The Doctor of Practical Theology (DPT, DPTh) is a

professional doctorate A doctorate (from Latin ''docere'', "to teach"), doctor's degree (from Latin ''doctor'', "teacher"), or doctoral degree is an academic degree awarded by universities and some other educational institutions, derived from the ancient formalism '' l ...

developed for those seeking to apply

theological Theology is the systematic study of the nature of the divine and, more broadly, of religious belief. It is taught as an academic discipline, typically in universities and seminaries. It occupies itself with the unique content of analyzing the s ...

principles to their professional practice. It should not be confused with a

Doctor of Philosophy A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin: or ') is the most common degree at the highest academic level awarded following a course of study. PhDs are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic fields. Because it is ...

in Practical Theology such as offered by

Princeton Theological Seminary Princeton Theological Seminary (PTSem), officially The Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian Church, is a private school of theology in Princeton, New Jersey. Founded in 1812 under the auspices of Archibald Alexander, the General Assembly of t ...

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 The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the European mainland, continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...

(DPT) has been greatly influenced by educators and other professionals affiliated with the Association of Practical Theology (APT, established 1984). 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. The Doctor of Practical Theology is applicable to: *Public sector professions, such as health care, education, social services, *Caring professions, such as psychotherapy, pastoral care and counseling, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), 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 The Doctor of Practical Theology (DPTh) is rarely offered today in United States. Most seminary and divinity schools there have replaced their degree studies in practical theology to majors within programs leading to the

Doctor of Ministry The Doctor of Ministry (abbreviated DMin or D.Min.) is a professional doctorate, often including a research component, that may be earned by a minister of religion while concurrently engaged in some form of ministry. It is categorized as an advance ...

(D.Min.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and

Doctor of Arts The Doctor of Arts (D.A.; occasionally D.Arts or Art.D. from the Latin ''artium doctor'') is a discipline-based terminal doctoral degree that was originally conceived and designed to be an alternative to the traditional research-based Doctor of ...

(DA). The specialized program is still offered in

France France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Its metropolitan area ...

(DThP), and more recently, the United Kingdom (DPT), and in Canada where McMaster Divinity College offers a Doctor of Practical Theology (DPT). Examples of schools offering the degree are: *

University of Glasgow , image = UofG Coat of Arms.png , image_size = 150px , caption = Coat of arms Flag , latin_name = Universitas Glasguensis , motto = la, Via, Veritas, Vita , ...

, School of Critical Studies * McMaster Divinity College

References

{{Reflist Practical Theology Practical theology Religious degrees