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The
Doctor of Divinity, based on actual accomplishment, directed
research and writing, is a unique
ecclesiastical
degree program specifically designed for senior clergy who have
earned a bachelor-level degree,
have
served at least twenty years in full-time ministry, are ordained or
licensed by a recognized Christian organization, and are at least
forty-five years of age.
Perhaps
no other ministry degree title is as widely recognized as the Doctor
of Divinity (D.D.). Because of the high honor associated with
this venerable senior degree, it has become the choice of Divinity
Schools, Seminaries, and Universities when conferring "honorary
degrees" upon individuals. As a consequence, the "earned" D.D.
has become a neglected alternative for senior clergy.
Master's International School of Divinity has developed a program
that returns this prestigious degree to an appropriate place among
ministerial doctorates, while at the same time, recognizing and
preserving the more recent historical and ecclesiastical precedents
that are accepted by the Church-at-large. The result is the
establishment of a totally unique Doctor of Divinity degree program.
The
Doctor of Divinity degree at Master's is a degree acquired through
documented accomplishment, directed research and writing.
While this
ecclesiastical degree is not intended to compete with a standard
ministerial doctorate such as the Doctor of Ministry, the Doctor of
Theology or the Doctor of Biblical Studies, the
unique manner in which the
Doctor of
Divinity at Master's is awarded, sets it apart from the honorary
D.D., and as a consequence, greatly adds to the dignity and
meaning the world's oldest and most easily recognized Christian
ministry degree title. The following information will
thoroughly explain the unique nature of this program designed
exclusively for qualified applicants.
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
 A great many
individuals enter ministry as the pastor of a relatively small
church. Usually, this is immediately following graduation from
Bible College, or in connection with entry into a denominational
training program. Once licensed or ordained and established in
the role of pastor, the opportunity to continue with additional
formal education is either greatly limited or simply impractical.
Years pass, and the once young pastor of a small church matures into
the senior pastor of a strong congregation. Along the way,
these dedicated servants of the Lord attain tremendous knowledge of
the Word of God, while becoming respected church leaders and trusted
spiritual advisors.
For many
senior clergy who were never privileged to go on to seminary to earn
a master's or doctorate degree , there comes a time when they
acknowledge within, an honorable desire to attain legitimate formal
recognition for important achievements, while at the same time,
wanting to truly earn such recognition. These mature servants
of the Lord have spurned cheap degree programs, but have also
decided against enrolling in a formal degree program knowing that
the demands of their ministry make such a venture unreasonable.
Furthermore, senior churchmen have usually mastered a great many of
the subjects required in Bible College or Seminary training.
In fact, except for the lack of appropriate academic credentials,
senior leaders are, more often than not, well prepared to actually
teach many of these subjects. Though obviously not intended as
an alternative to an academic degree, the Doctor of Divinity program
may be an ideal opportunity to acquire a capstone credential for a
life-time of learning.
PROGRAM ENTRANCE
REQUIREMENTS
In order
to be considered for entrance into the program, the applicant must
meet the following requirements.
- Be
not less than forty-five (45) years of age.
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Have served in full-time pastoral ministry for not less than
twenty (20) years (does not have to be continuous and may be
bi-vocational service).
-
Currently hold licensure or ordination from a recognized
denomination or an acceptable ecclesiastical body.
-
Have earned a bachelor’s degree from an acceptable institution.
- Be
able to provide official and verifiable documentation of all of
the above.
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REGULAR
ONLINE & POSTAL PROGRAM COMPLETION OPTION
The Doctor
of Divinity program is divided into four distinct
"Components." These Components document an essential area of
knowledge. Each Component is designed to be completed in about
eight (8) to ten (10) weeks. Therefore, the entire program may
be finished in about nine months, which is equivalent to one
academic year. This schedule allows busy senior clergy to move
through the program at a reasonable pace that does not interfere
with the normal duties of the ministry. In order to allow
adequate time for completion, and to provide for unforeseen events,
individuals accepted into the program will be granted up to three
years to complete all four Components.
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ALTERNATIVE SEMINAR PROGRAM
COMPLETION OPTION
The Alternative
Seminar-based Doctor of Divinity program is divided into four
distinct "Components." These Components document an essential
area of knowledge. Component #1 is designed to be completed
before or during the time that the other three components are being
completed. Each of the seminar components (2, 3 and 4 see
below) is designed to be completed in the advanced accelerated
seminar format. Components 2 and 3 are three-day events, and
Component 4 is a four-day event. Components 2-4 require a
pre-seminar reading assignment (but no writing assignments), and a
written final examination on the last day of the seminar. The
examinations are open-book, and based on the pre-seminar reading,
and the content of the lectures and group interaction during the
seminars. There are no post-seminar assignments.
 The entire
program is designed to be finished in twelve (12) months. This
schedule allows busy mature learners to move through the program at
a reasonable pace that does not interfere with their normal duties.
In order to allow adequate time for completion, and to provide for
unforeseen events, all seminars are offered on two alternative
dates. Please refer to the online
seminar
schedule for the dates scheduled for Components 2-4. When
using the Alternative Seminar method, you may take the Components
out of sequence. This makes it entirely possible to complete
the program via seminars in not more than twelve months!
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FINANCIAL MATTERS
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The regular program
tuition, is $4,800, but may be reduced though qualified
tuition reduction grants.
-
Tuition
may be paid using generous interest-free monthly installments or
in-full at the time of enrollment.
-
The cost
of the seminar alternative is in addition to the regular program
tuition, but is only $300 per seminar.
-
Students
may pay for each seminar as they attend ($300 per seminar for a
total of $900).
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Student
may also elect to pay for all three seminars in advance and
receive a $100 discount (total of $800).
The Four Program
Components
-30 Units
Total-
Program Components are completed in order (1-4).
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COMPONENT #
1
(Required but No
Units) |
COMPONENT
# 2
(Ten Units) |
COMPONENT
# 3
(Ten Units) |
COMPONENT
# 4
(Ten Units) |
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Orientation OR-DO
Ministry Contribution
DD-701
The following will be sent as a
single submission (official documents must be verifiable).
1. Copy of ordination or
license.
2. A three to four-page description of your conversion
experience, and subsequent call to ministry.
3. Three letters from peers attesting to Christian service
and character.
4. Three letters from current or former church members who
have known you a minimum of 7 years.
5. A complete history of your personal ministry
highlights.
6. A three to five-page description of your future
ministry plans and goals.
7. Official transcripts of college credits, denominational
training credits, and other documentation as may be required.
Students may not proceed with
Component # 2 until after this information is received, reviewed
by the academic committee, and granted a pass. |
O.T. Competency
DD-702
This Component will provide the student with an opportunity to
demonstrate a personal comprehension of the Old Testament as a
continuum from the creation of the current heavens and earth
through the return of the Exiles to the land of Israel.
The student will have an opportunity to demonstrate a mastery of
the Old Testament in such a way as to confirm that the student
actually possesses a connected generic and whole comprehension
of the content of the Old Testament Scriptures.
To accomplish this Component, the student will be guided through
a series of writing, detailing, and outlining assignments that
after having been graded and returned to the student, can
actually serve as an advanced guide for teaching the Old
Testament in a variety of circumstances. |
N.T. Competency
DD-703
This Component will provide the student with an opportunity to
demonstrate a personal comprehension of the New Testament as a
continuum from the coming of Messiah through the return of
Christ and the creation of the new heaven and earth.
The student will have an opportunity to demonstrate a mastery of
the New Testament in such a way as to confirm that the student
actually possesses a connected generic and whole comprehension
of the content of the New Testament Scriptures.
To accomplish this Component, the student will be guided through
a series of writing, detailing, and outlining assignments that
after having been graded and returned to the student, can
actually serve as an advanced guide for teaching the New
Testament in a variety of circumstances. |
Theology
Competency
DD-704
This Component will provide the student with an opportunity to
demonstrate a personal comprehension and mastery of the
particular theological position of his denomination or
persuasion.
That is, the student will be able to compare and contrast his
own theological position on the major themes of Systematic
Theology with that of groups holding differing positions.
To
accomplish this Component, the student will be guided through a
series of writing, detailing, and outlining assignments that
will draw comparisons between the major divisions of Christian
Theology (e.g. Calvinist, Wesleyan, Reformed, Pentecostal), with
an emphasis on defending the student's particular persuasion.
After having been graded and returned to the student, this
Component can actually serve as an advanced guide for teaching
Theology in a variety of circumstances. |
Upon
the successful completion of the four Components, the student will
be awarded the Doctor of Divinity awarded on the basis of actual
accomplishment, directed research and writing!
If you believe that this unique Doctor of
Divinity program may be right for you, we encourage you to call
today to speak personally with an Admissions Counselor. Please
telephone 1-800-933-1445 (U.S.A. & Canada Only). Standard
calling use: 1-812-471-0611.
Or, if you prefer, you may
request a personal evaluation online by clicking
HERE.
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RECENT DOCTOR
OF DIVINITY GRADUATES REPRESENTING HUNDREDS OF OTHER
GRADUATES
These highly accomplished individuals, represent the best of
senior-level ministry. If you qualify, you can join
them! |
Paul Olson, D.D.,
Pastor, Assembly of God; B.Th., International Seminary; Cert.,
Arizona State University. |
Vhulahani Madzinge, D.D.,
Pastor, Christian Worker Center; Dip. Pan African College,
M.A., Master's Divinity School. |
Gregory Denysschen, D.D.,
Director and Founder of the Jivannadi Mission; B.A. & B.Th.,
University of Pretoria, S.A. |
Sterling Lands, II, D.D.,
Pastor, Greater Calvary Baptist Church; B.S. Southern
University and A&M College. |
PERSONAL TESTIMONIALS FROM D.D. GRADUATES
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From
day one in my exposure to Master's I have found that each
partner in the school is focused upon one thing:
equipping individuals to fulfill the church's purpose! A
quality education coupled with quality staff, along with
quality curriculum - all at a bargain price - adds up to the
overall attraction of the school.
Add
to the above the personal touch that each professor brings to
the classroom (with everyone being called by their name and
not a number, and you have a recipe for success! And,
I'm not merely talking about success of overall institutional
concerns, but academic and inspirational success in the lives
of students. Master's International School of Divinity
stands upon the Rock - Jesus Christ - with an undeniable
penchant toward Biblical Orthodoxy!
Barry Thornton. D.D.; B.S., Cincinnati Bible College; M.A.,
Cincinnati Seminary
It
has been a rare pleasure to have begun and completed this very
deep study of all aspects of divinity. While my decision
to push ahead and complete the study in a very short period of
time surely made it harder than it had to be, I am nonetheless
pleased with my work, and what I learned through it.
Moreover, I believe I demonstrated to my peers what can be
done with an extra measure of determination. Through it
all, I made every effort to do quality work, and leave no
aspect of the study circumvented or discounted, lest my study
provide less than its ultimate impact on me. I am proud
of the accomplishment and of my work.
My
grandfather, Dr. Meredith Samuel, was a true American hero.
He was an Army Brigadier General, and once Surgeon General of
the U.S. in World War One. He was the grandson of Major
General Solomon Meredith, who fought the first skirmish of the
Battle of Gettysburg in the Civil War. At an even higher
level, as a Christian I honor my kinship with my Savior Jesus
Christ. I am more than His namesake, I am His ambassador!
I
purposely embarked on this voyage for higher learning because
I believed, even at age 68, that God had a new and robust role
for me to play in His world for the next few decades. I
followed in the thoughts of W. Oscar Thompson, the former
Professor of Evangelism at Southwestern Seminary, who learned
he had inoperable cancer just as he was finishing his classic
book, Concentric Circles of Concern. Once
diagnosed, Dr. Thompson said he went to his quiet place and
prayed, "Lord if I'm coming home that's ok. But if I
have even a few days left here, I want them to count." I
too want mine to count!
Meredith Samuel "Buddy" Merrick, D.D., Lt. Col., U.S.A.
Retired; B.S., Wayland Baptist University
Without compromise of academic rigor, theological integrity,
or high standards of excellence, for me, the seminars that I
have attended at Master's International School of Divinity
offered a true biblical education for my mind, a re-washing
of my heart, and a new excitement in my spirit. Unlike other
doctoral level courses that I have taken, the unique aspect
of the MISD seminars is that they ignited a thirst and
yearning in me not only for knowledge, but more importantly I
found myself re-evaluating my Christian walk and rededicating
myself to the work of the Lord.
I
genuinely felt that each seminar was based on a foundation of
love, mutual respect, patience, and a deep sense of caring
that exuded in everything that was said and done. I left each
seminar feeling uplifted and validated rather than beaten and
spent as many other academic pursuits have left me feeling. I
can truly say that I am a better Christian and infinitely more
knowledgeable in the Word of God attributable to the MISD
seminars.
I
hold in esteem the ability of each instructor to teach the
subject matter as they exampled it and the positive vigorous
exchange and sharing with my fellow students. "Two thumbs up
for the Master's International School of Divinity: Doctor of
Divinity seminars. BRAVO!"
Iris Banister, D.D.; B.S., Jarvis Christian College; M.S.,
Genesco State University
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Without the slightest hesitation and indeed with fulsome
praise and admiration for the excellent program of D.D.
program at Masters, I gladly submit this testimonial hoping to
encourage others to take the plunge and join this marvelous
program.
My experience of the DD program from the very start has been
one of pure joy and unalloyed satisfaction. From the moment I
submitted my initial evaluation, and was contacted by MISD,
until I completed my program, I was impressed with the
courtesy, skill and helpfulness of all the professionals with
whom I've had contact.
Normally in distance learning there is the problem of
remoteness, and one can feel a little detached from the hurly
burly of academic life. However, I suffered no such
feelings, for the D.D. program was so full and rich in
material and so compelling in its variety and depth, that for
me the time spent flew by rather quickly.
I wholeheartedly recommend this D.D. program to all those busy
persons out there in Christian ministry who want to deepen
their understanding of the Bible, and go the extra mile to
equip themselves with the tools and knowledge to more
effectively serve Jesus Christ in this present generation.
Henderson Ward, D.D.; B.A., Open University
I
greatly appreciated the opportunity to take the Doctor of
Divinity degree program with Master’s. Foundational truths are
so often under attack and it is important for men in the
ministry to be kept aware of developments and trends in
theology so that they can answer the heretics and give
guidance to the flock of God. Satan is a devious and clever
enemy who is always seeking to distort the truth. We need to
be alert to the dangers of compromise and to the subtle
attacks on the faith once for all delivered to the saints.
This is one reason why a course with an evangelical
institution is so valuable. In my own work in the pastorate it
has been valuable to be reminded again of the vital truths of
gospel grace. With my increasing commitments overseas as well,
regularly lecturing to students at a Bible training centre in
South India and also to seminary students in Manila,
Philippines it has been valuable to have completed the Doctor
of Divinity degree. This means that the lectures that I give
can be counted towards their own degree qualifications. This
gives academic rigour as well as pastoral sensitivity to the
material that they receive.
The course at Master’s was an important component of equipping
me in my own pastoral ministry and in lecturing to the
seminary students. I count it a priceless opportunity and
privilege under God to continue to teach the timeless truths
of Holy Scripture.
Ian M. Densham, D.D.; B.A., (Hons) Trinity Theological
Seminary; M.A., Trinity Theological Seminary (University of
Liverpool)
Thirty-one years after I entered seminary, I entered the DD
program at Master's. Having served around the Commonwealth as
well as in the States, I was pleased with the balancing they'd
done between this traditional British highest degree and the
usual American honorary version (by restricting enrollment to
veteran pastors).
While
it was much less rigorous than my Ph.D. or D.Min., it made the
ideal choice to meet my denomination's continuing education
requirements. I have used my Introductions to Biblical Books
in Serampore's Bible Survey courses in India, as well as
delivering some of the sermons I wrote for this degree in
pulpits & Homiletics classes in Fiji. The theological and
apologetical components took me well beyond my Credo/thesis at
SMU, challenging me to reach new levels of integration between
my practical Ecumenical & Inter-Faith experience and its
formal presentation. I have also gathered my work for this
degree into a 290-page book to which I repeatedly refer.
I
would recommend this program to my fellow experienced
pastors-and-teachers in theological colleges.
David Upp, D.D.; B.A., Rice University; M.Th., Southern
Methodist University; D.Min., Southern Methodist University
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