Doctor of Philosophy Admission Process

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Equip yourself for a lifetime of ministry and education through our four-year Doctor of Philosophy program.

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With a flexible schedule and rigorous coursework, our Doctor of Philosophy program is dedicated to allowing students to pursue excellence in education in a way that fits their busy lives. 

Requirements for consideration:

  • Demonstrated Christian character.
  • Applicants must hold a bachelor’s (or equivalent degree) from an accredited college or university, and a Master of Divinity (or equivalent degree) from an accredited institution that meets Gateway Seminary's requirements in Hebrew and Greek.
  • For the biblical studies major: Completion of 16 graduate semester hours of Greek and Hebrew, at least nine in either Hebrew or Greek (necessary to have completed before enrollment but not necessary before applying).
  • For the theology major: Completion of 24 graduate semester hours of theology and church history, at least eight of these in advanced theology and church history courses. Completion of 12 graduate semester hours of Greek and Hebrew.
  • All students: One modern research language required before enrolling into the program (though not necessary before applying).
  • GPA no lower than 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • A sample research paper that demonstrates the ability to do advanced research.
  • Acceptable GRE score.
  • Rationale for Ph.D. study.
  • Official TOEFL score, if applicable.

Application Requirements:

  • Admissions Application Form (online or as download) and non-refundable $50 application fee.
  • An original Church Endorsement form completed by the applicant's church, indicating evidence of Christian character and leadership ability. 
  • An original, signed Ethical Conduct Standard form. 
  • Four completed recommendation forms. Applicants are responsible for distributing the required forms to the individuals listed as references on the application form. The reference forms must be completed by individuals who have known the applicant more than a year.
  • A research paper that adequately shows the applicant’s research ability. This can be a paper that was submitted to meet the requirements for a master’s level course. Please submit a clean, unmarked copy of the paper.
  • An original, signed Ethical Conduct Standard form.
  • TOEFL score (not more than one year old) of at least 600 on paper-based exam or 100 iBT, for students who do not speak English as their first language or do not have a degree from an accredited institution in the United States. An exemption may be granted if the applicant has completed an acceptable degree from an accredited institution where the instruction was entirely in English.

Deadlines:For fall enrollment, applicants who complete the application process by February 1 will be given first consideration. August 1 is the final deadline for fall acceptance. For spring enrollment, applicants who complete the application process by June 1 will be given first consideration. January 1 is the final deadline for spring acceptance.

Gateway Seminary students and graduates may request a deadline extension by emailing .