Doctor of Philosophy in Ministry
The Doctor of Philosophy in Ministry (Ph.D.) is a 60-credit doctoral program designed to prepare students for advanced academic research, theological scholarship, pastoral leadership, and ministry development within religious institutions and faith-based organizations. The program integrates advanced studies, theology, practical ministry, religious leadership, administration, pastoral studies, and doctoral research to develop scholarly expertise and leadership competencies in contemporary ministry.
Students develop advanced knowledge in theological research, biblcal interpretation, ministry leadership, pastoral care, education, governance, and missionary service. The curriculum emphasizes values, academic excellence, ethical responsibility, spiritual understanding, and research-informed approaches to ministry development.
Graduates are prepared to contribute to ministries, religious educational institutions, missionary organizations, theological research initiatives, and faith-based nonprofit organizations where advanced theological knowledge, scholarly research, and effective ministry leadership are essential.
- 100% Online (Optional)
- 60 Credit
- Intensive Courses
Overview
This program is offered 100% online (optional), providing students with flexible opportunities to pursue advanced doctoral studies while maintaining their professional, religious, and ministry responsibilities.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Ministry combines advanced theological studies with ministry leadership, scholarship, studies, administration, and original academic research.
Students explore the theological foundations of ministry, hermeneutics, leadership, ethics, religious education, evangelism, missionary service, and the historical development of ministry traditions.
The interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes the relationship between teachings, theological scholarship, ethical leadership, and effective ministry practices. Students develop the ability to critically examine religious texts, evaluate ministry approaches, investigate challenges facing communities, and develop research-informed strategies for strengthening faith-based organizations.
The program also examines church governance, pastoral care, organizational leadership, cross-cultural ministry, spiritual formation, and the responsibilities of religious leaders within contemporary society.
The advanced stages of the program focus on doctoral research methodology, theological inquiry, scholarly writing, ministry research, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and original academic scholarship.
A central component of the program is the doctoral dissertation, through which students conduct independent research on an approved topic related to ministry, theology, pastoral leadership, church development, missionary service, or religious organizational leadership.
The program prepares graduates to contribute to theological scholarship, academic research, ministry leadership, and the development of religious organizations through scholarly inquiry, ethical responsibility, and professional integrity.
Career Opportunities
- Christian School Principal
- Christian School Administrator
- Christian School Teacher
- Church Education Administrator
- Associate Pastor
- Church Planter
- Christian Counselor
- Evangelist
- Lay Leader
- Missionary
- Worship Pastor
- Youth Pastor
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy in Ministry (Ph.D.) will be able to:
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of theology, studies, ministry leadership, studies, and interdisciplinary theological scholarship.
Critically analyze the historical, theological, and philosophical foundations of ministry and religious leadership.
Conduct independent doctoral-level research using appropriate qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method research methodologies.
Apply advanced interpretation and theological analysis to investigate contemporary ministry practices and challenges.
Evaluate the historical development of ministries, leadership traditions, missionary activities, and religious institutions.
Analyze major theological perspectives and their implications for leadership, religious education, and ministry development.
Transfer Credits to Exodus University
Exodus University is dedicated to saving you time and money by providing easy and fair transfer evaluation for eligible course credit.
Students can transfer to Exodus University up to 75% of credits into a Doctor’s degree for courses with a grade of C- or higher are generally transferrable.
Exodus University evaluates eligible undergraduate transfer credits individually based on official transcripts, course equivalency, academic level, and established transfer-credit policies. Acceptance of transfer credits is not guaranteed.
Admission Requirements
Featured Courses
| General Courses | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Online Learning | 3 | UNIV 601 |
| Introduction to Philosophy | 3 | UNIV 602 |
| World Civilization | 3 | UNIV 603 |
| Character Education | 3 | UNIV 604 |
| Leadership Essentials | 3 | UNIV 605 |
| Religious Courses | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Theology | 3 | BIBL 711 |
| Christian Apologetics | 3 | BIBL 712 |
| The Old Testament | 3 | BIBL 713 |
| Christian Religion | 3 | BIBL 714 |
| Hermeneutics | 3 | BIBL 715 |
| Research Courses | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation Prospectus        | 3 | DISS 790 |
| Dissertation I | 3 | DISS 791 |
| Dissertation II | 3 | DISS 792 |
| Dissertation III | 3 | DISS 793 |
| Dissertation IV | 3 | DISS 794 |
| Dissertation V | 3 | DISS 795 |
| Dissertation Defense | 3 | DISS 799 |
| Graduation | 3 | GRAD 800 |
Courses
Credits Courses
3Â Â Â Â Â Â Introduction to Online Learning
Credits Courses
3Â Â Â Â Â Â An Introduction to the Bible
3Â Â Â Â Â Â Biblical Foundation of Ethics
Credits Courses
3Â Â Â Â Â Â Dissertation Prospectus
3Â Â Â Â Â Â Dissertation I
3Â Â Â Â Â Â Dissertation II
3Â Â Â Â Â Â Dissertation III
3Â Â Â Â Â Â Dissertation IV
3Â Â Â Â Â Â Dissertation V
3Â Â Â Â Â Â Dissertation Defense
Courses
| General Core Courses | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Online Learning | 3 | EXOD 501 |
| Bible Core Courses | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| An Introduction to the Bible | 3 | EXOD 511 |
| Specialization Core Courses | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Foundation of Ethics  | 3 | EXOD 513 |
| Research Core Courses | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation Prospectus | 3 | EXOD 901 |
| Dissertation I | 3 | EXOD 902 |
| Dissertation II | 3 | EXOD 903 |
| Dissertation III | 3 | EXOD 904 |
| Dissertation IV | 3 | EXOD 905 |
| Dissertation V | 3 | EXOD 906 |
| Dissertation Defense | 3 | EXOD 907 |
Career opportunities
Doctoral Tuition
Tuition & Fees
Doctoral Programs
The basic costs listed here reflect the average total and are intended to be a planning guide for new students and their parents. As applicable, tuition, costs, and fees are subject to change without notice.
For information about the international student fee structure, please contact us at +1 (645) 201-9028.
Tuition Costs - Domestic
For information regarding international fees, contact us at info@exodus.university
How to Apply?
- You Apply
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application form only takes 2 minutes to complete.
- We Connect
After you submit your application, an admissions representative will review your eligibility and will contact you within 24 hours.
- You Get Ready
Once you’ve completed your application and connected with an admissions representative, you’re ready to start with your first course.
