Doctor of
Diaconal Studies (D.D.S.)
Advancing Servant Leadership for Church and Community
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Conduct original scholarly research.
Receive guidance from experienced scholars.
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Influence the Church and the world.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Doctor of Diaconal Studies (D.D.S.) is an advanced doctoral program designed to develop servant leaders for Christ-centered ministry, compassionate care, and transformative community service. It provides rigorous biblical, theological, and practical training in diaconal ministry, equipping students to integrate academic research with ministries of mercy, justice, pastoral care, and holistic mission. The program prepares graduates to provide strategic leadership in churches, faith-based organizations, humanitarian ministries, and academic institutions while reflecting Christ's example of servant leadership and compassionate service.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Servant Leadership
Diaconal Theology
Pastoral Care
Community Transformation
Ministry Research
COURSE STRUCTURE
YEAR
01
CORE FOUNDATIONS
(18 Credits)
Semester 1
- DDS 701
- DDS 702
- DDS 703
- Advanced Biblical Theology of the Diaconate (3)
- Historical Development of Deacon Leadership in the Early Church (3)
- Advanced Research Methodology in Practical Theology I (3)
Semester 2
- DDS 704
- DDS 705
- DDS 706
- Servant Leadership Models in Global Contexts (3)
- Ecclesial Governance: The Role of Deacons in Church Administration (3)
- Advanced Qualitative Research & Resource Analysis in Deacon Studies II (3)
YEAR
02
SPECIALIZATION & MINISTRY PRACTICE
(18 CREDITS)
Semester 1
- DDS 711
- DDS 712
- DDS 713
- Diaconal Leadership in Social Justice and Community Care (3)
- Pastoral Collaboration: Deacons, Elders, and Apostolic Teams (3)
- Contemporary Challenges in Diaconal Leadership (3)
Semester 2
- DDS 714
- DDS 715
- DDS 716
- Spiritual Formation and Ethics of Deacon Leaders (3)
- Deacon Leadership Practicum I (Supervised Ministry) (3)
- Deacon Leadership Practicum II (Community Engagement) (3)
YEAR
03
Dissertation & Advanced Seminars
(24 Credits)
Semester 1
- DDS 801
- DDS 802
- DDS 803
- DDS 804
- Advanced Seminar in Deacon Leadership (3)
- Theology of Service and Diaconal Ministry Colloquium (3)
- Dissertation Proposal Seminar (3)
- Comprehensive Exam (3)
Semester 2
- DDS 805
- Dissertation Research and Writing (12)
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Program Duration: 3–5 years
Total Credit Hours: 60 (post-master’s level)
Delivery Mode: Coursework + Research + Ministry Practicum
Teaching System: Semester system (Distance Learning)
Session Begin: 1st March and 1st September every year
Medium of Instruction: English
Department: Ecclesiastical Leadership and Applied Ministries
Faculty: Diaconal Studies
ADMISSION CRITERIA
Applicant must hold a Master of Diaconal Studies, or an equivalent degree from an approved institution.
PROGRAM FEES
Per Semester
USD $1800
CAREER & MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
- Diaconal Minister
- Church Administrator
- Leadership Mentor
- Pastoral Care Coordinator
- Seminary Professor
- Nonprofit Executive
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
- Completion of 60 credit hours.
- Passing of comprehensive examination.
- Completion and defense of a doctoral dissertation (50,000–70,000 words).
- Demonstrated Deacon Leadership Impact Project (such as establishing sustainable service ministries, training centers, or community transformation initiatives).
Shape the Future. Lead with Scholarly Excellence.
Develop advanced scholarship, original research, and transformational leadership through our doctoral degree programs, designed to prepare Christian scholars, educators, researchers, and ministry leaders for global influence, academic distinction, and lasting Kingdom impact.
