Doctor of
People Groups Studies (D.PGS.)
Advancing Research for Unreached Peoples and Global Mission
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Conduct original scholarly research.
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Influence the Church and the world.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Doctor of People Groups Studies (D.PGS.) is an advanced doctoral program designed to equip Christian leaders, missionaries, researchers, and educators with a comprehensive understanding of the world's people groups from biblical, theological, missiological, cultural, and strategic perspectives. The program emphasizes advanced research, intercultural engagement, ethnographic analysis, and biblical strategies for reaching unreached and least-reached peoples. Through rigorous academic study and original research, students develop the knowledge and leadership necessary to contribute to global mission, cross-cultural ministry, mission strategy, theological education, and the advancement of the Great Commission among diverse ethnic and linguistic communities.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
People Groups Analysis
Intercultural Ministry Leadership
Missiological Research Skills
Biblical Mission Strategy
Cross-Cultural Communication
COURSE STRUCTURE
YEAR
01
CORE FOUNDATIONS
(18 Credits)
Semester 1
- DPGS 701
- DPGS 702
- DPGS 703
- Biblical Theology of Nations and People Groups (3)
- Theories of Ethnicity, Culture, and Identity (3)
- Advanced Research Methodology in People Groups Studies I (3)
Semester 2
- DPGS 704
- DPGS 705
- DPGS 706
- Migration, Diaspora, and Globalization (3)
- History of World Christianity and People Movements (3)
- Advanced Qualitative & Quantitative Research in People Groups Studies II (3)
YEAR
02
SPECIALIZATION & MINISTRY PRACTICE
(18 CREDITS)
Semester 1
- DPGS 711
- DPGS 712
- DPGS 713
- Frontier Missions and Unreached People Groups (3)
- Cross-Cultural Leadership and Partnership (3)
- Contemporary Challenges to the Great Commission (Persecution, Secularism, Globalization) (3)
Semester 2
- DPGS 714
- DPGS 715
- DPGS 716
- People Groups and Social Transformation (3)
- Field Practicum I (Ethnographic Research in a Community) (3)
- Field Practicum II (Applied Missional Strategy in a People Group) (3)
YEAR
03
Dissertation & Advanced Seminars
(24 Credits)
Semester 1
- DPGS 801
- DPGS 802
- DPGS 803
- DPGS 804
- Advanced Seminar in Missiology and People Groups (3)
- Global People Groups Colloquium (3)
- Dissertation Proposal Seminar (3)
- Comprehensive Exam (3)
Semester 2
- DPGS 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: Missiological Studies
Faculty: People Groups Studies
ADMISSION CRITERIA
Applicant must hold a Master of People Groups Studies (or an equivalent degree) from an approved institution.
PROGRAM FEES
Per Semester
USD $1800
CAREER & MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
- Mission Strategist
- Seminary Professor
- Cross-Cultural Missionary
- Seminary Professor
- Mission Organization Director
- People Groups 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 impact project among a specific people group (ethnographic study, ministry network, or community transformation initiative).
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.
