ThM/PhD in Theological Studies and Church History

The ThM/PhD in Theological Studies and Church History programs form scholar-theologians for the Asian church by equipping them to apply the insights of Christian theology in the Asian context and to tell the largely untold story of Asia’s Christian communities. The ThM is a research-oriented degree that builds on an MDiv or sometimes, with supplemental coursework, an MA. The PhD is a research-oriented degree that builds on an earned Master’s degree. It is the most advanced degree in the fields of Theological Studies, and is intended for those who engage in intensive and original research in a specific academic discipline. 

After completing a ThM or PhD in Theological Studies or Church History, graduates typically serve in teaching, leadership, or administrative roles in their churches, colleges, or seminaries, and continue writing and research projects designed to aid the church in living out its distinctive calling in the Asian context.

AGST’s ThM/PhD in Theological Studies and Church History has a long legacy of preparing faithful leaders for the church and academy in Asia and around the globe. Today, our graduates serve as deans and presidents at Bible colleges and seminaries throughout Asia and beyond, and are leading the way in pioneering new resources for the Majority World church. 

Why pursue ThM/PhD in Theological Studies and Church History? 

Join a community of scholar-theologians being equipped to teach and lead the next generation of Asian Christians. 

• Be equipped to be a thought leader in your church, academic institution, or by sharpening your skills in theological reflection, research, and communication.
• Gain a credential suitable for teaching in an academic environment. The ThM generally qualifies one to teach at the MA and MDiv levels; the PhD qualifies one to teach at all levels of instruction, including PhD.
• AGST’s ThM/PhD program is accredited by the Asia Theological Association, and its programs are officially recognized by the Philippines Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
  

Program Distinctives 

• Small-batch courses offer rich opportunities to learn from leading local and international faculty.
• Emphasis on contextual reflection informed by close analysis of local realities, the great treasures of the Christian tradition, and the best insights of contemporary scholarship.
• Students and faculty come from a rich diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and denominations, and unite around evangelical faith.
• Mentoring from local faculty focuses on spiritual and character formation alongside academic growth and acquisition of scholarly skills.
• Wide-ranging digital library resources to support student learning; physical libraries at IGSL and AGST consortium schools are also available for student use.
• Program of study culminates in a thesis (ThM) or dissertation (PhD) project focused on an issue relevant to your ministry context.
  

Program Committee and Faculty 

The AGST ThM/PhD in Theological Studies and Church History is hosted by the International Graduate School of Leadership. It is led by Dr. Stephen Pardue, who began serving as program director in August 2020. 

ThM Program Design

• New cohorts begin every August
• At present, all coursework is delivered online. As conditions allow, we may open face-to-face opportunities for study. For further information about present plans in light of conditions and local government policies, please use the inquiry form here. Note: The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has suspended previous restrictions on digital learning in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and a moratorium on most in-person educational activities in the Philippines. However, international students may need to be aware of certain restrictions on receiving a CHED-recognized degree when studying in a fully online format. (This should not affect the validity of your degree vis-à-vis ATA recognition.)

Admission Requirements and Process 

• Requirements for applying to AGST’s ThM/PhD in Theological Studies and Church History:
  • Completion of an MDiv or the equivalent with a GPA of 1.5 (B+) from a seminary accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA), the Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA), or a similar accrediting body. Transcript should demonstrate completion of the following:
    • Twelve (12) credit hours in graduate-level biblical studies;
    • Twelve (12) credit hours in graduate-level theological studies; Six (6) credit hours in graduate-level Hebrew and six (6) credit hours in graduate-level Greek. Studients who have not completed these requirements in their previous coursework may receive offers of admission conditional upon the completion of supplemental coursework requirements.
  • A TOEFL score of at least 550 or the equivalent for all applicants whose first language is not English
  • At least 3 years of ministry experience

• Admission Process
• To apply to the ThM program, complete the online form here:
• To apply to the PhD program, complete the online form here:
• Pay application fee (one-time, non-refundable): USD 35
• A TOEFL score of at least 550 or the equivalent is required for all applicants whose first language is not English. If you do not have a recent TOEFL score (valid within two years from the test date), you will be required to take an English Proficiency Test administered by IGSL at USD 10 fee.
•  The Program Director or member of the program committee will conduct a brief online interview to get to know you. This will also present an opportunity for you to ask further questions about the program.
• Submit writing sample.
• Submit official transcripts. These must be directly from all institutions of higher education you attended. Transcripts in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official English translation.Notification of completed application


• Application Dates
• Applications for joining the program open at the start of the calendar year for applicants seeking to matriculate the following August (e.g., those seeking to start their studies in the 2022-2023 school year may begin applying in January 2022). For consideration in the first round of admissions, applications and supporting documents must be received by April 1. Later applications will be considered if the first round of decisions has not filled all open seats for the incoming year.
• January 1: New applications open
• May 1: Applications for round 1 of admissions must be complete
• April 30: Round 1 Admissions decisions
• June 30: Round 2 Admissions decisions (if slots remain available after Round 1)


• Tuition Fees

Tuition (24 credit hours for ThM/PhD plus 6 credit hours thesis (for ThM)/9 credit hours dissertation (for PhD)
For students from developed or First World countries  For students from developing or Third World countries	USD 135 per credit hour   USD 105 per credit hour
Estimated cost of books	USD 125 per course
Comprehensive Exam	USD 50
Thesis/Dissertation Fee	USD 800
Application Fee (non-refundable)	USD 35
English Proficiency Test (if needed)	USD 10
Registration Fee	USD 10 per semester
Administrative Fee For students from developed or First World countries For students from developing or Third World countries	USD 120 per semester   USD 60 per semester
Library Fee For students from developed or First World countries For students from developing or Third World countries	USD 60 per semester   USD 30 per semester
Graduation Fee	USD 35

Graduation Requirements

The ThM/PhD degree is awarded upon successful completion of the following:

• Satisfactory completion of 24-credit hours of coursework with at least 1.75 GPA (B). 
• Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive examination. 
• Completion and successful defense of 6 credit hours thesis (for ThM)/9 credit hours defense (for PhD) 
• Satisfactory completion of all other requirements (languages, etc.) specified by the student’s program committee.