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Doctor of Philosophy in Pastoral Theology, Personality and Culture - Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary
Doctor of Philosophy in Pastoral Theology, Personality and Culture - Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary
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Doctor of Philosophy in Pastoral Theology, Personality and Culture
Study the integration of theology and psychology
The PhD in Pastoral Theology, Personality and Culture prepares persons for teaching in theological seminaries, for clinical services in pastoral care and counseling settings, and for leadership within the academy, clinic and church. Students study the integration of theology and psychology with a focus on developing as pastoral theologians and (optionally) as pastoral psychotherapists.
As a program in practical theology, it is interdisciplinary and focuses on increasing the knowledge of the theories and practices of healing and care in church and society. The concentration is designed for persons who want to teach or conduct research in pastoral theology and is completed in residence at Garrett-Evangelical.
An optional clinical track prepares persons
through
clinical training
at a clinical counseling agency of their choice. This practical experience aims at
assisting
Clinical Track students to obtain integrative knowledge, attitudes, and requisite skills in clinical counseling. For those in the Chicagoland area, Garrett is a member of the
Association of Chicagoland Externship and Practicum Training (ACEPT)
, which offers access to
numerous
clinical sites, and other professional and scholarship opportunities.
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Meet a Current Student
Marshaé A. Sylvester is currently working on a PhD in Pastoral Theology, Personality and Culture with a focus on Decolonial projects of spiritual care for Black queer femme identified people. She is interested in topic of religious syncretism or queering religion, resiliency, and cohesive self-identity. Additionally, she is being trained as a clinical therapist, with an emphasis on spiritually integrated care for LGBTQIA people of color.
Meet Marshaé
PhD Student Profiles
Degree Requirements
The PhD in Pastoral Theology, Personality and Culture is a 40-credit hour degree program.
3 Foundational Courses (7-credit hours)
Hermeneutics
Teaching Seminar
Research Seminar
6 Courses in Major (18-credit hours)
3 Courses in Minor (9-credit hours)
2 Elective Courses (6-credit hours)
2 Research Languages and/or Research Tools
Qualifying Exams
4 written exams
1 oral exam
Dissertation Proposal
Dissertation and Defense
Degree Options
Clinical Track
Students pursuing the Clinical Track in the PhD in Pastoral Theology, Personality and Culture will need to complete the following courses for a total of 61 semester hours in the degree program:
3 Foundational Courses (7-credit hours)
Hermeneutics
Teaching Seminar
Research Seminar
6 Courses in Major (18-credit hours)
Integrative Seminar in Pastoral Theology
Psychology of Religion
Premarital, Marital, and Family Counseling
Psychological Testing, Measurement, and Assessment
Psychopathology
Substance Abuse and Addiction
3 Courses in Minor (9-credit hours)
2 Clinical Training Courses from Northwestern University or other approved school (6-credit hours)
Group Dynamics
Lifestyle and Career Development
7 Clinical Training Courses from the Center for Religion and Psychotherapy of Chicago (21-credit hours)
Human Growth and Development and Maladaptive Behavior
Counseling Theory
Counseling Techniques
Profession, Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
Social and Cultural Foundations
Clinical Practicum (100 hours)
Clinical Internship (100 hours)
2 Research Languages and/or Research Tools
Qualifying Exams
4 written exams
1 oral exam
Dissertation Proposal
Dissertation and Defense
Optional focus in African American/Black Religious Studies
To add a focus in African American/Black Religious Studies on either degree track, a student would take a minimum of fifteen hours of courses with specific African American/Black content, as selected by the student in consultation with their advisor. Persons opting for this focus would have an African American/Black advisor or consulting co-advisor, or as a committee member. At least one of the student’s Qualifying Examination questions would be on a dimension of African American/Black religion. The student’s dissertation would incorporate some element relating to African American/Black religious life and thought.
Licensure as a Professional Counselor
The Clinical Track fulfills the educational requirements for licensure (Licensed Professional Counselor or LPC) with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Completion of the degree does not, however, guarantee fulfillment of educational requirements for licensure outside of Illinois. Students seeking licensure outside the state of Illinois should inform themselves about the curricular requirements for licensing in that state.
Additional Professional Licensure Information
Our Pastoral Care and Counseling Faculty
BROWSE FACULTY
I am delighted to join a world class faculty in a school that in many ways is synonymous with the academic discipline of Pastoral Care worldwide. I look forward to collaborating in the formation of would be pastors and academics for the needs of a multicultural church and society. I bring a decidedly intercultural voice and a teaching style that helps students question their answers to arrive at even deeper questions, and a collaborative style that ensures students learn to share their intellectual gifts and thus live of a life of service.
Rev. Dr. Esther E. Acolatse
Professor of Pastoral Theology and World Christianity
My vocation as a teacher, pastoral theologian and librarian is deeply rooted in the commitment to serve and lead others as we together try to understand the complexities of the world and engage in the caring and community building activities of the Divine.
Dr. Jaeyeon Lucy Chung
Director, Styberg Library
Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology
As a teacher, scholar, and clinician, it is my intention to create an atmosphere of hospitality and curiosity and to encourage religious imagination in spaces of teaching and learning.
Dr. Rolf Nolasco
Rueben P. Job Professor of Spiritual Formation and Pastoral Theology
As persons of faith, a psychology based on the assumption of the central need and motivation for relational connectedness to another resonates with the biblical accounts of the partnership of Adam and Eve, the covenant of Yahweh with the people of Israel, the New Testament accounts of a redeeming relationship with the Christ, the commandment to love self and neighbor, and the necessity of the church to function as a body.
Dr. Lallene Rector
Professor of Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Psychotherapy
Not only am I thrilled to be working alongside such a distinguished faculty, I am also excited to teach and connect with the bold and adventurous students of the Garrett community. I hope to continue my work as an ally and advocate for greater representation of minority and underserved communities to access pastoral and spiritual care.
Rev. Dr. AHyun Lee
Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care, and Psychotherapy
Degree Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to
Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of broad areas of their respective disciplines—primary sources, secondary sources, methods, and intellectual foundations
Demonstrate the ability to plan and conduct research and make contributions to their field
Develop research skills to carry into their future work as scholars
Demonstrate skills in oral and written communication to present and publish work in their field
Demonstrate competence in teaching their discipline in a designated course on pedagogy and through practical experience as teaching assistants
Demonstrate, through service in academy, church, and seminaries, the value of their discipline to the academy and community at large
Next Steps
Garrett accepts applications from students with a masters degree in religious or theological studies from an accredited college or university and proficiency in the English language.
Applications are due by January 10th for the following fall.
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