2009 - 2010 Academic Catalog - Westminster Theological Seminary

{Degree Programs}
Doctor of Philosophy
2009–2010
language will be administered in May of that same academic
year. If the examination is still not sustained, they will be placed
on probationary status and given one final attempt at passing
the examination by the end of September of the following year.
If the examination is not sustained by then, the student will be
removed from the program.
3. In addition to the course work work indicated for either
emphasis, each candidate must complete PT 421P Theological
Bibliography and Research Methodology in the first year after the
student enrolls. Candidates for advanced degrees (Th.M. and
Ph.D.) take this course on a pass-fail basis and without tuition
charge.
4. Comprehensive examinations are set by the particular Field
Committee and are to be sustained within five years after initial
registration in the Ph.D. program for the Hermeneutics and
Biblical Interpretation program, four years for the Historical and
Theological Studies program. An oral examination of two hours
on the basis of earlier written examinations shall complete the
series of comprehensive examinations. The comprehensive
exams may only be taken after all other residency requirements
are fulfilled. (International students on F-1 or J-1 visas should
consult the regulations concerning full-time status for international
students (page 39) and the deadline for comprehensive
examinations.)
5. The academic adviser shall encourage the student to give
thought to the choice of a dissertation topic from the very
beginning of his or her residency. Approval of the dissertation
proposal can only be granted when the student has successfully
completed both written and oral comprehensive examinations.
The dissertation proposal must be approved within a year of
sustaining comprehensive exams in the Hermeneutics and
Biblical Interpretation program, within a semester of sustaining
comprehensive exams in the Historical and Theological Studies
program. Sustaining these examinations and approval of the
dissertation proposal admits the student to the status of full
candidacy. (International students on F-1 or J-1 visas should consult
the regulations concerning full-time status for international
students (page 39) and the deadline for submitting a dissertation
proposal.)
6. The student must submit a dissertation. After approval of the
dissertation proposal, the student has three years to write the
dissertation. The dissertation is to be submitted by the January
15 deadline that follows this three year period. Upon admission
to full candidacy, the Field Committee will appoint a dissertation
adviser and one additional member of the Dissertation
Committee. In making their plans, students should be aware
that faculty will not ordinarily supervise dissertations while on
professional advancement leaves. A schedule of faculty leaves
can be obtained from the Registrar’s Office. At least one member
of a graduate school faculty other than Westminster will be
90