An emphasis upon contextualized, integrative learning is an important distinctive of our Ph.D. program. This method maintains the time-honored tradition of in-person, relationship-oriented teaching, while allowing students to spend relatively little time in residency and to remain within their teaching or ministry contexts as an integral part of their learning experience. This goal is achieved by combining intensive short-term residential periods of instruction with course content and instructor mentoring facilitated via cutting-edge, state-of-the-art, online, educational technology.

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Serving All Denominations and Church Traditions

On June 2, 2003, 30 doctoral students from as far away as South America and West Africa met together for the first time for classes at Regent University's Virginia Beach Campus. The group was comprised of pastors and college faculty of many nationalities. Today, diverse theological backgrounds from traditional Lutherans, Orthodox and Episcopalians to representatives of various independent Pentecostal and Charismatic denominations contribute to a rich and full dialogue. What has bound students together is an appreciation for the world-wide renewing work of the Holy Spirit.

Regent University's Ph.D. program is designed for those from all denominational backgrounds and Christian theological traditions who are desiring to be leaders, researchers, teachers, pastors and missionaries in a renewed Christianity during the 21st century.

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Rigorous Standards

The Ph.D. in Renewal Studies program has been designed to meet the highest standards in Ph.D. studies, preparing our students to engage in theological dialogue on the highest level. Faculty teaching in the program and supervising dissertations are leading scholars who are actively publishing in their fields. Regent University consulted with some of the most authoritative scholars and educators in the United States and abroad to ensure that the program design and curriculum of the different courses are truly excellent. The Regent University library is uniquely accessible to students off campus and has a unique program in place to make its resources available to both on and off-campus students. The program has also been endorsed by a number of prominent theologians and historians.

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Academic Breadth and Depth

In addition to School of Divinity faculty intentionally engaging the discussion about Renewal Studies in their own work and in various scholarly societies, the School of Divinity also holds colloquia and symposia almost on an annual basis. At these scholarly events, renowned authors, recognized scholars, and those working at the vanguard of religious and theological studies, broadly defined, as they interface with this new field of Renewal Studies, are brought to campus to present lectures, interact with students, and engage with the task of defining and advancing the discussion. Students are introduced herein to the highest level of scholarly discourse and inquiry on a regular and ongoing basis.

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Accreditation

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associates, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of Regent University.

The School of Divinity is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) Commission on Accrediting and has been authorized by the ATS to offer masters and doctorate degrees.

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