Doctor of Practical Theology
The Doctor of Practical Theology is a professional doctorate developed for those seeking to apply theological principles to their professional practice. It should not be confused with a Doctor of Philosophy in Practical Theology such as offered by Princeton Theological Seminary.
Overview
The typical degree candidate is a part-time student who continues full-time professional responsibilities. The modern development of this program in the United Kingdom has been greatly influenced by educators and other professionals affiliated with the Association of Practical Theology.The Doctor of Practical Theology is typically a multidisciplinary program designed for consideration, reflection, examination and application of theological principles appropriate to practice-based settings. Further, it serves as a foundation for an original project contributing to solutions and development of the student's organization and/or profession.
The Doctor of Practical Theology customarily integrates theological concepts into the context of professional practice. Most programs customarily include:
- Practice-based research and enquiry-based learning methods, in which the student's own professional context becomes a primary resource in research, and
- Courses consisting of assignments, reading, and research designed to strengthen writing and critical thinking skills while integrating theological principles and concepts with the context of the student's professional practice.
- Public sector professions, such as health care, education, social services,
- Caring professions, such as psychotherapy, pastoral care and counseling, alternative dispute resolution, mediation, social work and community development,
- Church ministers in parish, congregational or chaplaincy settings
- Non-profit professions, such as charities, non-governmental organizations, cultural organizations, or the arts,
- Business and industry professionals with an interest in the subject
Examples of schools offering the degree are: