PHD Program Overview
Oral Roberts University’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Contextual Theology is a modular program that can equip you to become a scholar and practitioner, ready to engage, impact and serve the Kingdom of God. This degree explores the contextual theologies of global Christianity with a primary focus on the phenomenal growth and emerging scholarship within the global Spirit-empowered movement.
More than this, our unique mission to develop Holy Spirit-empowered leaders through whole person education, can truly set you apart to impact the world for Jesus Christ.
Our commitment to equip Spirit-empowered leaders is why our Ph.D. graduates -- fully equipped in spirit, mind and body -- are transforming lives as instructors of the gospel all across the globe.
Click here to see Ph.D. Student Handbook
Contextual Theology Track
This program consists of a Contextual Theology track that explores the contextual theologies of global Christianity. It utilizes a method of doing theology that takes into account these four facets of theological reflection:
- Inspiration of the Bible by the Holy Spirit
- History of Christian doctrine
- Cultural context of a particular nation or region
- Global trends in Spirit-empowered Christianity
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A PH.D. DEGREE FROM ORU?
- Train the next generation on how to take a Spirit-empowered approach to share the Gospel message around the world.
- Designed to train leaders, ministers and pastors, you'll have the opportunity to serve as faculty in academic institutions.
- Become an expert in your field and help direct others who are interested in furthering their ministry.
- Advance in your career or ministry, learning cutting-edge theologies and practices to take into any ministry or education setting.
WHAT MAKES ORU’S PH.D. PROGRAM STAND OUT?
- Like none other, ORU's program is focused on furthering the global Spirit-empowered movement.
- Our doctorate students have the opportunity to participate in original research.
- You'll obtain the highest academic achievement as part of ORU's first Ph.D. program.
- Our modular format allows students to remain in their teaching and ministry context as an integral part of the learning experience.
- For more information on what makes ORU's program stand out, click here to view the Ph.D. Student Handbook.
What learning formats are available for this program?
We offer this program in a modular format, combining 100% online courses with blended courses. In a blended course, you’ll complete most of the course work online while attending either a half-week or full-week of classes on our Tulsa campus. This goal is achieved by combining intensive residential periods of instruction with instructor mentoring facilitated via cutting edge educational technology.
How many credits is this program?
This program is 51 credit hours. Full-time enrollment for this program is considered as 6 credit hours per term, with 3 terms per year.
What about accreditation?
As a university, we meet the accreditation standards set by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This program, offered by our Graduate School of Theology and Ministry, is also accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).
Are there scholarships available?
Many of our full-time, residential graduate students receive ORU grants and scholarships based on academic achievement and other opportunities. To learn more about financial aid, click here.
CONTACT
Office of Graduate Admissions
Phone: 918.495.6518
gradadmissions@oru.edu