Are 100% online Doctor of Missiology programs really 100% online? Although some doctorate degree programs claim to be online, rest assured, most of them (but not all) also require some in-person, on-campus requirements, whether it is a few days a semester or an annual face-to-face meeting.
Extensive research on a specific school that you are interested in should tell you what kind of format you can expect in your Doctor of Missiology (D.Miss) degree program. Be sure their on-campus requirements fit your schedule and budget.
Ministry professionals are specifically trained to reach others all over the world to spread the Good News!
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Best Hybrid Doctor of Missiology Degree Programs
Fuller Theological Seminary
Program Standouts:
Fuller Theological Seminary’s Doctor of Global Leadership degree program is for leaders in missionary endeavors throughout the world who desire to advance their mission and deepen their calling.
The program is mostly online and gives students supportive cohorts. Students work together to integrate theory and practice, which they develop into a plan of action-oriented toward their particular context of service.
Campus Location: Pasadena, California
Accreditation: Fuller Theological Seminary is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
Admission Requirements:
- GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 Scale
- Qualifying Master’s degree
- Missiology and Ministry Experience
- Three References
- Language Exam
Program Overview:
The Doctor of Global Leadership degree program at FTS consists of annual nine-month modules spread over a four-year time period. The modules represent the main stages of completing a research dissertation.
With an average time commitment of 12-16 hours per week, cohorts are completed online though some may meet for annual in-person, one-week intensives.
Degree Outcomes: Graduates of the Doctor of Global Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary apply principles of missiology and theology to a need for change in the context of their ministry. This teaches them to engage in research that “culminates in a contextually applied dissertation with a robust action plan.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF GLOBAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM AT FULLER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Andrews University
Program Standouts:
Andrews University’s Doctor of Missiology degree program is designed for those engaged in ministry. The curriculum is designed with a high view of Scripture and the teaching of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
On the practical side, the degree consists of 4 modules which are usually completed in around five years. The majority of the degree program can be completed online.
Campus Location: Berrien Springs, Michigan
Accreditation: Andrews University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Admission Requirements:
Course Overview:
The curriculum for the Doctor of Missiology degree program at Andrew University is based on modules that include:
- Pre-session reading, field research, application activities, and online discussions
- Annual residence of at least four weeks
- Post-session projects and/or paper
Degree Outcomes: The Doctor of Missiology program at Andrew University “equips practitioners, leaders, and trainers who minister in cross-cultural mission contexts through focused study and research in social science and theological fields of study.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF MISSIOLOGY PROGRAM AT ANDREWS UNIVERSITY
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Program Standouts:
The Doctor of Missiology Degree Program at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is designed for those who wish to become mission scholars, church-planting practitioners, and problem solvers.
Students in the program develop a mastery of “the philosophical, historical, biblical, and anthropological disciplines rooted in a graduate-level understanding of the missiological disciplines.”
Campus Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Accreditation: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Admission Requirements:
- TOEFL for non-native English speakers
- D.Miss. Entrance Exam
- GRE Scores
- Interview
- Research Paper
- Vita
Course Sample:
- Intercultural Evangelism
- Church Planting
- World Religions
- Business as Mission
Degree Outcomes: Graduates of the Doctor of Missiology degree program at The Southern Theological Baptist Seminary demonstrate the ability:
- to conduct cross-cultural ministry at an advanced level
- to use standard research tools and methods in the chosen field of study
- to plan and conduct research in the area of specialization and to communicate its results effectively
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF MISSIOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM AT THE SOUTHERN THEOLOGICAL BAPTIST SEMINARY
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Missiology?
As Christians, we are responsible for spreading God’s word; therefore, the nature of the missionary is to do just that. They often go throughout the world, risking their lives to tell others about Jesus.
A Doctor of Missiology degree program discusses three disciplines of study, which are theology, anthropology, and the history associated with the Christian missionary’s efforts.
How do I earn my Doctor of Missiology degree?
Missiology is primarily offered at the graduate degree level; however, some undergraduate programs offer it in combination with other programs, such as international studies.
Theological schools often have prior requirements to be met. Prerequisites for your D.Miss program may include a Master of Divinity degree or a Master’s degree in Missiology or International Studies, in addition to a statement of intent describing your interest and desire to pursue missionary work.
Coursework related to the Doctor of Missiology degree program may include advanced classes in religion, social sciences, Biblical languages, history, leadership, world religion, evangelism, and the Bible. You should also learn about the missionary experience and how to begin a new church.
You should expect to gain valuable missionary experience in your doctoral degree program, as well as prepare and defend a dissertation and be proficient in a foreign language.
What skills do I need to pursue a career in missions?
Missionaries must truly have a love for the Lord and for all of God’s children. They must be well-organized and good decision-makers. They are often in charge of organizing fund-raising events and should be confident in making donation requests. You will need to be creative, as creating a curriculum for your students may be necessary.
In addition, how are your language skills? It is often necessary to learn a new language when visiting a foreign country, so you can communicate effectively while spreading the love of Jesus. Unfortunately, you may also be put in dangerous situations. Will you be prepared to interact accordingly? Advanced knowledge comes in handy!
What kind of career and salary can I expect from my Doctor of Missiology degree?
A Doctor of Missiology degree can prepare you for the mission work ahead of you, domestically and internationally. Often missionaries choose to specialize in specific areas, such as education, healthcare, relief work, community development, or through outreach programs to assist the homeless or indigent.
Missionaries often need to raise money to support their mission work through churches and other individuals who are focused on spreading the word of Christ. There are many costs involved, such as travel, setting up residence, foreign language education, supplies used for educational purposes, as well as transportation and food expenses once you arrive at your destination.
The BLS states that the average salary for all religious workers is approximately $45,420 annually as of May 2022. The missionary’s salary can run considerably more at approximately $48,867 per year, depending on many factors.
What schools offer Doctor of Missiology degrees?
Several schools offer Doctor of Missiology degrees typically through an online format, but with on-campus attendance occasionally required.
- Fuller Theological Seminary, located in Pasadena, CA, offers this degree requiring an annual face-to-face, two-week annual meeting.
- Andrews University is located in Berrien Springs, MI, offering an online program with four weeks of on-campus attendance.
- The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary also offers a Doctor of Missiology degree program with online options offered to students living over 50 miles away from their campus, which is located in Louisville, KY.
The Bottom Line
To be an effective missionary, one must be kind and have a genuine love for all people, just as Christ does. Your dedication will be rewarded, without a doubt. Enroll in a Doctor of Missiology program today to begin your journey. Mission leaders are crucial in spreading God’s Word.
Before you go: The Best Online Schools for Doctorate in Theology (D.Th.) Degree Programs
