Doctor of Christian Education (D.C.E.)

The Doctor of Christian Education (D.C.E.) program is an advanced degree focused on Christian education, preparing students for careers in teaching, writing, and scholarship within academic institutions, churches, or religious organizations. Graduates will be equipped to apply biblical and theological principles to contemporary issues in Christian education.

The curriculum is designed to deliver the latest knowledge in biblical analysis and Christian education trends. Each student is paired with a primary advisor who oversees their dissertation research, with additional committee members offering guidance throughout the process. The D.C.E. program promotes collaborative learning, encouraging the development of constructive relationships among students.

Refer to the section below for more details.

48

Required

Credits

Dissertation

Degree Requirements

To complete the D.C.E. degree, students must:

• Complete all courses and the minimum required hours of attendance at WHU, or at least 25% of full-time resident study at WHU.

• Complete and publish the dissertation, upon the approval of the Dissertation Committee.

• Receive recommendation for an award of a degree from D.C.E. program chair.

• Be cleared of all indebtedness and other obligations to the Seminary prior to graduation.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Articulate biblical and theological foundation for Christian education.

• Critically evaluate and integrate educational theory and practice as they relate to local church and other ministry contexts.

• Implement effective leadership in educational settings.

• Apply doctoral level research methods and skills in the chosen field of study.

• Apply a dissertation project into professional ministry.

Project Methodology (4 Credits)

• Foundation for Theological Studies

• Doctoral Research Seminar

D.C.E. Curriculum (48 Credits)

Doctoral Seminars (32 Credits)

• Foundations of Religious Education

• Educational Theory and Ministry Practice

• Educational Leadership

• Teaching Principles and Methods in Higher Education

• Social and Organizational Change

• Human Development and Christian Formation

• Electives

Dissertation (12 Credits)

• D.C.E. Research and Writing

• Dissertation Development, Writing, and Defense

Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)

The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree is an advanced professional doctorate in ministry. The D.Min. at WHU is designed to meet the needs and challenges of gospel ministry. The purpose of this program of study is to equip persons committed to a Christian vocation for a high level of excellence in ministry practice.

The D.Min. at WHU requires at least 40 credit hours of prescribed studies to complete the degree. This consists of 6 hours of Project Methodology, 27 hours of doctoral seminar, and 17 hours of dissertation writing. D.Min. candidates must successfully defend their dissertation to be awarded the degree.

The distinctive features of the D.Min. program include:

• Participation in academic seminars

• A written research project that is related to the student’s ministry setting

• An oral defense of the written project

Refer to the section below for more details.

40

Requried

Credits

Dissertation

Degree Requirements

The D.Min. degree is conferred upon those who have fulfilled the following requirements:

• Complete all courses and the minimum required hours of attendance at WHU, or at least 25% of full-time resident study at WHU.

• Complete and publish the dissertation upon approval of the Dissertation Committee.

• Receive a recommendation for the award of the degree from the D.Min. program chair.

• Clear all indebtedness and other obligations to the Seminary prior to graduation.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Analyze and synthesize complex theological concepts to develop integrated approaches that enhance ministry effectiveness in diverse settings.

• Apply advanced pastoral and leadership skills to address specific challenges in various ministerial contexts, demonstrating proficiency and adaptability.

• Evaluate and employ advanced research methodologies to investigate significant issues in ministry, ensuring rigorous scholarly standards in both process and outcomes.

• Design and execute a comprehensive capstone project that addresses a pivotal aspect of vocational ministry, with clear objectives, methodologies, and effective communication of its significance and results in a well-documented report.

Project Methodology (6 Credits)

• Foundation for Theological Studies

• Doctoral Research Seminar

D.Min. Curriculum (40 Credits)

Doctoral Seminars (27 Credits)

• Integrating Christian Faith and Practice

• Christian Leadership

• World View and Ethics

• Old Testament Exegesis

• New Testament Exegesis

• Electives

Dissertation (7 Credits)

• D.Min. Research and Writing

• Dissertation Writing and Defense

Doctor of Practical Theology (D.P.T.)

The Doctor of Practical Theology (D.P.T.) program is designed to develop professional scholars and Christian community leaders with the highest level of scholarship. The Ph.D. consists of four main sections: foundational courses, research methodology courses, specialized research courses, and dissertation writing/defense courses.

1. Foundational Courses: These courses provide a rigorous exploration of ministry and philosophical foundations, theological principles, and the initial stages of dissertation concept development, equipping students with the essential knowledge and skills to excel in the field.

2. Research Methodology Courses: Students will complete a series of courses on literature review, research design, methods, data collection, and analysis using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Additionally, advanced analysis and exegetical methodologies will be applied to examine practical theology and ministry-related issues from biblical, theological, philosophical, and ministerial perspectives.

3. Dissertation Writing/Defense: Students will use the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program to write and defend their dissertation, addressing significant issues in practical theology.

Refer to the section below for more details.

60

GPA

Credits

3.0+

Degree Requirements

The D.P.T program is conferred upon those who have fulfilled the following requirements:

• A student must receive a minimum grade of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) for each course. If the student receives a grade lower than a B- on any individual component, that component must be repeated.

• Complete all courses and the minimum required hours of attendance at WHU, or complete at least 25% of full-time resident study at WHU.

• Complete and publish the dissertation upon approval of the Dissertation Committee.

• Receive a recommendation for the award of the degree from the Ph.D. program chair.

• Clear all indebtedness and other obligations to the Seminary prior to graduation.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Conduct research projects using their deep understanding of theoretical constructs and methodologies, making significant contributions to the scholarly community.

• Identify and analyze prevailing theoretical problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, allowing them to address complex theological and ministry-related issues from multiple perspectives.

• Understand how to positively impact ministerial fields through practical, theological, and ministerial perspectives, effectively using cross-disciplinary methods, generating new research questions, and contributing to Practical Theology.

• Integrate Practical Theology into diverse ministry and secular settings, applying theoretical insights to promote transformative change and foster holistic ministry approaches.

• Foundational Courses (15 Credits)

• Research Methodological Courses (12 Credits)

• Ph.D Specialized Research Courses (18 Credits)

• Dissertation Writing and Defense Course (15 Credits)

D.P.T. Curriculum (60 Credits)