The PhD in Human Relationships offers students the opportunity to build on their professional experience in the fields of pastoral leadership and spiritual care and psychotherapy through advanced scholarship and a dissertation. Graduates are prepared to make contributions in fields such as ministry, psychotherapy, spiritual care and higher education.

Students in the PhD in Human Relationships focus their study in one of two fields: Pastoral Leadership or Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy. The Pastoral Leadership field is designed for those who serve the spiritual and social needs of religious congregations, and faith based and community organizations. PhD students undertake disciplined reflection and extensive research in their area of ministry. The program elements and courses are designed to support the student’s progress toward the final completion of their PhD dissertation. The student’s dissertation makes a significant contribution to the existing knowledge in the field and assists and challenges their denomination or community to better understand and undertake its mission.

The Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy field is intended for persons who seek to build upon already existing competencies in spiritual care and psychotherapy and related disciplines, Students undertake advanced studies and training in the theoretical and theological foundations of spiritual care and psychotherapy in conjunction with post-practicum clinical education in the practice of individual, couple and family therapy or spiritual care. The program elements and courses are designed to support the student’s progress toward the final completion of their PhD dissertation. The student’s dissertation makes a significant contribution to the existing knowledge in the field of spiritual care and psychotherapy.