Doctor of Theology (Latin:Doctor Theologiae, abbreviatedDTh,ThD,DTheol, orDr. theol.) is aterminal degree in the academic discipline oftheology. The ThD, like the ecclesiasticalDoctor of Sacred Theology, is an advanced research degree equivalent to theDoctor of Philosophy.[1][2]
In the academic study of theology, often deeply rooted in the Christian religion, the nomenclature of doctoral degrees varies between Doctor of Theology,Doctor of Philosophy, andDoctor of Sacred Theology. However,Doctor of Ministry is generally understood as aprofessional doctorate, whereasDoctor of Divinity is academic doctorate in the UK and a honorary doctorate in the USA where it is often awarded ashonoris causa.[citation needed]
In the United States, some of the older theological seminaries began offering the ThD as an equivalent to the researchDoctor of Philosophy. InPrinceton Theological Seminary, for example, this practice was inherited from the German system of education, since the professors involved in establishing the doctoral program were trained in German universities. Though the PhD was the doctorate of arts faculties in German universities (called the philosophy faculty in Germany, hence the Ph), Princeton Theological Seminary has since switched to using Doctor of Philosophy as its main designation.[3] A similar shift happened atHarvard Divinity School in 2015.[4] As of 2024, fiveAssociation of Theological Schools accredited schools currently accept students to ThD programs:Duke Divinity School,Kairos University (Evangelical Seminary),Northwest Nazarene University's Graduate School of Theology,Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, andUnited Theological Seminary.[5]
Due to the secular push in doctoral studies, some ThD programs have moved to other known accreditation, like theAssociation for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE),Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), or The Council of Private Colleges of America (CPCA).[6][7][8]
In the United Kingdom, the Doctor of Theology is a relatively new academic doctoral programme.[9] Certain universities have begun offering it as a form of research-based professional doctorate, not unlike theDoctor of Education.[10] To distinguish the more practical nature of the degree, some British universities have adopted the termDoctor of Practical Theology.[11]
