In its 35th year, Beeson Divinity School continues to grow, adding three new degree programs, scheduled for launches in 2024.
Theology for the Church
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theology for the Church is a research doctoral program, designed to equip graduates for theologically robust ministry in and for the church of Jesus Christ. The program’s focus is not restricted to ecclesiology; rather, it will attend to theology broadly understood as rigorous scholarship in service to the church. This will be the first research doctoral degree offered by Samford University in its 180-year history.
“This is a noteworthy moment in the history of Samford University,” Samford provost Michael Hardin said. “The university, and Beeson Divinity School specifically, has a long and honorable record of educating ministers of the gospel. The PhD in Theology for the Church will extend and expand that ministry in a way that will strengthen churches and those who serve them as pastoral leaders.”
The program will require the completion of a common set of courses in Bible, historical theology and practical theology, successful passage of comprehensive exams, and dissertation research and writing. Each student will work closely with a faculty member, who will act as a resource and guide for that student’s research and supervise him or her through the dissertation process.
Douglas A. Sweeney, dean of Beeson Divinity School, said his prayer is that this program will be a gift to the church.
“We believe that the clergy ought to be the most influential biblical and theological leaders of God’s people,” he said. “So, we’ve designed the only PhD program we know of to equip them for just this ministry. Our goal is to underwrite ecclesial theology—theology done in, with and for the church of Christ to the greater glory of God—on the part of its pastors and denominational leaders.”
The inaugural cohort of PhD students will begin studies in January 2024.
Those interested in Beeson Divinity’s PhD program and who would like to receive updates and more information can complete this form.
Master of Theology
Also launching in January 2024 is the Master of Theology degree, which will equip those who desire more advanced study for ministry or wish to prepare for a research doctoral degree.
As with Beeson’s other degree programs, the emphasis is on theology in the service of the church and the kingdom of God. The 30-hour degree program is flexible, allowing students to take a variety of courses instead of specializing in one field of study.
“The flexibility of the program should appeal to many people looking to take the next step in theological education,” said Thomas L. Fuller, associate dean of Beeson Divinity School. “Each student will work with a faculty supervisor who will help them develop a plan of study that fits their needs and interests. The ThM curriculum is quite ‘customizable.’”
Complete the ThM interest form to get more information about the program.
Master of Arts in Christian Counseling
The new master’s degree in Christian counseling begins next fall and will prepare students to counsel from a distinctly Christian perspective.
“This is one of those fields of ministry in which demand outstrips supply,” Sweeney said. “Under the guidance of the Lord and the leadership of our own professor, Dr. Gordon Bals, we hope to graduate a steady stream of biblically and theologically informed Christian counselors who will step into the gap and serve those who want care.”
Counseling-focused classes include Crisis, Trauma and Grief Counseling; Theological Foundations for Counseling; and Sexuality and Pastoral Care.
Graduates will be able to synthesize the historic truths of the Christian faith with practical ways to help those who are suffering and will study alongside renowned faculty and other students as they pursue their degree.
In addition to serving the church, graduates of the 54-hour program will be ready to serve in international ministries and in Christian nonprofits and social service organizations.
If you would like to learn more about the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling, please fill out this information request form. Find more information about Beeson’s degree programs or apply on its website.
For more information about any of these new programs at Beeson Divinity School or to apply for admission, please visit our website.
Editor’s Note: Portions of this story were taken from previous articles written by Kristen Padilla.