The Harvard doctor of theology program focuses on the study of literature, language, spiritual practice and religious institutions that have helped form modern spiritual tradition and ritual. The doctoral student will also focus on the relationships among different spiritual traditions and their historical precedents. Areas of specialization for a doctoral candidate include the Torah, the New Testament, early Christian studies, the history of Christianity, comparative religion, ethics, religion's place in society and religion's effect on culture, gender and modern thought. The program length is two years, and candidates should be proficient in two modern languages as well as one ancient language. Students seeking the doctoral degree are expected to complete a formal dissertation.
The Boston University doctor of theology degree is aimed toward students who wish to further their knowledge of spiritual history and practice or enhance their skills in ministry and teaching. The doctoral degree program is designed around one major discipline consisting of eight courses and one minor discipline consisting of four courses. Majors available for selection include biblical and historical studies, church history, mission studies, New Testament studies, Hebrew scripture, philosophy, theology, ethics, social and theological ethics, as well as pastoral psychology and liturgical studies.
The California Graduate School of Theology tailors its doctor of theology program toward students who plan to use their degrees in the teaching and ministerial arm of the church. Applicants are expected to hold a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in its academic equivalent from an accredited graduate school. A candidate must also have and demonstrate a working knowledge of biblical languages. Students must complete a dissertation, the typical time frame of which is three years, following the completion of all required coursework.
The Jewish Theological Seminary offers doctoral programs in several areas of Jewish studies, the equivalent of a doctor in theology being the Ph.D. in Jewish Thought. This degree program focuses on Jewish philosophy in history and modern thought and examines Jewish mysticism. Students may select coursework in biblical, medieval, rabbinic and modern Jewish thought as well as in areas of Jewish ethics, politics, Kabbalah studies and Hasidism. Applicants for the program should have an established familiarity with the history of Jewish and Western philosophy. Students may opt to focus on ancient Judaism, the Bible and ancient Semitic languages, Jewish history, Jewish literature, Jewish philosophy, liturgy, medieval Jewish studies, Midrash, modern Jewish studies, and Talmud and rabbinical studies.