Doctoral Programs
Degrees
The PhD offers the highest level of academic studies for research and teaching in universities and seminaries
The EdD is a cohort-based preparation for administrative leadership in K–12 schools or higher education institutions
The DEdMin develops educational ministry practitioners serving in the local church and parachurch organizations
The DMin offers Contextualized, theologically integrated training for pastors and other ministry leaders
Distance Learning Options
DTS’s doctoral programs offer low-residency options enabling students to earn their doctorate without moving to Dallas. The DMin and DEdMin are distance friendly for ministry and do not require students to relocate. The EdD requires on-campus attendance for the short Orientation course and one week of in-person attendance per fall and spring term. For approved students in ministry, the PhD can be completed through video conferencing with a trip to the Dallas campus approximately once each term.
Video Conferencing
All DTS doctoral programs allow students to join courses remotely through real-time video conferencing, allowing rich interaction and discussion.
One-Week Intensives
DMin, DEdMin, and EdD courses are offered in one-week intensives with pre-meeting work and post-meeting assignments. EdD students join these intensives in person while DMin and DEdMin can also join online.
Program Comparison
| PhD | EdD | DEdMin | DMin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intended Vocation | Scholars, teachers, and professors in seminaries and universities | Administrators and educators in universities and schools | Teachers and pastors in churches and parachurch organizations | Pastors and ministry leaders in churches and ministries |
| Hours | 36 (Stage 2) | 48 | 39 | 30 |
| Prerequisite Degree | MDiv, ThM, or STM | MACE or MEd + Leveling | MACE or equivalent | MDiv, ThM, STM, or MA + Leveling |
| Term Schedule | 15-week courses in Fall and Spring | 15-week courses in Fall, Spring, and Summer | 6-month courses with 1-one-week module offered in Fall (November), Spring (March), and Summer (July) | 6-month courses with 1-week intensives in Summer and Winter |
| Distance Option | Real-Time Video and 1 week in-person per term (with approval) | One week in-person per term and 1 in-person class to start program | Join intensive in-person or remotely (travel encouraged, but not required) | Join intensive in-person or remotely (travel encouraged, but not required) |
| Language/Research | German and French | Statistics | — | — |
| Comprehensive Exams | Yes | Yes | — | — |
| Capstone Writing | Dissertation in biblical, theological, or linguistic studies | Dissertation in academic administration | Applied research project in educational setting | Applied research project in ministry setting |
Application Dates
- March 1 – PhD (fall) and DMin/DEdMin (summer) application deadline
- July 1 – PhD (spring) and DMin/DEdMin/EdD (fall) application deadline
- October 1 – DMin/DEdMin (spring) application deadline
Contact Info:
Phone: 214-887-5040
Email: [email protected]