Doctor of
Israelite Festival Studies (D.I.F.S.)
Exploring God’s Redemptive Plan Through Israel’s Sacred Festivals
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Doctor of Israelite Festival Studies (D.I.F.S.) is an advanced doctoral program designed to provide in-depth scholarly study of the biblical festivals of Israel within their historical, theological, covenantal, and redemptive contexts. Students critically examine the significance of the Israelite feasts in the Old and New Testaments, their fulfillment in Christ, their relationship to biblical worship, and their enduring relevance for biblical theology, Christian education, and academic research. The program equips graduates for advanced teaching, theological scholarship, biblical research, and ministry focused on Scripture's redemptive narrative.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Biblical Festival Theology
Covenant Worship Analysis
Redemptive History Interpretation
Hebrew Feast Exegesis
Advanced Theological Research
COURSE STRUCTURE
YEAR
01
CORE FOUNDATIONS
(18 Credits)
Semester 1
- DIFS 701
- DIFS 702
- DIFS 703
- Biblical Theology of Israelite Festivals (3)
- Historical Development of Festal Traditions in Ancient Israel (3)
- Advanced Research Methodology in Festal Studies I (3)
Semester 2
- DIFS 704
- DIFS 705
- DIFS 706
- The Torah and the Liturgical Calendar of Israel (3)
- Prophets, Writings, and the Theology of Feasts (3)
- Advanced Qualitative Research & Hermeneutical Analysis in Festal Studies II (3)
YEAR
02
SPECIALIZATION & MINISTRY PRACTICE
(18 CREDITS)
Semester 1
- DIFS 711
- DIFS 712
- DIFS 713
- Passover and the Exodus Tradition: Theology and Practice (3)
- The Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) and Covenant Renewal (3)
- The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) and Eschatological Hope (3)
Semester 2
- DIFS 714
- DIFS 715
- DIFS 716
- Minor Feasts: Purim, Hanukkah, and Later Developments (3)
- Festal Practicum I: Teaching and Liturgy in Community (3)
- Festal Practicum II: Interfaith and Cross-Cultural Applications (3)
YEAR
03
Dissertation & Advanced Seminars
(24 Credits)
Semester 1
- DIFS 801
- DIFS 802
- DIFS 803
- DIFS 804
- Advanced Seminar in Israelite Festal Theology (3)
- Comparative Festal Studies: Israel, Ancient Near East, and Early Christianity (3)
- Dissertation Proposal Seminar (3)
- Comprehensive Exam (3)
Semester 2
- DIFS 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: Ancient Israel Studies
Faculty: Israelite Festival Studies
ADMISSION CRITERIA
Applicants must hold a Master of Israelite Festival Studies, or an equivalent degree from an approved institution.
PROGRAM FEES
Per Semester
USD $1800
CAREER & MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
- Biblical Scholar
- Seminary Professor
- Research Theologian
- Bible Curriculum Developer
- Christian Author
- Ministry Consultant
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
- Completion of 60 credit hours.
- Passing of comprehensive examination.
- Completion and defense of a doctoral dissertation (50,000–70,000 words).
- Demonstrated festal ministry impact project (e.g., community teaching modules, interfaith festal dialogue, or biblical festal calendar integration in ministry).
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.
