A doctorate from Bethel Seminary carries influence. However, more importantly, it brings the student to the top level of their field or ministry. Earning a doctor's degree is the ultimate fulfillment of Paul's charge to Timothy, "Study to show thyself approved" (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).
Dissertation Requirement: All doctoral candidates will be required to submit an approved doctoral dissertation. However, DCE candidates will submit a research project.
Academic Admission Prerequisite: Admission to a doctoral program requires a master's degree in the same discipline (i.e., to enter the Doctor of Theology program, a Master of Theology degree is required). Holders of doctorates in other fields may apply for an exemption. Email the Dean for information.
Cost: $180 per credit. Transferred and life experience credits are not charged. Textbooks are included for students in the US and Canada.
The Doctor of Ministry is an advanced professional degree. The student will develop a professional paradigm which is characterized by the following elements: (a) soundly based on Holy Scripture, (b) theologically valid, (c) a balanced Christian experience, and (d) is a reflection of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Emphasis is placed upon ministry and focuses on how biblical, theological, historical and pastoral studies having a formative impact upon counseling, pastoral, ministerial practice and service.
Purpose: The doctor of ministry degree provides intensive instruction in practical ministry and applied theology. Primarily designed to enhance pastoral ministry, this curriculum offers insight into the latest trends in this discipline.
Admission Requirements: The prospective D.Min. student must hold a M.Div. or it's equivalent from an approved institution. Six hours may be transferred into the D. Min. program.
Program Requirements: 27 semester hours are required, which include a focused study and research in addressing the following areas: the science and art of communicating the gospel; the ministry of the church, including outreach to the economically and physically disadvantaged; and the biblical and theological rationale from which Christian ministry proceeds.
In addition to the above 27 semester hours, a professional project of 9 semester credit hours, referred to as the Applied Research Project (ARP) is required. Its nature and scope determine the Length of the project. The ARP must demonstrate competency in planning, analysis, evaluation of outcomes, and must specify the methods for practical implementation.
Each student's program is customized to reflect special interest and or desire for additional studies in a particular area chosen from BBCS’ Graduate curriculum or other approved courses by directed study.
The following are areas among those recommended for research and study:
DMN 7013 Communicating the Gospel and Evangelism
DMN 7023 Administration and Leadership
DMN 7033 Pastoral Care and Counseling
DMN 7043 Missions and Comparative Cultures
DMN 7053 Christian Formation and the Body of Christ
DMN 7063 Biblical, Theological and Historical Foundations
Requirements: An ARP Defense Committee must be selected, and upon completion of the ARP, the candidate will meet with this Committee to defend his project. The Dean of Academic Affairs and the Vice-President of the Seminary will help the student develop his/her particular program.
Credit Requirements: The student is required to complete 60 credits. A doctoral dissertation will be required for completion.
Doctor of Christian Education (D.C.E.)
Purpose: The doctor of Christian education degree is design to provide the ability to design, initiate, and administer a Christian education ministry.
Credit Requirements: The student is required to complete 60 credits. A Christian education research project will be required for completion.
Doctor of Christian Counseling (D.C.C.)
Purpose: The doctor of Christian counseling degree provides intensive training in the Christian counseling method. The curriculum centers on counseling techniques based on the biblical world view. This program is primarily for enhancement of the counseling ministry and is not intended for secular certification.
Credit Requirements: The student is required to complete 60 credits. A doctoral dissertation will be required for completion. This program is a directive study. Upon enrollment, academic advisors will assess the candidate's background and provide a specific academic program
A 60 - hour program beyond a 36 - hour Master's degree, or its equivalence, is required. This consists of 45 hours of counseling courses, 6 cognate hours of BIB 5343 (Intensive Old Testament Survey) and BIB 5353 Intensive New Testament Survey), and a 9 - hour Applied Research Project which make up the required 60 hours.
Requirements: An ARP Defense Committee must be selected, and upon completion of the ARP, the candidate will meet with this Committee to defend his project.
Doctor of Theology (Th.D.)
Purpose: The Doctor of Theology degree anchors the candidate in evangelical theology while providing understanding of various and sometimes confronting theologies. All theologies are compared with evangelical theology. The candidate is encouraged to defend the evangelical position. However, if opposing polemics are presented, such views will be argued against the evangelical plumb line.
Credit Requirements: The student is required to complete 60 credits. A doctoral dissertation will be required for completion.
