Doctoral Degrees by Dissertation
Doctoral Degrees by Dissertation
Our Doctoral Degrees by Dissertation are designed for scholars called to advance Christian thought, theology, and ministry through original, faith‑grounded research. These programs invite students into rigorous academic inquiry that is firmly rooted in the authority of Scripture, informed by the historic Christian tradition, and responsive to the needs of the Church and the world.
Doctoral study at this level emphasizes independent research under the mentorship of seasoned faculty, culminating in a dissertation that demonstrates scholarly excellence, theological depth, and faithful integration of Christian worldview. Students engage critically with biblical texts, theological frameworks, historical sources, and contemporary scholarship, contributing meaningful and original work to their chosen field of study.
These research‑intensive doctoral programs are especially suited for those pursuing vocations in theological education, pastoral leadership, academic scholarship, missions, chaplaincy, denominational leadership, writing, and advanced ministry practice. Each student develops a focused research agenda that aligns academic discipline with Christian calling, equipping graduates to serve as thoughtful scholars and servant‑leaders.
Our commitment is to cultivate scholars who not only meet the highest standards of doctoral research, but who also embody spiritual maturity, intellectual integrity, and a faithful witness to Christ. Through disciplined scholarship, prayerful reflection, and guided supervision, our doctoral dissertation programs prepare graduates to contribute to the academy, strengthen the Church, and engage the world with wisdom, humility, and truth.
Doctoral Major and Concentrations
Doctoral Concentrations:
Our Doctoral Degrees by Dissertation Programs offer advanced scholarly research across a range of theological and ministry‑focused disciplines. Each concentration is designed to equip Christian scholars and leaders to engage deeply with Scripture, theology, and ministry practice while contributing original research to the academy and the Church.
Practical Theology
The Practical Theology concentration focuses on the theological interpretation of lived Christian experience. Doctoral research explores the integration of biblical theology and ministry practice, examining areas such as spiritual formation, pastoral care, worship, contextual ministry, and applied ethics. Students critically reflect on ministry contexts to develop biblically faithful and theologically informed responses to real‑world challenges.
Systematic Theology
The Systematic Theology concentration centers on the coherent articulation of Christian doctrine grounded in Scripture and historic Christian orthodoxy. Doctoral students engage in advanced research on topics such as the doctrine of God, Christology, pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology, contributing scholarly work that serves both academic theology and the teaching ministry of the Church.
Pastoral Theology
Pastoral Theology emphasizes the theological foundations of pastoral leadership and care. Doctoral research in this field examines the shepherding role of pastors, addressing preaching, counseling, discipleship, spiritual leadership, and pastoral ethics. Students seek to strengthen pastoral ministry through biblically faithful, theologically robust scholarship.
Organizational Leadership
The Organizational Leadership concentration applies Christian theology and biblical principles to leadership within churches, ministries, nonprofit organizations, and faith‑based institutions. Doctoral research focuses on leadership theory, governance, decision‑making, organizational culture, and change management, all examined through a Christian worldview and servant‑leadership model.
Marriage and Family Studies
The Marriage and Family Studies concentration is rooted in a biblical theology of family and human relationships. Doctoral research explores marriage, family systems, pastoral counseling, relational ethics, and family ministry, with a focus on strengthening marriages and families within both church and cultural contexts.
Christian Education
The Christian Education concentration focuses on the ministry of teaching and formation within the Church. Doctoral students research theological foundations, curriculum development, discipleship models, educational leadership, and faith formation across the lifespan. Scholarship in this area supports the Church’s call to teach all believers to live faithfully as disciples of Christ.
Church Administration and Management
The Church Administration and Management concentration prepares doctoral students to examine the organizational and administrative life of the Church. Research topics may include church governance, financial stewardship, nonprofit management, legal and ethical accountability, and strategic planning, all informed by biblical principles and ecclesial theology.
Church Growth
The Church Growth concentration emphasizes biblical, theological, and missional approaches to the expansion and vitality of the local church. Doctoral research critically examines evangelism, discipleship models, cultural engagement, leadership development, and mission strategy, seeking growth that is both spiritually authentic and theologically sound.
Christian World Missions
The Christian World Missions concentration centers on God’s redemptive mission to the nations. Doctoral research explores biblical missiology, cross‑cultural ministry, contextualization, mission history, theology of mission, and global Christianity. This concentration equips scholars to support mission practice, strategy, and theological reflection worldwide.
Christian Leadership
The Christian Leadership concentration integrates theology, biblical ethics, and leadership practice. Doctoral research examines servant leadership, spiritual authority, leadership development, moral formation, and leadership in ecclesial and organizational contexts, offering scholarship that shapes faithful, Christ‑centered leaders.
Pastoral Ministry
The Pastoral Ministry concentration focuses on the holistic work of pastors as shepherds, teachers, and leaders of God’s people. Doctoral research addresses preaching, discipleship, pastoral identity, ministry sustainability, church leadership, and the spiritual life of ministry leaders, strengthening the pastoral vocation through advanced theological study.
Doctoral Chaplaincy and Pastoral Education (CPE)
The Doctoral Chaplaincy and Pastoral Education (CPE) concentration equips students for advanced theological reflection and effective spiritual care in clinical and institutional settings. It integrates biblical theology with professional chaplaincy practice, emphasizing crisis response, trauma care, spiritual assessment, and pastoral presence. Graduates are prepared for leadership in clinical chaplaincy, CPE instruction, pastoral counseling, and institutional ministry.
Program Emphasis:
Across all concentrations, doctoral students are expected to:
- Demonstrate mastery of Scripture and theological scholarship.
- Conduct original, rigorous research.
- Produce a doctoral dissertation that contributes meaningfully to the Church and academy.
- Integrate academic excellence with spiritual formation and Christian vocation.
These doctoral programs prepare scholars who are committed to serving Christ faithfully,
advancing theological understanding, and strengthening the Church’s witness in an increasingly complex world.
Doctoral Learning Outcomes by Concentration:
Practical Theology
Graduates of the Practical Theology doctoral concentration will be able to:
- Critically integrate biblical theology, historical theology, and lived Christian practice through advanced scholarly research.
- Analyze ministry contexts using proper theological and qualitative research methodologies.
- Develop theologically informed responses to contemporary pastoral and ecclesial challenges.
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct original research that advances practical theological scholarship.
- Apply theological reflection to ministry practice in a manner that is biblically faithful and contextually relevant.
Systematic Theology
Graduates of the Systematic Theology doctoral concentration will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced mastery of Christian doctrine grounded in Scripture and historic Christian orthodoxy.
- Critically evaluate classical and contemporary theological systems using disciplined scholarly methods.
- Articulate coherent and biblically faithful theological positions on complex doctrinal issues.
- Produce original theological research that contributes meaningfully to academic and ecclesial discourse.
- Apply systematic theology to teaching, preaching, and theological leadership within the Church.
Pastoral Theology
Graduates of the Pastoral Theology doctoral concentration will be able to:
- Engage in advanced theological reflection on the pastoral vocation and ministry of care.
- Critically assess pastoral practices in light of Scripture, theology, and ethical responsibility.
- Integrate theological scholarship with pastoral leadership, preaching, counseling, and discipleship.
- Conduct original doctoral research addressing contemporary pastoral challenges.
- Model reflective, ethical, and spiritually mature pastoral leadership informed by theological inquiry.
Organizational Leadership
Graduates of the Organizational Leadership doctoral concentration will be able to:
- Apply biblical and theological principles to leadership theory and organizational practice.
- Critically evaluate leadership models, governance structures, and organizational systems within ministry and nonprofit contexts.
- Conduct scholarly research addressing leadership, organizational culture, and change from a Christian worldview.
- Develop leadership strategies that reflect servant leadership and ethical responsibility.
- Contribute original research that advances leadership practice in Christian organizations.
Marriage and Family Studies
Graduates of Marriage and Family Studies doctoral concentration will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of biblical theology related to marriage, family, and human relationships.
- Critically engage family systems theory and pastoral counseling models through theological reflection.
- Conduct original research addressing marital and family challenges within church and cultural contexts.
- Integrate theological, ethical, and pastoral perspectives in relational and family ministry scholarship.
- Develop biblically grounded approaches that strengthen marriages and families through research and leadership.
Christian Education
Graduates of the Christian Education doctoral concentration will be able to:
- Articulate a robust theological foundation for Christian teaching and discipleship.
- Critically evaluate educational theories, curriculum models, and formation practices within the Church.
- Conduct original doctoral research in faith formation and educational leadership.
- Design and assess educational frameworks that support spiritual maturity and biblical literacy.
- Contribute scholarly work that strengthens Christian education across ministry contexts.
Church Administration and Management
Graduates of the Church Administration and Management doctoral concentration will be able to:
- Apply biblical theology and ethical principles to church governance and administration.
- Critically analyze church management practices, financial stewardship, and organizational accountability.
- Conduct original research addressing administrative and managerial challenges in church settings.
- Develop effective operational frameworks aligned with ecclesial mission and integrity.
- Provide scholarly leadership that supports healthy and sustainable church administration.
Church Growth
Graduates of the Church Growth doctoral concentration will be able to:
- Demonstrate a biblical and theological understanding of church growth and vitality.
- Critically assess growth models, evangelism strategies, and discipleship frameworks.
- Conduct doctoral research addressing mission effectiveness and congregational development.
- Develop theologically sound, culturally informed approaches to church expansion.
- Contribute original scholarship that supports faithful and sustainable church growth.
Christian World Missions
Graduates of the Christian World Missions doctoral concentration will be able to:
- Articulate a biblical and theological theology of mission grounded in Scripture.
- Critically evaluate historical and contemporary mission practices and theories.
- Conduct original doctoral research addressing cross‑cultural missions and global Christianity.
- Integrate missiological theory with practical ministry and contextual engagement.
- Contribute scholarly work that advances the Church’s global mission.
Christian Leadership
Graduates of the Christian Leadership doctoral concentration will be able to:
- Integrate biblical theology with leadership theory and ethical practice.
- Critically analyze leadership development models within Christian contexts.
- Conduct advanced research addressing leadership, moral formation, and spiritual authority.
- Demonstrate servant leadership grounded in Christian character and theological conviction.
- Contribute original scholarship that shapes leadership practice in church and ministry settings.
Universal Doctoral Learning Outcome (All Concentrations)
All graduates will:
- Produce and successfully defend a doctoral dissertation demonstrating original research,
- advanced methodological competence, theological integration, and contribution to both the academy and the Church.
Pastoral Ministry
Graduates of the Pastoral Ministry doctoral concentration will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced theological understanding of pastoral identity and calling.
- Integrate scholarly research with preaching, discipleship, and pastoral leadership.
- Critically assess ministry practices in light of Scripture, theology, and ethics.
- Conduct original doctoral research addressing pastoral effectiveness and sustainability.
- Provide scholarly leadership that strengthens pastoral ministry and ecclesial life.
Chaplaincy and Pastoral Education (CPE)
Graduates of the Chaplaincy and Pastoral Education (CPE) doctoral concentration will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced theological understanding of pastoral care within clinical, institutional, and community contexts, including healthcare, military, correctional, educational, and hospice settings.
- Integrate biblical theology, spiritual formation, and pastoral identity with clinical pastoral practice through disciplined theological reflection.
- Critically evaluate human experience—such as suffering, trauma, grief, moral injury, and spiritual crisis—using theological, pastoral, and interdisciplinary frameworks.
- Employ advanced qualitative and clinical research methodologies appropriate to chaplaincy and pastoral education.
- Conduct original doctoral research that contributes meaningfully to the theory and practice of chaplaincy and clinical pastoral education.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical competence in interfaith, multicultural, and pluralistic care settings while maintaining a faithful Christian theological identity.
- Articulate and model a mature pastoral presence that reflects emotional intelligence, spiritual integrity, and theological depth.
- Provide scholarly leadership in chaplaincy education, supervision, pastoral care theory, or institutional ministry contexts.
Practical Learning Experience
This program is designed for ministers actively serving in full‑time Christian ministry who desire advanced training without the need for traditional academic credit. Its purpose is to strengthen the professional competence of those already engaged in pastoral, teaching, and leadership roles by offering a focused, high‑quality theological learning experience. The mission of the program is to provide graduate‑level theological enrichment that supports the personal and ministerial development of adults called by God.
This non‑academic, research‑based program emphasizes practical learning, ministry reflection, and the integration of biblical knowledge, ministry skills, and spiritual motivation. It is interactive, supportive, and intentionally designed to help ministers grow in confidence, effectiveness, and faithfulness as they serve the Body of Christ.
Doctoral Dissertation Research Topics
Doctoral candidates must select a dissertation topic exclusively from the approved list provided by the University. All selected topics must demonstrate the potential for original research, theological depth, and meaningful contribution to the student’s field of study. Each topic must be appropriate for advanced doctoral inquiry and suitable for development into a publishable dissertation that strengthens Christian scholarship and ministry practice. A dissertation proposal must be formally submitted and receive approval from the Dean before the student may proceed to the dissertation research and writing phase.
Program Requirements
Applicants to the Doctoral Dissertation Program must be active ministry professionals with not less than fifteen (15) years of documentary experience in the field of religion. Candidates must demonstrate meaningful contributions to ministry, teaching, preaching, theology, writing, or related areas of Christian service, and must meet the University’s admissions standards. Transcripts are based solely on the approved dissertation research topics submitted, and students must complete fifteen (15) University‑approved topics. Admission is limited to doctoral‑level applicants and is granted only after the University evaluates the applicant’s readiness for advanced research.
Doctoral Degree Completion
Successful completion of the required Doctoral Dissertation will lead to the award of the University’s Doctorate Degree in one of the following concentrations:
- Practical Theology
- Systematic Theology
- Pastoral Theology
- Organizational Leadership
- Marriage and Family Studies
- Christian Education
- Church Administration and Management
- Church Growth
- Christian World Missions
- Christian Leadership
- Pastoral Ministry
Doctorate by Thesis / Dissertation or Study Syllabus Program — Tuition and Fees
Application and Registration Fees
- One‑Time Application Fee (Non‑refundable): $50.00
- One‑Time Registration Fee: $50.00
Tuition Fees: $1,620.00 per research program
Evaluation Fees: $50.00
Program Notes: No transferable credit
General Financial Policies:
- Application fees are non‑refundable
- Registration fees are paid once per program enrollment
- Tuition is calculated based on approved semester credit hours
- Scholarships apply only where explicitly stated