School of
Graduate Studies

Discipleship in Lifespan Education—PhD

The PhD (Discipleship in Lifespan Education) is an interdisciplinary academic program that prepares ministry specialists, teacher-scholars, and educational leaders primarily - but not exclusively - for service in Seventh-day Adventist institutions of higher learning, the church, and the larger community. The core curriculum is structured around the competencies in Discipleship in Lifespan Education defined in the program framework. Students also select an area of specialization for intense study and research, generally using social science research methodologies. Along with a customized option, the focus areas are Christian formation and discipleship, and theological curriculum and instruction.

PROGRAM LENGTH

The program completion estimate is 6 years. Students complete 64 credits, including at least 48 credits of course work in lecture, seminar, independent study, and reading courses and a dissertation sequence of 16 credits.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Prospective students must submit their application by the dates listed below.

  • Fall (August – December): July 15
  • Spring (January – May): November 15
  • Summer Session 1 (May – June): April 1
  • Summer Session 2 (June – July): May 1
  • Summer Session 3 (July – August): June 1

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

  • Accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and by the Adventist Accrediting Association.
  • Small classes and favorable student-professor ratio.
  • Focus areas: Christian Formation and Discipleship, Theological Curriculum and Instruction.

 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • MA (Discipleship in Lifespan Education); an MDiv; an MA (Religion); or an MA degree in fields related to religion, or education.
  • 28 credits in religion and 16 undergraduate or graduate credits in education or discipleship in lifespan education.
  • GRE General Test scores from exam taken within five years.
  • Writing sample (term paper, thesis, or research report) giving evidence of the applicant’s ability to carry out and present research- required only for PhD applicants.

Students whose language of education is not English must submit English proficiency test scores: Duolingo English test, TOEFL, IELTS or PTE (academic).

For more information, please visit the Admissions page.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

We are an international campus with a significant representation of international students. To learn more, please visit our International students page.

International
Student Services
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FINANCES

To learn about tuition costs and scholarship opportunities please visit Student Financial Services.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

Have questions? We have answers. Contact us!

ENROLLMENT & ADMISSION

Phone: 855-428-4723 or 269-471-6321
Email: graduate@alexblog.net

DISCIPLESHIP IN LIFESPAN EDUCATION PROGRAM

Phone: 269-471-6186
Email: dslephd@alexblog.net

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