​Introduction

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Humanities is facilitated by Forge Theological Seminary (FTS) and awarded by IIC University through our partnership with GradXs. This program is identical to our Doctor of Theology program, but offers the added benefit of an accredited Ph.D. from IIC University. 

 

Program Objectives

1. To provide graduate professional training to those who have achieved substantial graduate education in biblical and theological studies and who have shown outstanding ability and potential for ministry.

2. To offer effective, qualified supervision to students.

3. To broaden the student’s understanding of the nature and purposes of ministry.

4. To affect the student’s personal, spiritual, and professional development.

5. To strengthen the student’s competence in applying biblical and theological reflection to any ministry context.

6. To expand the student’s knowledge of the basic principles of Christian leadership with special application to Christian ministry both in the church and the community.

7. To enable the student to establish a growth initiative within his respective ministry that is biblically sound, measurable, and effective.

8. To engage the student in research and practice, producing practical contributions to the Church and to the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

9. To equip the student to complete a successful Doctoral Project that includes the development of an expository sermon series.

10. To enable the student to move beyond routinely accepted techniques of ministry toward new dimensions, methods, and outreach.

 

Course Format

Doctor of Philosophy courses are delivered via a learning management system. The courses consist of considerable reading and writing assignments. Students can expect approximately 2,500 pp. of reading and an average of 30-40 pp. of written assignments per course. Ph.D. courses are undertaken as semi-independent study. Following the completion of each course's written and reading assignments, students complete a live one-on-one competency review with a professor.

 

Doctoral Professors

All doctoral professors possess a terminal degree and have significant experience in full-time ministry. They have learned to integrate biblical, theological, historical, and practical resources into successful ministries. These professors serve as Pastor-Theologians who, having considerable educational credentials, have demonstrated longstanding competence in pastoral leadership.

 

The present roster of doctoral professors includes:

Dr. Clark Bates (Prof. of New Testament)

Rev. Dr. Michael Beck (Prof. of Biblical Studies)

Rev. Dr. Michael Burgos (President, Prof. of Theology & Counseling)

Dr. Christopher Johnson (Prof. of Biblical & Theological Studies)

Rev. Dr. Steven Matthews (Prof. of Christian Ethics)

Rev. Dr. Russell Threet (Prof. of Biblical Counseling)

 

Ph.d. Courses

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Orientation Course:

Theological Research, Writing, and Rhetoric (3 Credit Hours)

Theological Research, Writing, and Rhetoric is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to engage in rigorous theological research and produce high-quality academic writing. This course aims to cultivate critical thinking, research competence, and effective communication within the realms of theology, biblical studies, and ministry.

Core Seminars (Choose Five):

Pastoral Theology (4 Credit Hours)

Pastoral Theology provides an advanced grasp of the qualifications, responsibilities, and calling of the local church pastor. Significant attention is devoted to pulpit ministry, homiletical theory, and sermon development. Students will develop an exegetically informed view of key elements in pastoral theology.

 

Marriage and Family (4 Credit Hours)

This course consists of an advanced biblical overview of the unique challenges faced in ministry to families. It is focused on accurately and appropriately instructing families in varied situations. Careful attention will be given to pursuing biblical fidelity, genuine heart change, and apprehension of the basis for marriage and the ethical and theological issues surrounding divorce and remarriage.

 

Ecclesiology (4 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on major issues concerning the doctrine and practice of the church from a biblical context. This will include such topics as the relationship between the church and Israel, the governance structures of the church, the traditional marks of the church, the ordinances of the church, as well as the church’s mission in the world. In addition, current methodological issues surrounding the doctrine of the church will be addressed.

 

Biblical Counseling Theory and Method (4 Credit Hours)

Biblical Counseling Theory and Method is designed to equip ministry professionals for leadership in ministering and counseling from a biblical foundation. Specifically, the course is designed for congregational ministers and others who serve in counseling roles. Students will complete a significant amount of the requirements for IABC certification.

 

Hermeneutics (4 Credit Hours)

This course will provide an expansive immersion in biblical hermeneutics and exegesis with particular emphasis on New Testament interpretation. Students will consider comparative and historical methods for biblical interpretation and delineate theological implications for faith and practice. Drawing upon the course content, students will develop an in-depth exegesis of a specified pericope.

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Trinitarian Theology (4 Credit Hours)

​Trinitarian Theology provides students with a biblical, theological, and historical analysis of the doctrine of the Trinity. As the most significant doctrine of the Christian faith, students will learn the exegetical basis of the doctrine, its theological importance, and the history associated with its development.

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Theological Pedagogy (4 Credit Hours)

This course explores the principles, methods, and theological foundations of teaching theology within the Reformed tradition. Students examine how to faithfully communicate biblical and systematic doctrine in ecclesial, academic, and lay contexts. Drawing from Scripture's teaching on instruction and the history of theological education, the course integrates a robust theology of revelation, sanctification, and the means of grace with practical pedagogical strategies.

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Puritan Theology I (4 Credit Hours)

Puritan Theology I introduces the rich treasury of Puritan doctrine and spirituality. It includes an analysis of the theological contributions, cultural impact, and literary output of leading Puritan theologians. In this course, we will primarily focus on Puritanism within the English context and evaluate a key Puritan work.

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Doctoral Research:

 

Doctoral Dissertation (Credit Hours)

Doctoral Dissertation involves the completion of a research project wherein the student produces a 37,500 word (150 pp.; excluding front and back matter) research dissertation.

 

Research Defense 

In Research Defense, students formally present their research project to a committee consisting of the students faculty supervisor, an additional FTS faculty reader, and a faculty member from IIC University.

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Time Limitations

Although Doctoral courses are asynchronous, each course has a time limitation of 20 weeks.

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IIC University of Technology

IIC University of Technology is located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and is accredited by the Royal Government of Cambodia as specified in Sub-Decree No. 127ANK.BK through Cambodia's Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport. The University was founded through the International Institute of Cambodia in 2008 and offers a variety of undergraduate through doctoral degrees. 

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​​​Degree Recognition

The PhD from IIC University of Technology has been consistently evaluated by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member organizations as equivalent to those from U.S. regionally accredited institutions, ensuring their credibility for academic and professional purposes. 

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Timeframe

Full-time students may expect to complete the Ph.D. program in three years. Part-time students may expect to complete their studies in four to six years.  

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Suitable Areas for Research & Supervisors

Biblical Studies 

Theological Studies 

Apologetics 

Biblical Counseling 

Christian Ethics 

Worship Studies 

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Doctoral Professors

All doctoral-level professors possess a terminal degree and have significant experience in full-time ministry. They have learned to integrate biblical, theological, historical, and practical resources into successful ministries. These professors serve as pastor-theologians who, having considerable educational credentials, have demonstrated longstanding competence in pastoral leadership.

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Costs 

Tuition for the Ph.D. with IIC University of Technology through FTS: $6,990 payable via ACH transfer upon enrollment or via a payment plan. We offer two payment plans for the Ph.D. program: Three annual installments of $2,450 (totaling $7,350) payable via ACH transfer. 

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Admissions Prerequisites

• An undergraduate degree consisting of at least four years of full-time study.

• A graduate degree consisting of at least thirty credit hours in biblical studies, theology, or a related discipline.

• Depending on the subject matter of a proposal, students may be required to demonstrate training in biblical languages and(or) a research language (e.g., French, theological German, ecclesiastical Latin).

• General agreement with Forge Theological Seminary’s doctrinal stance.

• Advanced proficiency in English.