Find your degree of interest from one of our many programs of study offered 100% online.
Liberty University's online programs offer you the flexibility to study at your own pace, from your home or office, while retaining a level of structure that will help you stay on track toward achieving your educational goals. You'll receive a quality education - that is both flexible and affordable - from an accredited institution.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Practical Theology
Use Theological Understanding to Meet the Needs of Christian Communities with Liberty’s Online Ph.D. in Practical Theology
Do you have a passion for helping Christian leaders serve their congregations and communities? Are you interested in conducting valuable theological research and using it to address ministry-related problems? With Liberty’s online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Practical Theology, you can learn how to take theological principles beyond the realm of academic study and apply them to every aspect of Christian thought, worship, and life.
This 100% online Ph.D. program is designed to help you engage in practical theology in churches, parachurch organizations, religious nonprofits, and even secular settings. The skills you develop through this degree can be an asset as you seek to write about practical theology topics, teach at a university or seminary, serve as a church staff member, or develop material to distribute to Christians seeking answers to ministry questions.
At Liberty, we’re committed to offering you the best in distance learning – which means providing you with flexible courses, dedicated faculty, and a world-class curriculum that can help equip you for your future. By partnering with us for your doctoral degree, you’ll have the freedom to further your education without putting your life on hold – enabling you to get the skills, knowledge, and training you need to serve others and become a Champion for Christ.
What Will You Learn in Liberty University’s Practical Theology Ph.D.?
- Challenges and opportunities related to ministry in the 21st century
- Philosophical and ministry foundations for practical theology
- Teaching and research methods
Through this program, you can become equipped to apply theological principles to challenges in church growth, spiritual formation, social issues, preaching, church administration, educational ministries, family life, and more. Your courses will cover the hands-on aspects of carrying out practical theology as well as research techniques and tools for contributing your own findings to the field.
As you prepare to write and defend your dissertation, you can learn how to position your own research within the broader scholarly conversations taking place about your topic – and how to use your research to address practical theology- and ministry-related challenges.
Potential Careers for Graduates of the Ph.D. in Practical Theology Program
- Author
- Church staff leader
- Parachurch ministry leader
- Pastor
- Professor
Benefits of Pursuing Your Online Ph.D. in Practical Theology with Liberty University
As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America. Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
- Your ministry matters – so when you take 7-15 credit hours per semester in your divinity program, you’ll pay a discounted block rate of $2,750.* It’s our way of supporting all you do to serve others.
- Electronic textbooks are provided for many divinity courses** all for one convenient fee. To continue our mission of providing affordable education, this fee is waived for students who enroll by Summer 2024 D-term.
- You can complete this Ph.D. in Practical Theology degree program in as little as 3 years!
*Credits taken below 7 and above 15 credit hours are charged at the part-time rate.
**Electronic textbooks are not provided for courses that fall under departments outside the School of Divinity.
Military Tuition Discount
We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour. Here’s how:
- If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
- If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!
Credit Hours
Class Type
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
May 13, 2024
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Maximize Your Time
- 100% online programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level.*
- Earn credit for prior learning.
- Transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree.
- Transfer in up to 50% of a master’s degree.
* excludes licensure, certification, and some doctoral programs
Your goals on your time
We are committed to helping you achieve your goals and complete your degree as quickly as possible. One of our admissions counselors is ready to assist you with starting the process.
Contact Us: (800) 424-9595
Why Choose Liberty University?
Prepare for a Career
Go from merely surviving in your current job to thriving in the career of your dreams.
Enjoy Flexible Courses
Complete assignments at your own pace, at a time convenient to you within each week.
Access Academic Support
Access our electronic and print resources through the Jerry Falwell Library, writing resources, study aids, and IT support.
Grow in Your Faith
Each of our programs is grounded in biblical principles, and our professors consider teaching to be more than a job – it’s their calling.
Liberty’s online courses give you the ability to choose when and where you study.
Financing Options
Financial Aid
87% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid.
Tuition Discounts
Available for military service members, including active duty, reserve, veterans, and their spouses, as well as emergency response personnel.
Corporate Tuition Assistance
Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay for your classes.
Other Payment Options are Available
Contact one of our admissions counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595.
An Accredited Private Education Made for You
As a nonprofit university, we have been pioneering distance education since 1985 and offer a unique and proven approach to online education.
Along with our advanced accreditations, we also have been recognized by the following organizations for our excellence in education.
Liberty University is proud to announce that we are recognized by multiple institutions for our affordability, accessibility, and academic quality. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America.