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.  For such individuals, 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.

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.

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.

The Four Program Components
 -30 Units Total-

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.