Doctor of
Sunday School Ministry (D.SSM)
Advancing Excellence in Sunday School Leadership and Christian Education
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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 Sunday School Ministry (D.SSM.) is an advanced doctoral program designed to prepare Christian educators, ministry leaders, pastors, and scholars for excellence in Sunday School leadership, biblical teaching, curriculum development, educational research, and discipleship ministry. This program integrates advanced biblical scholarship, educational leadership, ministry practice, and original research to equip graduates for strategic leadership in churches, Christian educational institutions, and global ministries, fostering lifelong biblical learning across all generations.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Advanced Biblical Teaching
Educational Leadership Excellence
Curriculum Development Skills
Discipleship Ministry Leadership
Research-Based Ministry
COURSE STRUCTURE
YEAR
01
CORE FOUNDATIONS
(18 Credits)
Semester 1
- DSM 701
- DSM 702
- DSM 703
- Advanced Biblical Theology of Christian Education (3)
- Leadership and Governance in Sunday School Ministries (3)
- Advanced Dynamic Research Methodology in Christian Education I (3)
Semester 2
- DSM 704
- DSM 705
- DSM 706
- History and Philosophy of Sunday School Movements (3)
- Advanced Teaching and Curriculum Development for Sunday Schools (3)
- Advanced Qualitative Research & Resource Analysis in Christian Education II (3)
YEAR
02
SPECIALIZATION & MINISTRY PRACTICE
(18 CREDITS)
Semester 1
- DSM 711
- DSM 712
- DSM 713
- Child and Adolescent Spiritual Formation in Sunday Schools (3)
- Educational Psychology and Sunday School Pedagogy (3)
- Contemporary Challenges in Sunday School Leadership (3)
Semester 2
- DSM 714
- DSM 715
- DSM 716
- Ethics, Spiritual Care, and Mentorship in Christian Education (3)
- Sunday School Practicum I (Supervised Classroom Teaching) (3)
- Sunday School Practicum II (Community Engagement & Outreach) (3)
YEAR
03
Dissertation & Advanced Seminars
(24 Credits)
Semester 1
- DSM 801
- DSM 802
- DSM 803
- DSM 804
- Advanced Seminar in Sunday School Leadership (3)
- Colloquium on Christian Education and Pedagogy (3)
- Dissertation Proposal Seminar (3)
- Comprehensive Exam (3)
Semester 2
- DSM 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: Sunday School Ministry
ADMISSION CRITERIA
Applicants must hold a Master of Sunday School Ministry, or equivalent degree from an approved institution.
PROGRAM FEES
Per Semester
USD $1800
CAREER & MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
- Sunday School Director
- Christian Educator
- Bible College Lecturer
- Curriculum Developer
- Ministry Consultant
- Educational Researcher
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
- Completion of 60 credit hours.
- Passing of comprehensive examination.
- Completion and defense of a doctoral dissertation (50,000–70,000 words).
- Demonstrated Sunday School impact project (e.g., curriculum innovation, teacher training institute, national Sunday School movement, or digital educational platform).
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.
