Ph.D. in Preaching Program

The Ph.D. in Preaching program provides an opportunity for qualified students to engage in graduate work in the discipline of homiletics at the highest level and in a university setting. It provides preparation for research and teaching in undergraduate and graduate theological education and for the development of pastor-scholars. The Baylor program offers a rich study of preaching in relation to exegesis, history, theology, ecclesiology, homiletical structure and practice, and teaching. 

Admission Requirements

The following items must be submitted/completed as part of your online application to Truett Theological Seminary and the Baylor University Graduate School:

1. All applications must be completed and submitted with the application fee to the Graduate School by March 1st prior to Fall matriculation of that academic year. For instance, apply by March 1st, 2027 for Fall 2027 matriculation. Applicants will be notified of the committee's decision in the Spring (typically March or April).  
2. Provide a statement of purpose of 4-5 pages (single-space) indicating rationale for pursuing graduate work in preaching. Students will:
   • Explain your motivation for and expectations of doctoral education in preaching
   • Include particular qualities that you bring to the seminary/university and to the profession as well as areas in which you would like to grow academically and professionally
   • Specify your areas of academic and research interests
   • Speak to your scholarly potential
   • Address the integration of doctoral studies to your ministry in the local church
3. Applicants will also be required to submit two sermon recordings of two preaching events (video preferred)—one from the Old Testament and the other from the New Testament.
4. Applicants will provide a sample of scholarly writing, representing the applicant’s best research and writing. One example (a minimum of 15 pages double-spaced but not exceeding 25 pages double-spaced) of a recent work of scholarly writing that provides evidence of one’s capacity to think analytically and critically about homiletics. The following are examples of appropriate submissions:
   • Published article, book chapter, or excerpt from a published work
   • Unpublished research paper
   • A paper written in a graduate level course
   • A 7-10 page paper on a topic (homiletics) of interest to the applicant that is written specifically as the writing sample for the application
5. Applicants will provide a resume or Curriculum Vitae. Include a list of publications and professional presentations.
6. Applicants normally have three to five years of full-time pastoral/preaching ministry.
7. Applicants will submit official transcripts of all degree work: undergraduate, master degrees, and specifically the master of divinity degree (with a 3.5 or higher cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited seminary or university.
8. Applicants are expected on their transcripts to demonstrate fulfillment of the biblical languages requirement by taking courses in the original languages: at least two semesters in Biblical Hebrew, at least two semesters in Biblical Greek, and at least one semester in biblical interpretation/hermeneutics.
9. Applicants will provide three letters of recommendation. Two of the references should come from academic faculty who can attest to the applicant’s superior ability and potential. A third reference should come from the leadership of the congregation in which the applicant is serving, in support of Ph.D. studies. This can be from the board of deacons, elders, or other leadership body of the church. For full time applicants, a letter from a member of the pastoral staff will be acceptable.

Admission to the Ph.D. in Preaching represents a competitive process. The most qualified applicants will receive an invitation to enter the Ph.D. program. Admission to the Ph.D. in Preaching program does not rest on a single factor but on the strength of the entire application portfolio, which demonstrates readiness for research doctoral studies.

Student Responsibility

It is the student’s responsibility to become informed of and to observe all regulations and procedures for degree completion required by Truett Seminary. This includes strict attention to all internal deadlines, such as application, degree completion, registration, and graduation as well as satisfying all requirements leading to degree completion.

First Year Review Policy