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Engage in world-class training in the theological disciplines and conduct groundbreaking research. Our reimagined PhD program takes a bold, visionary approach to doctoral education to prepare you for a leadership role in the church, the academy, or the public arena. As a PhD student, you not only explore your field of interest in depth but also pursue interdisciplinary study both within the Seminary and at Princeton University. Working with renowned, influential faculty who bring expertise in a wide range of theological disciplines, engage in richly ecumenical dialogue and innovative scholarship and prepare to lead in your chosen field.
Fall 2025 deadline for all PhD applicants
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Our PhD program invites you to question what you know and address challenges with creative solutions. Through a reimagined curriculum and ambitious professional-development initiatives, prepare for leadership in the academy and far beyond.
Princeton Theological Seminary is the leading institution for faculty representation within the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). According to 2023-24 academic year data, 89 faculty members with PhDs from Princeton Seminary are currently teaching at ATS-accredited institutions – more than any other PhD-granting school in North America.
Explore our Impact
Through in-depth coursework and research, gain deep knowledge of the content, history, and methods of your primary field of study while also gaining expertise in one or more cognate disciplines. Electives allow you to shape your studies according to your personal interests, while seminars in other departments give you the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary work.
In addition to your coursework, engage in hands-on activities designed to build your skills as a teacher and scholar. For example:
As a PhD student at Princeton Theological Seminary, choose one of the following areas of study:
Each area of study offers world-class training in the theological disciplines and prepares you for a leadership role in the church, higher education, or the public arena.
To qualify for admission to the PhD program, you need to have a BA or its equivalent from an approved college or university and a master’s degree (MDiv, MTS, MAR, or MA) or its equivalent from an accredited graduate program.
In addition, you must be fluent in English and demonstrate reading proficiency in at least one modern language. Several fields also require a command of ancient languages. Additional requirements vary depending on your chosen field of study.
We offer generous financial support for PhD students. All admitted applicants receive a Merit Tuition Scholarship and either a Princeton Doctoral Fellowship or the George S. Green Fellowship for a period of up to five consecutive years of full-time study. Additional support is awarded to applicants whose applications are judged to be of a superior quality.
To apply for admission, please submit the following:
Our PhD students and faculty share what it is like to live and learn in community with each other.
Jalen Baker
MDiv ’21, PhD Student
Elizabeth Steel
PhD Student
Princeton PhD students go on to diverse roles in church, government, journalism, business, and the public sphere. Our graduates include groundbreaking theologians such as Renita Weems, Rubem Alves, and Bruce McCormack, as well as pioneering architects of theological education.
Meet our current PhD students.
Noted civil rights activist Prathia Hall helped to inspire Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Sang Chang made history as the first-ever female acting prime minister of South Korea. Craig Dykstra served for 23 years as vice president for religion at the Lilly Endowment. Hundreds more have devoted their careers to teaching future pastors or pastoring local churches. Where will your PhD take you?
The Koinonia Forum is an annual graduate conference, held each spring at Princeton Theological Seminary, dedicated to fostering rigorous academic exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue among graduate students from institutions across North America. Organized and coordinated by Ph.D. students from diverse academic disciplines, the forum provides a unique platform for participants to present their research, engage in critical discussions, and expand their academic and professional networks.
2025 Forum Theme: “Religion, Dystopia, and Reimagining Otherwise”
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Princeton Seminary’s 5+1 Postdoctoral Fellowship Program offers PhD students who finish the degree in 5 years the chance to move immediately into leadership roles at a variety of organizations across the country.
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Featured Faculty “My doctoral students teach me new things all the time. They’re learning new things, they’re producing new knowledge, they’re challenging me and colleagues across this Seminary and across the country with their findings and with their arguments.” Heath Carter Associate Professor of American Christianity, Director of PhD Studies
Heath Carter Associate Professor of American Christianity, Director of PhD Studies
Take the next step in your lifelong journey of investigating and strengthening your faith. Request information about the PhD, schedule a visit, or apply today.
