Required Degree:

A Master of Divinity or equivalent; ThM desired. MDiv equivalency to be determined by the PhD Committee on a student-to-student basis.

Minimum GPA:
3.7 on a U.S. scale for all graduate-level work
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Applicants who are promising but cannot demonstrate all requisite academic requirements for embarking on doctoral research, even if they have two master’s degrees, can be initially admitted to one of our ThM programs. It will be determined thereafter whether the student then qualifies to apply to the PhD program.

English Language Requirements:

Non-native English speakers must submit a TOEFL score of 100 or higher (IBT) or 600 (paper-based), or an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher, with results dated within two years of the applied to term. The Duolingo exam is not accepted for the PhD program.

Applicants who have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in English from a university in the USA, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or Anglophone Canada are exempt. However, Gordon-Conwell reserves the right to ask for a TOEFL or IELTS exam as needed.

Biblical and Research Language Requirements:

Facility in research languages, including biblical languages, will be determined by the PhD committee on the basis of the proposed area of research. The student will need to obtain independent certification in time for admission to candidacy.

Two-year Residency Requirement:

Gordon-Conwell is committed to residential theological education and vibrant community life. Students are required to remain in residence in Hamilton, MA for two years or until they pass their comprehensive exams.

Prior to beginning the residency, during the preceding summer, an asynchronous online course on Research Methods is required before commencing residency, along with needed work on languages. During the two years of residency, the student will be enrolled in doctoral seminars, participate in research colloquia, and meet regularly with their advisor.

During the candidacy phase the student remains enrolled full-time for an additional two years in which he or she is expected to complete his or her dissertation. This period can be extended by a maximum of four years. Except for leaves of absence, the maximum duration of the program is eight years.

Students Must Commit To:

• Gordon-Conwell’s Community Life Statement 
• Completing Current Student Surveys and Graduating Student Surveys
• Participating in professional societies (membership and conferences) and to the submission of an article for publication in a peer-reviewed journal by the end of the first year of the dissertation phase

A Completed Online Application Includes:

1. Application Form
2. Application Fee
3. Three References
   • Two academic references from individuals whom you have known for at least one year, and who are not related to you.
   • One recommendation from a pastor or church official.
4. Official Transcripts
5. Two Written Essays
   • Autobiography & Research Proposal
6. Sample of Academic Writing
   • ThM thesis or a sample research paper of 25-30 pages (or 8,000 words).
7. Application Interview with PhD committee