Theology of Beauty and the Arts

Credential: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Degree Level: Doctoral Degree

Credits: 72 total, with up to 12 transfer credits accepted

School: School of Divinity

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Theology of Beauty and the Arts at Abide University is an advanced research doctorate designed for scholars seeking expertise at the intersection of theology, beauty, and the arts. Our RCSAI-accredited curriculum provides rigorous training in theological foundations of beauty, the history of Christian art and worship, and contemporary aesthetic theory and cultural engagement. Students develop expertise in analyzing the relationship between beauty and the transcendentals, engaging with iconography and visual theology, and contributing original scholarship to the field of theological aesthetics. The program emphasizes critical engagement with the arts from theological perspectives, integration of classical aesthetic theology with contemporary art and culture, and the development of constructive theological proposals for faithful Christian engagement with beauty and creativity. Graduates emerge equipped for careers in theological education, liturgical arts consulting, and scholarly research, prepared to teach theological aesthetics at the seminary level and contribute to the ongoing conversation about worship, art, and the church's creative witness in contemporary culture.

Core Courses

  • PHD 801 — Theological Foundations of Beauty (6 credits)
  • PHD 810 — History of Christian Art and Iconography (6 credits)
  • PHD 820 — Liturgical Aesthetics and Worship Arts (6 credits)
  • PHD 830 — Contemporary Aesthetic Theory and Theology (6 credits)
  • PHD 840 — Sacred Music and Hymnology (4 credits)
  • PHD 850 — Visual Theology and the Incarnation (4 credits)
  • PHD 860 — Art, Culture, and Theological Criticism (4 credits)
  • PHD 870 — Research Methods in Theology of Beauty and the Arts (3 credits)
  • PHD 899 — Doctoral Dissertation (24 credits)

Admission Requirements

  • Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, or equivalent theological master's degree
  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 in previous graduate work
  • Demonstrated capacity for interdisciplinary research in theology and aesthetics
  • Reading proficiency in at least one research language (German, French, or Latin)
  • Academic writing sample demonstrating scholarly potential in theological aesthetics
  • Three academic references from theological or interdisciplinary faculty
  • Personal statement outlining research interests in theological aesthetics and the arts