D.Miss. Program Requirements
Degree Requirements
Gateway Courses. Incoming students are required to attend the Program
Orientation (non-credit) to learn about the curriculum design and related matters. During the two gateway courses (DIS 711 and DIS 712) the student will complete a concise statement of the program focus of his/her work; begin development of bibliographies and identify potential resources pertaining to the program focus; develop and gain preliminary approval of the “individual learning contract”; and form the Doctoral Committee to guide the program and approve the dissertation.
Learning Contract. Each student’s program is based on a learning contract that includes: statement of the program focus; initial bibliographies; preliminary timetable for completion of each program requirement; and formation of the Doctoral Committee.
Competency Modules. Students develop theoretical understanding and ministerial competence in ten areas. Required courses are marked *. (Students may elect to substitute courses from the D.Min. program with the approval of the program director.)
DIS 711 Foundations of Missiology and History of Mission * (3)
DIS 712 Proposal and Research Design * (3)
DIS 715 Theology of Christian Mission (3)
DIS 721 Principles of Intercultural Communication * (3)
DIS 725 Integrated Research Methodology * (3)
DIS 741 Cultural Anthropology * (3)
DIS 742 Contextualization (3)
DIS 744 Evangelism and Church Planting Movements* (3)
DIS 747 Intercultural Education * (3)
DIS 751 DMiss Seminar (3)
DIS 790 Dissertation: Field Research Integration * (3+)
DIS 791 Dissertation: Research Report *(3+)
Total: 36+ hours
Each competency module consists of a one-week residential seminar focused on knowledge and understanding, followed by a guided field research project focused on the student’s own ministry context.
Comprehensive Exam. The comprehensive exam for advancement to candidacy for the degree will be taken after all competency modules have been satisfactorily completed. Prior to scheduling the examination, a formal dissertation proposal will be submitted and approved by the Doctoral Committee Chair. A candidate who does not pass the initial examination may request a subsequent examination, to be administered after a minimum of six months have elapsed.
Dissertation-Project. The D.Miss. Dissertation will be initially proposed during the two gateway courses (DIS 711 & DIS 712). All studies completed in and through the competency modules shall be designed to build toward the dissertation. It will not only reflect personal study and practical experience, but shall make a meaningful contribution to intercultural ministry. It must also evidence substantial theoretical and biblical foundations. register for three credits of DIS 790 Doctoral Dissertation at the beginning of writing, and then three credits each semester thereafter until completed. While the writing may be completed in less than one year, a minimum of six credit hours are required. When all work has been completed and the finished work meets the approval of the student’s Doctoral Committee Chair, a Presentation or Defense of the dissertation is required by the committee.
Such a presentation will usually cover the purpose, methodology, and content of the dissertation.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained throughout the program. If the student receives a grade for any one course below a “B,” he or she will be placed on academic probation and continuance in the program will be in jeopardy. Two grades below a “B” are grounds for dismissal from the program.
The Doctor of Missiology degree is conferred upon the attainment of certain personal and academic requirements. In addition to the general seminary requirements outlined on pages 30-31, degree candidates must (1) give evidence of a genuine Christian character, orthodox belief, and conduct consistent with a God-given call to a position of leadership; (2) complete all components of the program, accumulating at least 36 hours of credit as described above.
D.Miss. Core Outcomes
The D.Miss. program seeks to equip people for ministry in an intercultural
context in order to:
1. Spiritually: understand and practice intercessory prayer as central in Christian ministry and “making disciples” as core of the Great Commission.
2. Attitudinally: transmit a contagious missionary vision for ministry, passionate concern for the lost, commitment for evangelism and church-planting/building.
3. Competently: formulate and practice a holistic understanding of ministry, integrating theology, missiology, communication and linguistic sciences, anthropology, and related disciplines.
