I know that some of the people who regularly (?) read this blog are interested in pursuing doctoral work in theology, apologetics, or other related subjects. I count myself as a part of this particular group, and so I am writing primarily with those people in mind.
One of the most nagging feelings I have as a Southeastern student is that because of the seminary’s relatively small and conservative nature, most secular academic institutions would turn its nose up at the Ph.D. application of a Southeastern graduate. This fear may not be completely grounded, but I do think that it is a reasonable assumption to make. I do not wish to diminish or question the academic credibility of conservative seminaries, but what is an aspiring student to do if he or she would prefer to undertake doctoral studies at non-evangelical institutions?
Chris Keith, a doctoral student at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, has written a short article for the Society of Biblical Literature on, “Applying for Doctoral Work When You’re from a Small School.” I think Keith has many excellent suggestions, drawn primarily from his own experience, that could be easily replicated at Southeastern or another small, evangelical seminary.
So, lift your heads, O ye aspiring scholars! There just might be hope for us yet!
