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 research, academic leadership, and professional service at the intersection of religion, social ministry, community development, and faith-based organizational leadership.
The program integrates advanced theological studies, religious ethics, social justice, community engagement, nonprofit leadership, social research, and strategic ministry development. It emphasizes the application of religious principles, scholarly research, and ethical leadership to address complex social challenges and strengthen faith-based and community organizations.
Students develop advanced competencies in research methodology, social ministry administration, organizational leadership, public engagement, community advocacy, and program evaluation. Through interdisciplinary coursework, independent research, and doctoral dissertation studies, students examine the relationship between religious traditions, social responsibility, and sustainable community development.
Graduates are prepared to contribute to religious institutions, faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, community development initiatives, religious research institutions, and academic environments where advanced research, ethical leadership, and social ministry expertise are valued.
Overview
This program is offered 100% online (optional), providing students with flexible opportunities to pursue advanced doctoral studies while maintaining professional, ministry, and community responsibilities.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Ministry combines advanced religious studies with interdisciplinary research in social ministry, theology, ethical leadership, social justice, and community development. Students examine religious perspectives on social responsibility, human dignity, poverty, inequality, community well-being, and the role of religious institutions in addressing social challenges.
The curriculum emphasizes the relationship between faith, social transformation, and effective ministry leadership. Students explore theological approaches to social issues, religious organizational governance, nonprofit administration, program development, community engagement, and research-based decision-making.
The advanced stages of the program focus on doctoral research methods, scholarly writing, social ministry policy analysis, program evaluation, and original academic research. Students develop the ability to investigate contemporary social challenges, evaluate ministry initiatives, and propose evidence-informed approaches to community development and social service.
A central component of the program is the doctoral dissertation, through which students conduct original research on an approved topic related to social ministry, religious leadership, community engagement, or faith-based social development.
The program is designed to prepare graduates for scholarly inquiry, advanced organizational leadership, ethical decision-making, and meaningful contributions to religious and community life.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Doctor of Education and Religious Studies (D.Ed. R.S.) program will be uniquely prepared for senior leadership roles across educational institutions, community programs, research, and consulting sectors.
Educational Leadership & Administration
School or University Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Principal
Director of Academic Programs or Educational Operations
Director of Curriculum Development or Instructional Services
Director of Quality and Educational Standards
Education & Research
Dean or Director of Educational Leadership Programs
Professor or Lecturer in Education, Leadership, or Policy
Researcher in Education Policy, Organizational Leadership, or Curriculum Studies
Nonprofit & Community Sector
Executive Director of Education-Focused Nonprofits or Community Organizations
Community Program Director for Learning and Development Initiatives
Policy Advisor or Consultant for Education and Community Development
Consulting & Strategy
Educational Management Consultant
Program Evaluation and Improvement Specialist
Leadership Coach for School and Community Education Leaders
Policy & Organizational Development
Education Strategy and Innovation Advisor
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer in Educational Institutions
Senior Advisor for Ethics, Governance, and Organizational Leadership in Education
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, theological foundations, religious ethics, faith-based organizational leadership, and interdisciplinary approaches to community development.
Critically analyze religious, philosophical, ethical, and social theories relevant to contemporary ministry practices and social challenges.
Conduct independent doctoral-level research using appropriate qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method research approaches to investigate issues related to social ministry and religious community engagement.
Evaluate the historical and contemporary roles of religious institutions in promoting social responsibility, community welfare, ethical leadership, and social transformation.
Apply advanced leadership and organizational management principles to the development, administration, and evaluation of faith-based social ministry programs.
Analyze complex social challenges, including poverty, inequality, cultural diversity, social exclusion, and community development, from ethical, religious, and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Develop research-informed strategies for religious organizations and nonprofit institutions to strengthen community outreach, social service initiatives, and sustainable organizational 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
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| General Courses (Choose any 4 – minimum) | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics for Educational Research | 3 | DERS 601 |
| Ethics and Governance in Education | 3 | DERS 602 |
| Global Perspectives in Education and Society | 3 | DERS 603 |
| Operational Research in Education Programs | 3 | DERS 604 |
| Leadership Essentials in Education Administration | 3 | DERS 605 |
| Principles of Educational Management | 3 | DERS 606 |
| Introduction to Online Learning | 3 | DERS 607 |
| Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics | 3 | DERS 608 |
| Professional Development and Character in Leadership | 3 | DERS 609 |
| Strategic Management in Educational Institutions | 3 | DERS 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.
