PhD program

The application deadline for PhD program is Dec 1, 2026; tuition is 20,250 USD per year.

This is a PhD program focused on theological disciplines and groundbreaking research. It offers a visionary approach with interdisciplinary study opportunities both within the Seminary and at Princeton University. Students engage in in-depth coursework, research, and hands-on activities like teaching apprenticeships to develop skills as a teacher and scholar.

Focus areas include Biblical Studies, History & Ecumenics, Practical Theology, Religion & Society, Theology, Ethics, & Politics.

Graduates pursue diverse roles in church, government, journalism, business, and the public sphere, including groundbreaking theologians and pioneering architects of theological education.

Applicants need a BA and a master’s degree (MDiv, MTS, MAR, or MA) or equivalent. Fluency in English and reading proficiency in at least one modern language are required, with some fields needing ancient languages. Required documents include transcripts, CV, academic paper, recommendations, and TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers.

On-campus, full-time study with a typical duration of 5 years. For international students, tuition is below the median for US programmes.

The Reformed tradition shapes Princeton Theological Seminary's instruction, research, practical training, continuing education, and theological scholarship. Its work connects Christian faith with intellectual, political, and economic life in pursuit of truth, justice, and peace. Wright Library, shaped by two centuries of development, supports teaching, learning, and research in theology through collections built around the theological record.

Master's and PhD programs combine spiritual inquiry with intellectual exploration and prepare students for leadership in congregations, the wider church, classrooms, the academy, and public life. Faculty members contribute to theological research and public conversations about faith. Centers and initiatives provide contextual and collaborative education, while the Institute for Youth Ministry connects theology and practice through programs, research, and resources. The 21-acre Farminary brings theological education into contact with small-scale regenerative agriculture and ecological sustainability.

Students come from nearly every state and 25 countries, representing 57 Christian traditions. The Seminary currently enrolls 294 students, and women make up 53 percent of the student body. International students receive support with applications, visas, social security processing for those who plan to work, and other practical steps involved in relocating. A week-long welcome program includes campus tours, guidance, team-building exercises, and speakers from different departments. Programs are offered in different languages, and flags in Mackay Dining Hall represent international students' home countries. Nearly all admitted international students receive significant scholarships, subject to available funding.