|
DOCTOR OF DIVINITY
The
Doctor of Divinity, based on actual accomplishment, directed
research and writing, is a unique 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 ecclesiastical body, 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.
The unique manner in which the
Doctor of
Divinity at Master's is awarded, sets it apart from the "honorary"
D.D. in several important areas, and as a consequence, greatly adds
to the dignity and meaning one of 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 qualifying senior clergy.
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.
-
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.
REGULAR
ONLINE/POSTAL PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
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.
ALTERNATIVE SEMINAR PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
 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!
FINANCIAL MATTERS
-
in
addition to the regular program
tuition, the cost per seminar is only $300 ($100 registration
fee, and $200 seminar fee).
-
Students
may pay for each seminar as they attend ($300 per seminar for a
total of $900).
-
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).
|
COMPONENT #
1
(Required but No
Units) |
COMPONENT
# 2
(Ten Units) |
COMPONENT
# 3
(Ten Units) |
COMPONENT
# 4
(Ten Units) |
|
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. |
