The Doctor of Philosophy in Religion with a concentration in Contextual Theologies, commonly referred to as the “Global PhD”, is a cohort-based, distributive learning program that is primarily designed for students already engaged in theological education in Asia. The program gives students broad and interdisciplinary training that will equip them to teach a variety of courses, as well as opportunity to choose an area of focus for their research. The program is done in collaboration with Chang Jung Christian University (CJCU) in Tainan, Taiwan and instruction throughout the program is in English.
Logistics
Students in the Global PhD program apply through the CST process, with the endorsement of their home institution, and must meet the academic standards for admission, including English Proficiency Requirements.
Instruction throughout the program is in English.
Three years of coursework are required at the rate of two courses per semester.
Students will participate in intensive two- and three-week seminars at Chang Jung Christian University in Tainan, Taiwan, and will complete course requirements online thereafter.
Curriculum
All students in the program will complete six core seminars, each seminar taught by CST or CJCU faculty in an intensive format, followed by online discussion:
1. Introduction to Contextual Theologies
2. Postcolonial Theory/Theologies
3. Asian Biblical Hermeneutics
4. Christian History and Mission in Asian Cultures
5. Interreligious & Intercultural Studies
6. Pedagogy & Teaching in Global Contexts
Students will also take six additional courses from across the CST curriculum, three of which serve as an area of concentration.
Students will be required to show competence in two research languages beyond the student’s first language, dependent upon the approval of the advisor.
Students will be required to successfully complete qualifying exams in order to build and demonstrate broad knowledge in the areas of the examinations, the ability to think critically in these areas, and the ability to think deeply about particular issues and thinkers.
Costs
All students will receive a 50% tuition scholarship from CST for the duration of their coursework. This does NOT include the costs of accommodations, travel, and student fees. In addition to the scholarship provided by CST, students are encouraged to raise funds for their program from their local contexts.
Because this program does not require students to move overseas, and because of CST’s commitment to keep costs to a minimum, the program is financially accessible to many more students than traditional theological education.
Students will be required to successfully complete qualifying exams in order to build and demonstrate broad knowledge in the areas of the examinations, the ability to think critically in these areas, and the ability to think deeply about particular issues and thinkers.
