Purpose and Goals
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Practical Theology with concentration in Spirituality and Coaching will prepare students for the scholarly work of research, teaching, and community engagement in an interdisciplinary field combining spirituality and Coaching. Students will develop an advanced level of expertise in articulating, integrating, and applying the history, methodology, and contemporary perspectives of Christian spirituality and Coaching in the context of the contemporary churches. The PhD program is aligned with the School of Theology’s fundamental commitment to prepare and support leaders dedicated to serve the church and impact the world for Christ.
Program Learning Outcomes
The PhD in Practical Theology will focus on preparing students for scholarship of research, teaching, and engagement based on mastery of the history, methodology, and contemporary perspectives of spirituality and Coaching in the context of the contemporary churches. Through the PhD program, students will achieve the following learning outcomes.
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- Demonstrate, from a practical theology framework, a comprehensive knowledge of historical and contemporary ideas of the interdisciplinary field combining spirituality and counseling coaching
- Demonstrate advanced competence to apply research methods of practical theology in the student’s scholarship in the Korean church context
- Demonstrate advanced competence to engage in original research and writing that contributes to the discipline
- Demonstrate capacities for scholarship of teaching suitable for higher education and scholarship of community engagement in congregational and community settings
Admission Requirements
Students applying to the PhD in Practical Theology must have completed either a Master of Divinity degree or a master’s degree in counseling, coaching or theology or the educational equivalent from an accredited educational institution. Applicants must also have a minimum grade point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale in all previous graduate work. Educational equivalence is defined as an earned master’s degree of graduate study, including 12 credits of graduate counseling/coaching and 12 credits of graduate theology (the prerequisites). Applicants must complete all the required coursework prior to enrollment to the PhD program. Applicants are encouraged to have significant prior experience in pastoral leadership or in the practice of professional counseling and coaching. Students whose primary language is Korean must demonstrate competency in English before making application for qualifying examinations by language examination. In exceptional cases, admission decisions will be determined through deliberation by the Academic Affairs Committee.