The Residency
Residential Doctoral Studies from Midwestern.
We are looking for PhD students interested in entering the experiential context
of campus life for immediate application of their academic training.
Midwestern Seminary’s newest facet of its doctoral program—The Residency—provides students whose circumstances afford the freedom to pursue their degree in community on Midwestern’s vibrant campus in Kansas City, Missouri.
Combining the best aspects of the American PhD program and the traditional UK doctoral model, The Residency at Midwestern merges independent advanced theological research with cohort-based mentorship and oversight, adding regular, intensive engagement with faculty and other theological leaders within the regular rhythm of the unique on-campus ministry culture of Midwestern. In this community context, The Residency will provide you with a unique avenue for following your call to serve churches through the academy.
Mentorship
Starting in Fall 2017, The Residency is a new residential component of Midwestern’s PhD program. While Residency students attend the same seminars and follow the same path as non-residential PhD students, and while there are no additional tuition expenses, The Residency format provides the benefits of personal interaction with faculty, administration, theological and pastoral leaders, and fellow students. The campus life at Midwestern provides an exciting and gracious culture within which to pursue your studies in a way that is both academically rigorous and spiritually enriching.
Community
Residency students will engage in weekly forums for a minimum of four semesters. During this time, students will meet with the President and Provost and key faculty members for direct oversight and academic coaching. After their first four semesters are complete, Residency students will begin to serve as PhD student mentors themselves.
Experience
In addition, The Residency supplies an enculturated experience that better prepares doctoral students in the management and leadership skills and professorial aptitude necessary for service in the academy. And upon completion of The Residency, students will be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Theological Higher Education, signaling the equipping they have received for teaching at the highest levels. The Residency will build your capabilities in the classroom and help you capitalize on Midwestern Seminary’s high rate of placement of doctoral grads in teaching positions.
Program Requirements
In addition to meeting current standards, prospective students must hold an accredited M.Div or M.Div equivalency of at least 72 or more credit hours in duration, have a minimum GPA of 3.4, and undergo a substantive interview with an MBTS faculty member (in addition to securing two faculty recommendations—whether internal or external to MBTS—currently required of all doctoral students). Students considered for The Residency will be interviewed by a member of the faculty, and they must be free to re-locate to Kansas City.
Does The Residency require any classes additional to the regular PhD track? No, The Residency actual credit-hour requirements are identical to the regular PhD program on the modular track.
Can I serve in a local ministry role while studying in The Residency?
Yes, and in fact, we’d encourage you to seek out any ministry role your studies would allow. The vision of Midwestern Seminary is to produce servants trained For The Church, and your labor in gospel ministry will only provide an added richness to your doctoral studies as you follow your call to serve churches through the academy.
Do I have to relocate? Yes, because relocation to Kansas City is required due to the unique experiential component to The Residency format.
Does Midwestern Seminary provide housing?
You are welcome to apply for Midwestern Seminary campus housing, but there are numerous excellent housing options near the seminary and in the greater Kansas City metro area that are safe, affordable, and convenient to local church fellowships and to shopping, dining, and other amenities.
What is a Graduate Certificate in Theological Higher Education?
The GCTHE is a 12-hour certificate students earn as part of their studies that formally signals the training they’ve received for teaching in institutions of higher learning, which includes classroom experience in lecturing and grading, administrative equipping, and preparation for the writing, publishing, and other content-based resourcing that will give graduates of The Residency an advantage in consideration with academic employers.
When does the application process begin?
To learn more about The Residency, contact [email protected]. Applications are now being accepted for this coming fall.
Ready to take the next step?
Fill out the form below to request more information and connect with an Admissions Ambassador.