The PhD is the highest academic research degree, intended primarily to equip persons for vocations of teaching and research in theological schools, colleges and universities, or for the scholarly enhancement of ministerial practice. The program design focuses on 1) seminars, 2) research and 3) writing. Seminars are discussion-based andfaculty-led, allowing for faculty to direct students into the appropriate seminar subjects. Students are required to do advanced research, first under the supervision of PhD faculty, then on their own. As they progress through the program, they become professionals in their fields. This is demonstrated primarily by the ability to research, write and defend a doctoral dissertation.