before the Foundation faculty. Please see the P.R.I.M.E. section for information on this degree and the Viktor Frankl Institute for Logotherapy.
Individuals must comply with the licensure and/or board certification requirements of the state in which they intend to be engaged in professional counseling as nomenclature is controlled by State Boards related to the various fields of counseling practice. Visit this webpage, State Professional Counselor Licensure Boards and this webpage, State Licensure for Pastoral Counselors, for licensure details.
This program is open to those who have been actively engaged in some form of professional ministry (parish, social service, community outreach, chaplaincy, etc.) for at least five years and who meet the Admission Requirements listed for this degree. The degree is offered exclusively to the already credentialed ministry professional and is in no sense designed for those seeking to enter the field of counseling. Professional counseling and ministry credentials are viewed as prerequisites to entering this course of study with the Foundation.
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This Ph.D. specialization is designed for those in various forms of counseling ministries who wish to concentrate upon the classical schools of psychotherapy with special attention to the theoretical constructs and therapeutic modalities developed by Freud, Adler, Jung, Frankl, Maslow, Erikson, Rogers, and Sullivan. Whether within the parish context, a private practice, or an instructional setting, Clinical Pastoral Psychotherapy will provide the ministry practitioner with insights and skills developed through a systematic study of these eight classical schools of psychotherapy. This specialization requires the eight prescribed E-Tutorials addressing the classical schools in psychotherapy plus two additional courses, one in research methodology and the other an elective chosen from the Foundation’s E-Tutorial roster in counseling psychology. The degree is completed by writing and defending a research-based thesis of 45,000 to 60,000 words before the Foundation Faculty defense panel. A special feature of this Ph.D. in Clinical Pastoral Psychotherapy is the requirement that prior to the defense of the doctoral thesis the student must attend either the five-day Clinical Skills and Assessment Practicum at the Foundation or one of the residential Institutes hosted by the Foundation.
Individuals must comply with the licensure and/or board certification requirements of the state in which they intend to be engaged in professional counseling as nomenclature is controlled by State Boards related to the various fields of counseling practice. Visit this webpage, State Professional Counselor Licensure Boards and this webpage, State Licensure for Pastoral Counselors, for licensure details.
This program is open to those who have been actively engaged in some form of professional ministry (parish, social service, community outreach, chaplaincy, etc.) for at least five years and who meet the Admission Requirements listed for this degree. The degree is offered exclusively to the already credentialed ministry professional and is in no sense designed for those seeking to enter the field of counseling. Professional counseling and ministry credentials are viewed as prerequisites to entering this course of study with the Foundation.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Studies is designed for those in ministry who are engaged in advanced study and research in the academic field of Islamic studies as this reflects the dynamics of analysis, theory and application of the various dimensions of the practice of faith in the Muslim world. The student is required to have a fully functioning use of the Arabic language and must be involved in some form of educational ministry within the faith community of Islam. The Foundation particularly encourages the use of Oxford as a mechanism to involve the student in the study of Islam within that scholarly community. In addition to the Foundation’s special relationship with the Islamic Society of North America, a formal arrangement has been made with the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies which provides the Foundation’s Muslim doctoral students with the opportunity to take advantage of the Centre’s hospitality during their time of study in Oxford. This arrangement provides an opportunity for Muslim students of the Foundation to utilize the research library, the place of worship, and a community of fellowship while in England. Foundation students in Islamic Studies are welcomed to participate in the Life of the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies in worship, fellowship, and study.
This program is curriculum-specific and provides an opportunity for the student to work under the direct oversight of Dr. Omar Shahin, Director of Islamic Studies and Professor of Islamic Law at the Foundation. It requires Arabic language proficiency. This track requires the completion of eight courses from the specialized curriculum and a research-based thesis for the Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Studies. Membership in the North American Imams Federation is a requirement.
NOTE: Thesis supervision is under the jurisdiction and oversight of Dr. Omar Shahin, Director of Islamic Studies and Professor of Islamic Law. The nomination of a thesis supervisor in Islamic Studies must be approved by Dr. Shahin.
Tuition
Program Cost: $11,450
Coursework
The fee for each course is $600 which is paid directly to Dr. Omar Shahin, Director of Islamic Studies.
Degree candidates are bound by the regulations of the Student Handbook of the year in which they are accepted into their program of study. Tuition fees will not change during a student’s course of study, providing the student submits payments and papers on schedule and completes the degree program within the prescribed time. If the student does not conform to scheduled payment and/or paper submission deadlines, the student’s file will be deactivated. Upon reactivation, the student will be responsible for the tuition and degree requirements which are current at the time of reactivation.
Transfer Credit
Any student wishing to have previously completed academic work evaluated for possible transfer credit or wishing to complete coursework through a venue other than the Graduate Theological Foundation for use as transfer credit toward a degree, must contact the Office of the Registrar for approval. Accepted transfer credit has the potential to decrease the total tuition paid by the student. Requests for acceptance of transfer credit are reviewed on a case by case basis.
Tuition payment schedule for Masters Degrees
1/3 of total fees paid within 30 days of acceptance
1/3 of total fees paid within one year of the date of acceptance
1/3 of total fees paid by March 1 of the year of graduation
Payment Plan Option
Students who are unable to make tuition payments in three installments may request to be placed on a payment plan. The payment plan option allows the student to make small monthly or quarterly tuition payments for the duration of the degree program. There is no interest charged on payment plans. If a student requests a mailed invoice as a reminder to make payment, there is a ten dollar fee per invoice.
To make tuition and fee payments online click here.
If you have a question for the Bursar please click here or contact our office 9am-3pm est.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Jewish Studies is designed for those in ministry who are engaged in advanced study and research in the academic field of Jewish studies as reflected in the dynamics of analysis, theory and application of the various dimensions of the practice of faith within the Jewish community. The student is required to have a fully functioning use of the Hebrew language and must be involved in some sort of education ministry within the Jewish faith community. The Foundation has designated Lev Shomea as a P.R.I.M.E. institution (see P.R.I.M.E. section). Short-term Visiting Scholars application forms are available from the Foundation for the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies upon request.
