Adventist University of Africa

The PhD in Biblical and Theological Studies programme is solidly based on the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy of wholistic education, emphasizing the effective integration of faith and learning. The programme implements the curriculum with three core values: integrity, respect and love. These core values provide students with the tools to meet the demands of the complex and changing church, business and surrounding environments.

The foundations of the PhD programme are built on the basic principles taken from Scripture and world-class resources concerning the specializations of the given programme. It will promote sound methods of biblical, historical, missiological, theological and philosophical scholarship and spread these principles through publications, lectureships, conferences, and symposiums. This will equip the reflective practitioner and ground his/her knowledge to African realities without neglecting the competencies needed for a global scholarship.

As the final result will be graduates, who are contextually relevant and globally functional. Such graduates will be able to share effective academic leadership on the local level in their communities and countries.

1. The PhD Biblical Theological-Historical studies program aims to equip scholars with advanced academic and professional competencies in consultancy, research, and teaching from a strong ethical and conservative perspective.
2. Do you want to be equipped with advanced academic and professional competencies in consultancy, research, and teaching skill in Biblical Historical-Theological Studies? You are invited to explore biblical knowledge with us.
3. Are you aspiring for a career as an academic or researcher recognized for your excellent analytical capabilities, discipline, and communication skills in Biblical historical and theological studies? You are invited to grow with us.

• It is envisaged that the programme will provide skilful graduates to fill the existing scholarship gap within the continent of Africa. Students will be introduced to key elements and aspects, characteristic of the academic research, which can inject a new vision for a local, national and global scholarship.
• The programme is to apply biblical, historical, educational, linguistic, theological, philosophical, ethical, missiological, pastoral, and evangelistic instruction to academic research in the educational context. Practical scholarly experience is a vital part of this programme.
• The specific goal of the PhD programme is to develop highly educated and committed lifelong scholars, who possess the right knowledge, ethical values, communication competence and relational skills, independent academic research competencies; who know how to use appropriate biblical methodologies, analyse and present findings that may advance knowledge and mission, and analytical thinking so that they may contribute effectively to various educational institutions operated by the Adventist Church in Africa and globally as well as provide services as may be needed in the larger society.

1. A Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies, Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Missiology (or their equivalents) with a minimum of 42-semester credits and a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.33 (on a 4-point system). This is a B grade or 60% and above in the Kenya University grading system. However, in some cases, selected core courses may be required as programme prerequisites/bridging courses.
2. Successful completion of at least six (6) credits of coursework in research at the post-graduate level. This requirement is in addition to the completed and accepted thesis/project done at the post-graduate level.
3. Present proof of having successfully taken Intermediate biblical Hebrew and Greek grammar and syntax in the Master's transcript during a period of a maximum of six (6) years prior to applying to the PhD programme. Alternatively, the applicant must demonstrate proficiency in biblical Hebrew and Greek languages either by challenge examinations or by taking courses in Hebrew and Greek language as prerequisites.
4. A minimum of 4-full years of relevant work/church ministry experience.
5. A statement of purpose, career goals and commitment to academic excellence is required. This statement should be a maximum of five (5) pages, typed, double-spaced. It should be submitted together with the other application materials.
6. Three letters of recommendation are to be submitted with the application materials:

• One professional recommendation
• One academic recommendation
• One character recommendation

7. Meet any other requirement as shall be determined by the Graduate Admission Committee of the Seminary.

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There are three phases to the PhD degree. The programme has in total 64-semester credits structured as follows:

• Coursework– 48 credits, 33 in a chosen area of concentration, 9 in a cognate area, and two other 3-credit courses – GSEM 929 Course Development and Teaching Practicum and GSEM 954 Dissertation Proposal Seminar.
• Comprehensive Exams – 5 exams, taken after coursework is complete - 0 credits. Comprehensive exams are counted for study load purposes as equivalent to 6 credits. Preparation represents 3-5 months of study for the examination. Four 6-hour examinations will be taken in the specialization area, and on a 6-hour examination in the cognate. Comprehensive examinations are normally given one each week over five weeks.
• The dissertation is 16 credits and typically takes 1-2 years to write.

Additional time must be taken into consideration if a student needs to complete prerequisites before entering the programme including meeting Biblical Languages and English language proficiency requirements.