Master of Divinity

Master of Theology

Master of Theological Studies

Master of Arts in Christian Service

Certificate of Theological Studies

Doctor of Ministry

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy

Brite offers the Doctor of Philosophy in two areas: Biblical Interpretation and Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Counseling.

General Application Information

In addition to area specific requirements, all Ph.D. applications include the following:

Part 1: Application for Admission and Financial Award. Each application must be accompanied by a non-refundable $75 application fee made payable to Brite Divinity School.
Part 2: Statement of Purpose. This is a very important part of your application. Prepare it carefully, indicating the reasons for your application to Brite Divinity School.
Part 3A, 3B, 3C: Three Letters of Recommendation. These should come from persons able to evaluate your academic and professional qualifi cations, such as undergraduate or graduate faculty familiar with your work. You are responsible for seeing that the letters of recommendations are sent. If letters are faxed, they must be followed by mailed hard-copies.
Part 4: Financial Certificate for International Students. In order to meet requirements for entry into the United States, international applicants must demonstrate that they have the fi nancial resources to cover the cost of their education. Visa documents are issued only when all admission procedures have been satisfied. Applications for financial award to international students are considered in competition with all other applications received.
Part 5: Transcripts. Official transcripts (bearing the signature of the registrar and the seal of the institution) of all post-secondary work are required. They should be sent in sealed envelope(s) with the application materials. To prevent delays, you should arrange with registrars to provide transcripts before mid-year grades are posted.
Part 6: Test Scores. See the Ph.D. area descriptions for specific GRE and/or TOEFL test requirements. You may select either the computer-based or paper-based test format. Online information about the GRE and TOEFL is available at http://www.ets.org or you may contact Educational Testing Service (ETS), P.O. Box 6000, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6000. Please use Institutional Code 6803 when requesting that test scores be sent to Brite Divinity School.

Graduate Record Examinations Scores. Scores on the GRE General Test, which measures developed verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills, are required.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). International applicants whose native language is not English and who have not received their education at an English-speaking university must demonstrate English proficiency. The TOEFL test is available worldwide and applicants to Brite must submit scores on the TOEFL of not less than 600 (computer-based 250).

Completed Ph.D. applications must be received no later than January 15. The Ph.D. Admissions Committee, the Assistant Dean for Advanced Studies, and the Dean make admission decisions. Admission is competitive and students are selected on the basis of a total profile of their scholastic preparation and intellectual ability. Applicants are notified by March 31 of admission for the following fall semester.

Ph.D. Admissions Schedule

November 1
Last date for applicants to take the paper-based GRE in order for Brite to receive the scores by January 15.

November 15
Last date for international applicants to take the paper-based TOEFL in order for Brite to receive the scores by January 15.

December 1
Last date for applicants to take the computer-based GRE or TOEFL in order for Brite to receive the scores by January 15.

January 15
Completed applications must be on file.

March 31
Admission decisions will be mailed by this date to all applicants whose files are complete by January 15.

April 15
Deadline for response to offers of admission and financial award. If your reply is not received by April 15, Brite may rescind the offer of admission and financial award. An offer of admission is made for a specific fall entrance date. In some cases, admission may be deferred until the spring semester.

Financial Awards

Tuition scholarships up to one hundred percent of tuition are available to all candidates in the Doctor of Philosophy programs. Fellowships that include tuition and an additional annual stipend of $1,000 to $8,000 are available to some, based on a ranking of all applicants. Persons receiving financial awards are expected to be fulltime students. “Fulltime” for Ph.D. students is defined as a minimum of six hours. Hours for language, research, and other required courses can count towards 3 hours of the required 6 hours. Certain students are selected as research assistants to assist faculty members and receive $1,500 annually for five hours work per week. All awards are based solely on merit and are normally continued for four years. Brite Divinity School would normally expect a 3.50 grade point average to maintain a student’s stipend and a 3.25 grade point average to maintain the tuition award.

Additional Information

Matriculating students are required to attend the Ph.D. Orientation session, including the Seminar on Sexual Misconduct and the Clergy.
Annual written review of the student’s progress is conducted by the Assistant Dean for Advanced Studies, in consultation with the faculty. Progress in the program is contingent upon positive academic performance (a cumulative 3.50 grade point average is normally required for continuance of a stipend; a 3.25 grade point average is normally required for continuance of a tuition award; no grade below 3.00 is accepted for credit), successful completion of qualifying exams, competency in original research and writing, and development of pedagogical skills.
Students may transfer up to 12 hours of doctoral-level courses into the Ph.D. program from other accredited Ph.D. programs. Brite Divinity School does not accept the transfer of any hours completed more than seven years prior to matriculation. Doctoral courses at the 90000 level taken at Brite Divinity School while in the Th.M. program may be evaluated for transfer credit into program by the Assistant Dean for Advanced Studies. These hours are evaluated by the Assistant Dean for Advanced Studies. Program at the end of the first full year of Ph.D. study at Brite Divinity School. No hours may be transferred from completed Masters programs to the Ph.D. program.
The program normally should be completed within four years. A minimum of two full years of residency is required. The degree is to be completed within seven years. Candidates may petition the Assistant Dean for Advanced Studies for an extension.
Applications are available from the Office of Admissions, Brite Divinity School, TCU Box 298130, Fort Worth, Texas 76129 or online at http://www.brite.tcu.edu
Once admitted into the Ph.D. program, the student should obtain a Ph.D. Manual from the Office of Advanced Studies. This manual serves to guide the student through the process of earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree in his or her chosen area.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Interpretation

The Ph.D. program in Biblical Interpretation (BIIN) is an advanced academic degree designed to prepare students for independent research and vocations of teaching biblical interpretation and related historical and hermeneutical areas in theological schools, colleges, and universities, or for the scholarly enhancement of ministerial practice. The Ph.D. program provides opportunities for study of the Hebrew Bible, Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books, and Literature of Early Judaism; New Testament and Literature of Early Christianity; Themes and Issues in Biblical Theology; the History of Biblical Interpretation; and Theological Hermeneutics. Students are guided to develop competence in original research and writing that advances theological understanding for the sake of church, academy, and society, as well as in pedagogical skills to convey this body of knowledge to others.

BIIN Area Specific Admissions Requirements

In addition to submitting the Ph.D. application materials (see General Application Information, Parts 1-6) to the Admissions Office, BIIN applicants are encouraged, if possible, to arrange an interview with the Biblical faculty and Assistant Dean for Advanced Studies. BIIN applications must contain the following area specific requirements:

M.Div., M.T.S., M.A., or Th.M. (or equivalent), with a concentration in biblical studies and courses in Biblical Hebrew and Greek, from an accredited theological school.
A writing sample (thesis, research paper, article, or essay) demonstrating the applicant’s area of interest in biblical studies, scholastic preparation, and intellectual ability.
International applicants to the BIIN program may submit either TOEFL scores (with a score, normally, of not less than 600; computer based 250) or GRE scores for the General Test.

Degree Requirements

The BIIN Ph.D. includes successful completion of forty-eight semester hours, qualifying examinations leading to candidacy, and a dissertation. All courses, an area of concentration in either Hebrew Bible or New Testament, and a second area of study, must be selected in collegial dialogue with the student’s adviser.

Areas of Study

Hebrew Bible, Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books, and Literature of Early Judaism. The history, literature, religion, and language of ancient Israel and Early Judaism in ancient Near Eastern and Jewish settings, including contemporary methods of biblical interpretation.
New Testament and Literature of Early Christianity. The history, literature, religion and language of early Christianity in Graeco-Roman and Jewish settings, including contemporary methods of biblical interpretation.
Themes and Issues in Biblical Theology. The theology of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament as both distinctive, separate collections, and as two related parts of the larger Christian Bible, including contemporary models of approaching biblical theology.
History of Biblical Interpretation. The major historical interpretations of the Bible, beginning with biblical writers’ interpretations of earlier texts and traditions and continuing through the major periods of Christianity (patristic, medieval, renaissance and reformation, and modern and contemporary).
Theological Hermeneutics. The major models of modern and contemporary theology, their interpretation, and their use of the Bible in constructive work.

Graduate Seminars and Courses

The candidate is expected to complete forty-eight hours of course work with no grade below “B” (= 3.00). Evaluation of prior work and progress will be made at the end of the first year of residency.
Course work will include at least twenty-five hours of 90000 Ph.D. specific courses. Up to twenty-three hours, including at least three hours in advanced biblical language, may be selected from 80000/90000 HEBI, NETE, CHHI, CHTH course offerings.

Languages

Modern Languages
In addition to English, reading knowledge of two other modern languages (normally German, French, Spanish, or Italian) is required. At least one of these modern languages is encouraged prior to matriculation. Reading knowledge in the second modern language is encouraged before beginning the second year of residence. Students whose first language is not English and who have submitted scores on the TOEFL of not less than 600 (computer-based 250) or superior GRE scores for Writing Assessment may choose to demonstrate proficiency in English as a modern language. Normally, the professor teaching the Ph.D. Critical Introduction (HEBI 95713 or NETE 95713) will write a letter at the end of the course for the student’s academic file certifying the student’s English research competence. English will then be counted as one of the two required modern languages for students who so elect, though reading knowledge in two other modern languages is encouraged.

The modern language requirement can be met in the following ways:
- By passing an exam prepared and graded by a faculty member in the field. Exams will be graded pass/no pass.
- By successful completion of BRLN 90000 Theological Language: German or French, which is offered occasionally for no credit at Brite.
- By passing a standardized test.
Ancient Languages
Reading knowledge of both Biblical Hebrew and Biblical Greek is required for matriculation. A diagnostic test, during the first week of the semester, in both languages is required of all Ph.D. students to assess comprehension. Using dictionaries, new students will translate assigned passages in both testaments. The translations will be evaluated by two professors and the results shared by the student’s academic adviser with the student and the Assistant Dean for Advanced Studies.
Special Language Proficiency
Special proficiency in either Biblical Hebrew or Greek will be demonstrated later through a more comprehensive written examination. The BIIN Ph.D. Biblical Hebrew or Greek Examination, which can be scheduled anytime after the first semester of the Ph.D. Program, must be completed before qualifying examinations are scheduled. The application for this test is found in the Ph.D. Manual.

Research Methodology

Competence in research methodology is demonstrated by seminar papers, qualifying examinations, and the dissertation. In addition, two methodological courses are required: HEBI 95713 Critical Introduction to the Hebrew Bible and NETE 95713 Critical Introduction to the New Testament.

Women’s Studies Certificate for Th.M. and Ph.D. Students

Beginning in 2005, Brite is cooperating with other TCU graduate departments and schools in offering a Women’s Studies Certificate Program. This program is currently open to Brite Th.M. and Ph.D. students and to others on a case-by-case basis. To earn the Certificate, students must complete twelve hours of course work: BRIT 90003: Graduate Colloquium in Feminist Methodology and Theory, and three additional Brite courses approved for the program. For further details, see the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs.

Pedagogy

Students will learn to teach by means of mentoring relationships with faculty and classroom instruction under the supervision of faculty. Some students will serve as teaching assistants to the biblical faculty and some will occasionally teach in the TCU Religion Department.

Qualifying Examinations

Following the completion of course work and modern and ancient language requirements, students will elect qualifying examinations in two of the following areas:

Hebrew Bible, Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books, and Literature of Early Judaism
New Testament and Literature of Early Christianity
Themes and Issues in Biblical Theology
History of Biblical Interpretation
Theological Hermeneutics.

These examinations are administered three times a year. Information and applications for qualifying examinations are available in the office of Advanced Studies. Upon successful completion of qualifying examinations, the student is admitted to candidacy.

Fee for Continuation

Ph.D. students will continue to pay the fulltime fee until completion of all degree requirements regardless of the number of hours they are taking. Ph.D. students who are not enrolled in any class during a fall or spring semester will be charged a fee for continuation in program by enrolling in BRLB 90001 Dissertation or Thesis Research in Library. This fee will allow use of the Mary Couts Burnett Library. If a student is enrolled in BRLB 90001 or any other courses in the spring semester and is advance registered for BRLB 90001 or any other courses in the fall semester, library privileges will continue during the summer without enrolling in BRLB 90001.

Dissertation

The candidate must conduct original research and write a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field. The dissertation proposal must first be approved by the dissertation director and dissertation committee and then submitted to the Ph.D. Committee for final approval.

The dissertation committee will normally consist of three to five members, including the director of the dissertation, other members of the Bible faculty, or a Brite professor from another department. The dissertation director must be a Hebrew Bible, New Testament, or Jewish Studies faculty member at Brite or TCU. An outside committee member can be approved if the student assumes financial responsibility for expenses associated with bringing this member to campus for the dissertation defense. This committee conducts the oral defense of the dissertation.

Final approval of the dissertation requires the signatures of the dissertation committee and Assistant Dean for Advanced Studies. Information, applications, and writing guidelines are available in the office of Advanced Studies. Proposal and dissertation guidelines are available from area faculty.

Doctor of Philosophy in Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Counseling

The Ph.D. program in Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Counseling is designed to train women and men in the academic disciplines of pastoral theology, pastoral care, and pastoral counseling. In keeping with the mission of Brite Divinity School, graduates of this program will make significant contributions to the Church’s ministry with individuals, families, congregations, and social systems. Graduates will serve the Church as pastors and pastoral care specialists in local churches, as teachers and supervisors in educational institutions (universities, colleges, seminaries, medical schools), and as chaplains and pastoral counselors in clinical contexts (pastoral counseling centers, medical centers, hospitals). Graduates will be prepared to make further contributions to these disciplines and the Church by engaging in original research within any of these settings.

PTPC Area Specific Admissions Requirements

In addition to submitting the Ph.D. application materials (see General Application Information, Parts 1-6) to the Admissions Office. PTPC applicants may be required to arrange an interview with at least two of the Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Counseling faculty and the Director of the Ph.D. Program. A telephone interview may be substituted at the department’s discretion. PTPC applications must contain the following area specific requirements:

M.Div. degree or its equivalent.
Document (thesis, research paper, article, lecture, writing project) in the applicant’s area of specialty that demonstrates abilities to conceptualize and communicate through the written word.
One unit of Clinical Pastoral Education or 30 hours of supervision in an AAPC approved training program (including final evaluations). International applicants, living outside the United States, can fulfill this requirement after admission to the program.
International applicants to the PTPC Ph.D. program must submit TOEFL scores (with a score, normally, of not less than 600; computer-based 250) and GRE scores for the General Test.

Degree Requirements

The PTPC Ph.D. degree requires successful completion of 48 semester hours, qualifying examinations leading to candidacy, and a dissertation.

Graduate Seminars and Courses

Course work will include eleven to thirteen classroom seminars and three to five clinical seminars.

Language

Demonstrated competence in one of the following: Hebrew, Greek, German, Spanish, or French. Competency in any of these languages can be achieved by passing a one-semester/ three-hour graduate course or two one-semester/three-hour undergraduate courses with a grade of “B” or better. This requirement may be met before matriculation or by taking a course at Brite during the first year of Ph.D. studies.

Research Methodology

Competence in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies can be demonstrated by passing an acceptable graduate level course, approved by the faculty, at an accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better. This requirement may be met before matriculation or by taking a course during the first year of Ph.D. studies. Courses taken to meet these requirements will not count toward the credit hours necessary for completing the Ph.D. program.

Women’s Studies Certificate for Th.M. and Ph.D. Students

Pedagogy

Through mentoring relationships and seminars, the students will learn pedagogical skills to teach and supervise within the guidelines of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Graduate students, mentored by the faculty, will participate in the administrative, research, and teaching work of the department.

Qualifying Examinations

Following completion of course work, language, and research methodology requirements, qualifying examinations will be designed collaboratively to assess knowledge and integrative perspectives in pastoral theology and pastoral counseling. These examinations are administered three times a year. Information and applications are available in the office for Advanced Studies. Upon successful completion of qualifying examinations, the student is admitted to candidacy.

Fee for Continuation

Dissertation

The candidate must demonstrate technical competence to conduct significant and original research and to write an acceptable dissertation. The dissertation proposal must first be approved by the dissertation director and dissertation committee and then submitted to the Ph.D. Committee for final approval.

The dissertation committee will normally consist of three members, two of whom are in the PTPC department.The dissertation director must be a fulltime PTPC faculty member at Brite. An outside committee member can be approved if the student assumes financial responsibility for expenses associated with bringing this member to campus for the dissertation defense. This committee conducts the oral defense of the dissertation.

Final approval of the dissertation requires the signatures of the dissertation committee and Assistant Dean for Advanced Studies. Information, applications, and writing guidelines are available in the office of Ph.D Program. Proposal and dissertation guidelines are available from area faculty.