Doctoral Programs Description

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The Doctor of Divinity, D. Div.   This comprehensive competency-based upper-level ecclesiastical doctorate is open to qualified senior clergy. Acceptance into this program is based on actual accomplishments. Earning the degree involves demonstrating what is already known and currently being done and validating Biblical competency in the Old Testament, New Testament, and Theology. Entrance requirements include:

• Currently hold licensure, commissioning, or ordination from a recognized denomination or a good ecclesiastical body such as a credentialing group or an organized local church.
• Have served in an approved Christian ministry role for at least three years. The experience as a minister includes activities as a senior minister, assistant minister, elder, deacon, missionary, teacher, prison ministry, humanitarian, or chaplaincies. These areas are subjected to review and approval and provide verifiable documentation.
• Have earned an appropriate Master's degree (or an ecclesiastical equivalent) from an acceptable institution.

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, participate in internships and classroom teaching, and facilitate lesson plans and research. The program requires an additional 35 credit hours applied to dissertation and research projects.

The Ph.D. in Biblical & Theological Studies commences the student's doctoral studies with research work on their dissertation proposals during their first semester while doing seminars, completing required readings for breadth and depth of knowledge in their field, and engaging in fellowship work. Studies are highly competitive, rigorous, and academic and train Biblical Scholars and Theologians to serve as teachers, researchers, pastors, and leaders in the Church.  

Students practice and are intentional about bridging the scholarly gap between the Old and New Testaments, especially between Biblical Studies and Theology disciplines. The Doctor of Divinity degree program is an advanced program designed to serve the need of ministers for an experience of continuing education that renews the personal life of faith, further develops professional competence, and stimulates continued growth in biblical and theological foundations for ministry. 

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, participate in internships and classroom teaching, and facilitate lesson plans and research. The program requires an additional 35 credit hours applied to dissertation and research projects.

The Doctorate Degree programs consist of general and advanced education courses, program-specific courses, and electives. To qualify for a doctorate, students must complete the minimum of 60 credit hours required in this program and earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better in this graduate college-level course. In addition, students must participate in practicum services and community outreach as outlined in course requirements. Finally, the program requires an additional 35 credit hours applied to the dissertation and research projects.