Doctor of Philosophy in Social Ministry
- 100% Online (Optional)
- 60 Credit
- Intensive Courses
The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Ministry (Ph.D.) is a 60-credit doctoral program designed to prepare students for advanced academic research, religious leadership, social ministry administration, and faith-based community development. The program integrates advanced theological studies, religious ethics, social responsibility, community engagement, nonprofit leadership, and doctoral research to develop scholarly expertise and leadership competencies in religious and community service organizations.
Students develop advanced knowledge and research skills in social ministry, theology, religious leadership, social justice, community development, organizational governance, and faith-based nonprofit administration. The curriculum emphasizes compassion, human dignity, ethical responsibility, cultural understanding, professional integrity, and research-informed approaches to social ministry.
Graduates are prepared to contribute to religious institutions, faith-based nonprofit organizations, charitable foundations, community development initiatives, ministry organizations, and academic research environments where advanced scholarly inquiry, responsible leadership, and effective social ministry administration are essential.
Overview
This program is offered 100% online (optional), providing students with flexible opportunities to pursue advanced doctoral studies while maintaining their professional, academic, religious, and community responsibilities.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Ministry combines advanced religious studies with social ministry leadership, community development, religious ethics, nonprofit administration, and original academic research.
Students explore the theological foundations of social ministry, perspectives on social responsibility, religious approaches to social justice, community outreach, organizational leadership, and the role of faith-based institutions in addressing contemporary social challenges.
The interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes the relationship between religious values, ethical responsibility, compassionate service, and effective community engagement. Students develop the ability to critically examine social ministry practices, evaluate community development programs, analyze organizational challenges, and develop research-informed strategies for strengthening religious and nonprofit service initiatives.
The program also examines poverty, inequality, social exclusion, cultural diversity, religious community engagement, volunteer coordination, social advocacy, and the ethical responsibilities of faith-based organizations.
The advanced stages of the program focus on doctoral research methodology, theological inquiry, scholarly writing, social ministry program evaluation, policy 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 social ministry, religious leadership, faith-based community development, nonprofit administration, social responsibility, or religious organizational development.
The program prepares graduates to contribute to religious scholarship, academic research, ethical ministry leadership, and community development through scholarly inquiry, professional integrity, and a commitment to compassionate service.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Doctor of Social Work and Religious Studies (D.S.W.R.S.) program will be uniquely prepared for senior leadership roles across social service organizations, nonprofit sectors, research, and consulting.
Social Work Administration & Management
Executive Director or Chief Executive Officer of Social Service Organizations
Director of Community Programs or Nonprofit Operations
Program Director for Human Services Initiatives
Director of Quality, Compliance, and Program Evaluation
Education & Research
Dean or Director of Social Work or Community Leadership Programs
Professor or Lecturer in Social Work, Policy, or Organizational Leadership
Researcher in Social Policy, Community Development, or Organizational Management
Nonprofit & Public Sector
Executive Director of Nonprofits or Community-Based Organizations
Community Program Director
Policy Advisor or Consultant for Social Welfare and Community Development
Consulting & Strategy
Social Work Management Consultant
Community Program Evaluation Specialist
Leadership Coach for Social Work Executives and Nonprofit Leaders
Policy & Organizational Development
Strategy and Innovation Advisor for Social Programs
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer in Nonprofit or Community Organizations
Senior Advisor for Ethics, Governance, and Organizational Leadership
Program Learning Outcomes
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Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy in Social Ministry (Ph.D.) will be able to:
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of social ministry, theology, religious ethics, community development, and interdisciplinary scholarly research.
Critically analyze religious, theological, philosophical, and ethical perspectives on social responsibility, compassionate service, human dignity, and community well-being.
Conduct independent doctoral-level research using appropriate qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method research methodologies.
Evaluate the historical and contemporary roles of religious institutions in promoting social responsibility, charitable service, community development, and ethical leadership.
Apply advanced theological and ethical principles to leadership decisions, organizational governance, and the administration of faith-based social ministry programs.
Analyze the relationship between religious beliefs, cultural traditions, social justice, community engagement, and contemporary social challenges.
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
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| General Courses (Choose any 4 – minimum) | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics for Social Work Research | 3 | DSWR 601 |
| Ethics and Governance in Social Services | 3 | DSWR 602 |
| Global Social Work and Community Development | 3 | DSWR 603 |
| Operational Research in Social Programs | 3 | DSWR 604 |
| Leadership Essentials in Social Work Administration | 3 | DSWR 605 |
| Principles of Social Work Management | 3 | DSWR 606 |
| Introduction to Online Learning | 3 | DSWR 607 |
| Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics | 3 | DSWR 608 |
| Professional Development and Character in Leadership | 3 | DSWR 609 |
| Strategic Management in Social Service Organizations | 3 | DSWR 610 |
| Religious Courses (Choose any 4 – minimum) | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Theology | 3 | RELI 711 |
| Christian Apologetics | 3 | RELI 712 |
| The Old Testament | 3 | RELI 713 |
| World Religions | 3 | RELI 714 |
Religion (select one)
| 3 | RELI 715 |
| Hermeneutics | 3 | RELI 716 |
| Research Courses (Choose any 2 – minimum) | 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.
