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People worshipping during a chapel service: Explore the PhD in Renewal Theology - Church History program at Regent University.

Ph.D. in Renewal Theology – Church History

Expand Your Influence

Are you ready to enhance your research and insight while preparing to contribute to a wider conversation from a Renewal perspective? If you want to equip emerging church leaders across the globe, then this terminal degree is your next step. Regent’s Doctor of Philosophy in Renewal Theology – Church History equips theologians for service in both the Church and academy. This Ph.D. is ideal for those seeking specialist training in Renewal theology and Church history. The world needs experts in this area to help bring a greater understanding of the history of the Church from the lens of the renewing work of the Holy Spirit. Imagine the impact you could make with this highly specialized degree.

Online w/ Residency
60
January 13, 2025
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EXPAND YOUR EXPERTISE

Gain in-depth knowledge in Church history and theology to enhance your studies and hermeneutics.

ESTABLISH YOUR REPUTATION

Publish original research and take your career path to the next level with exciting leadership opportunities.

DEEPEN YOUR IMPACT

Serve in both the Church and academy while helping others understand the significance of the Church.

Presented from a Christian worldview, this specialty degree is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

The Ph.D. in Renewal Theology at Regent University is accredited by The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).

On completing this Ph.D. concentration, the graduate can:

  • Employ historic and contemporary approaches from a Renewal perspective.
  • Draw from a broad spectrum of theological research and apply the experience gained from a teaching practicum.
  • Utilize advanced academic research methodologies.

Career Opportunities

  • University Professor
  • Church Pastor-Theologian
  • Church History Leader
  • Renewal Theology Leader
  • Specialized Ministry Leader
Featured Courses
HCHT 750Renewal Methods in Historical Studies3
Critical examination of historic and contemporary theories of historiography with a focus on Renewal theology.
HCHT 760Early Church & Renewal3
Critical examination of developments within early Christianity with a focus on Renewal theology.
HCHT 761Medieval Church & Renewal3
Critical examination of developments within medieval Christianity with an emphasis on Renewal theology.
HCHT 762Reformation & Renewal3
Critical examination of Reformation thought and practices and the work of the Holy Spirit during the Reformation.
HCHT 763Pentecostal & Charismatic Movements3
Critical examination of the 20th century global Pentecostal and Charismatic movements with an emphasis on key historical figures and context, major revivals, doctrinal implications, and global impact on the Church.
HCHT 764Contemporary Renewal Movements3
Critical examination of renewal movements and 21st century global Christianity with an emphasis on key historical figures and context, major revivals, doctrinal implications, and global impact on the global Church.

2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 9Monday, August 19
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12

Prerequisites

To be considered for acceptance into the Ph.D. program in the School of Divinity, an applicant must have completed either of the following:

  • A completed M.Div. degree or its equivalent with a minimum of 72 credit hours from an accredited institution.
  • Applicants who possess an academic master’s degree (M.A., MTS, etc.) of at least 48 credit hours are invited to apply and will be reviewed for admissions consideration on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must show, based on official transcripts, a minimum of 15 credits in the concentration which they are applying (Biblical Studies, Christian Theology, Church History, or Practical Theology). Upon review, you will receive an additional essay prompt asking you to describe the following:
    • Your vocation and vocational trajectory.
    • Your devotional commitments, disciplines, and aims.
    • How do you believe advanced theological studies in the Ph.D. program will assist in your obedience to the call of God and to bring Him glory?

In addition, applicants to the Ph.D. program should have:

  • A desire and ability to write a dissertation from a Renewal perspective in the area of biblical studies, Christian theology or Church history
  • A high aptitude for scholarly research and writing as well as reading comprehension
  • A high intellectual achievement and scholarship as evidenced by college transcripts and the applicant's writing sample
  • Spiritual maturity and integrity of character
  • Personal goals consistent with the mission of Regent University
  • Understand and accept the Statement of Faith

Language Requirements

Students will be required to competently use the language(s) in which relevant primary texts are written, as well as those in which there is important secondary material during both their course of studies and their dissertation research. Applicants for the Biblical Studies concentration are required to demonstrate reading-level proficiency in at least one biblical language. Applicants for the Christian Theology, Church History, and Practical Theology concentration are required to demonstrate a second-year level of proficiency in at least one biblical language. All biblical language credits must be completed prior to gaining admission into the Ph.D. degree.

  • Biblical Studies concentration: 12 credit hours in one biblical language (Greek or Hebrew)
  • Christian Theology: 6 credits in one biblical language (Greek or Hebrew)
  • Church History: 6 credits in one biblical language (Greek or Hebrew)
  • Practical Theology: 6 credits in one biblical language (Greek or Hebrew)

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit an Academic Writing Sample or Graduate Degree Paper (with Citations)

Our Ph.D. program seeks to prepare scholars for advanced research, practice and leadership in academic, church and ministry settings through designated study, involving one of four concentrations: Biblical Studies, Christian Theology, Church History and Practical Theology. The academic writing sample assesses your ability to think critically and compose an original written work, based upon your chosen concentration area as indicated on your Ph.D. application. The Admissions Committee must ensure that your writing acumen is at a level commensurate with the demands of doctoral level academic writing.

In order to assess your writing ability, submit one of the following options as a writing sample:

  • GRADUATE DEGREE PAPER: Submit an academic paper completed during a previous graduate degree. Please ensure this is a submission of at least five pages that contains citations in APA, MLA, or Turabian format.
  • WRITING SAMPLE: Compose a five-page original paper, not previously written, which includes the following: (1) a topic of your choice that falls within one of the four concentrations mentioned above; (2) a demonstration of conceptual sophistication; (3) an obvious flow of thought from paragraph to paragraph; (4) critical thinking skills; and (5) evidence of independent judgment. Finally, in your conclusion, include what you think the work of the Spirit contributes to the topic you have chosen to discuss. References or citations should demonstrate use of APA, MLA, or Turabian style formatting.

Your academic writing sample or graduate degree paper should be submitted to regent.edu/items.

Step 4: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$5306$3,180
Master of Divinity (MDiv)$5306$3,180
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)$5306$3,180
Master of Theology (ThM)$6703$2,010
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)$6703$2,010
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)$6703$2,010

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$5309$4,770
Master of Divinity (MDiv)$5309$4,770
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)$5309$4,770
Master of Theology (ThM)$6706$4,020
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)$6706$4,020
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)$6706$4,020

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$5306$3,180
Master of Divinity (MDiv)$5306$3,180
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)$5306$3,180
Master of Theology (ThM)$6703$2,010
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)$6703$2,010
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)$6703$2,010

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$5309$4,770
Master of Divinity (MDiv)$5309$4,770
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)$5309$4,770
Master of Theology (ThM)$6706$4,020
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)$6706$4,020
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)$6706$4,020

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Upcoming Residency Dates

Fall 2024: Monday, October 28, 2024 - Friday, November 8, 2024 | Residency Schedule


The online with residency Ph.D. program is designed for pastors, educators and missionaries to be able to study while remaining in their ministry context; therefore, you are able to stay in your work and/or ministry setting and travel to campus for residency each fall semester. Residency occurs every fall semester for two weeks and coincide with the residency courses:

  • DGEN 801 Ph.D. Residency 1st Year: The first-year residency focuses on the attitudes, skills and abilities needed to flourish in a doctoral program.
  • DGEN 802 Ph.D. Residency 2nd Year: The second-year residency aims to strengthen critical thinking skills, research approaches, and scholarly writing in doctoral dissertation work.
  • DGEN 803 Ph.D. Residency 3rd Year: The third-year residency explores the vocation of being a Doctor of the Church.

Special events which occur during Ph.D. residency are:

  • Modular Courses (In-seat class time)
  • Conference for Renewal Theology
  • Research Presentations and Responses
  • Academic and professional development
  • Fellowship opportunities
  • Time for group work and access to the University Library

These residency sessions usually occur in late October - early November. Students spend a total of 6 weeks of residency spread out over the duration of their program.

1. How should I go about choosing a Ph.D. program?
This is a great question, and you should invest some time into considering the issues. Part I of this book provides very helpful information on choosing Ph.D. programs, and we highly recommend it: Nijay K. Gupta, Prepare, Succeed, Advance: A Guidebook for Getting a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies and Beyond (Pickwick, 2011). Note: The book is not limited to biblical studies Ph.D. programs.

2. When can I begin the program?
We currently accept cohorts to begin each fall, spring and summer semester.

3. When is the deadline for application?
Application deadlines can be found on the Admissions tab on this page.

4. If I am accepted to the Ph.D. program, can I defer my acceptance to another semester?
If you are accepted to the Ph.D. program in Renewal Theology and you decide to defer, you may delay your start date to another semester. If you wait longer than a year and wish to attend the Ph.D. program, you will need to submit a new application.

5. How many credits should I plan to take my first semester?
Students generally take six credit hours each semester during the coursework phase of the program.

6. What courses will I be taking?
The office of Academic Advising will assist you with developing a Suggested Enrollment Plan to map out your course requirements.

7. How long will it take me to complete my degree?
The Doctor of Philosophy program will take 4 – 7 years to complete, depending on how long the student takes to complete the dissertation. Coursework can usually be finished in 2.5 – 3 years.

8. How many hours is the Ph.D. Program?
The program includes 45 hours of coursework; plus exams and dissertation for a minimum of 60 credits.

9. Do I have to be enrolled every semester?
Students are expected to enroll every semester (fall, spring and summer) until they have completed the program.

10. How often will I be required to come to campus?
Refer to the Residency Requirements tab on this page.

11. Will I have to come to campus after I finish coursework?
Yes, students come to campus during the qualifying exam and dissertation phases of the program to complete residency requirements, meet with their dissertation chair, and research for the dissertation.

12. How many hours each week should I expect to devote to my studies?
Our students report that they expect to spend an average of 35-50 hours per week on their doctoral studies, depending on how many classes they are taking during the semester.

13. Are students assigned faculty advisors?
Students are matched with a faculty dissertation chair to supervise their dissertation process upon completion of the comprehensive exam.

14. What is the dissertation process? Are there oral defenses?
Students who pass the comprehensive exams proceed to the dissertation phase which includes submission and acceptance of a proposal, writing of the dissertation and an oral defense held on campus in Virginia Beach or online via collaborate technology.

15. How long should the dissertation be?
Dissertations will normally be between 60,000-100,000 words.

16. Is the Doctor of Philosophy program accredited?
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 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. Learn more about Regent’s accreditation.

Th.M. Option

Students who do not continue in the Ph.D. program for any reason may opt to pursue a Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree in the School of Divinity. Upon approval of the School of Divinity and Academic Advising, the student will be registered for the appropriate Th.M. courses necessary to complete degree requirements.

“I graduated from Regent University with a M.A. in Practical Theology. As I stand at the doorstep of my calling, I can see now how every lesson and interaction has prepared me.”

Son-Djerry Cameus, M.A. in Practical Theology, 2020 Community Navigator/Family Coach, La Esperanza

“I look back at my time at Regent as one of the best, God-led decisions in my life. In all the fun, networking, late-night studying, classes and meaningful conversations with fellow students and professors, God did a deeper work within me that I am forever grateful for. Regent University for me was more than a place of knowledge—it is a place where God speaks, forms, and prepares us for the High Calling he has on our lives for His glory! It was a place I was given tools for life and ministry. I am forever grateful for my time Regent and what Regent has meant for me and what it has been and will be for me and thousands of past and future students!”

Carl Ness, Master of Arts in Practical Theology, 2017

“It’s tough being a student when you’re older but [Regent] had so much flexibility and understanding that enabled me to pursue my degree.”

Ed Lee, M.A., 2017 Practical Theology

“I want to take what Regent taught me back to Uganda in a language they can easily understand and relate to.”

Boniface Odong, M.Div., 2017