Doctor of Theology
Degree
Engage in rich theological reflection on ministry practice, develop and deepen your knowledge of theological content, and generate new understandings of the craft of ministry.
The Doctor of Theology is an accredited degree of advanced study delivered in an accelerated format.
The degree is designed for the theological reflective practitioner, is a research degree that will enable you to engage in rich theological reflection on practice to enhance and create biblically faithful, theologically coherent, and contextually relevant ministry practices for the Church at large. The program’s core learning experiences provide a common foundation for seminar-style focused readings and generative research, accompanied by an invitation to integrate and apply. The program may be completed in context but requires two group residencies conducted in person at Kairos University in Sioux Falls, SD.
Degree Concentrations:
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Open & Relational Theology with Tom Oord, Ph.D.
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Romantic Theology with Michael Christensen, Ph.D.
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Semiotics with Len Sweet, Ph.D.
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Biblical Studies with Carl Savage, Ph.D.
Students in this degree are dually enrolled in Kairos University and receive their degree from Kairos.
Program Breakdown
The Doctor of Theology is 42 credit hours which can be completed in two years.
The degree consists of the following experiences.
Each concentration has a specific course of study.
Starting Well
Integration: Macro Context
Integration: Micro Context
Specialized Inquiry
Readings in Theology and Practice
Specialized Inquiry: Practices and Methods
Generative Learning
Continuing Well
Program Outcomes
With a focus on rich theological reflection on ministry practice, the Doctor of Theology will help you develop and deepen your knowledge of theological content, be more fully formed in Christian character, and generate new understandings of the craft of ministry. Through the program, you will develop and demonstrate proficiency in its eight outcomes: Starting Well, Specialized Inquiry: Literature and History, Specialized Inquiry: Concepts and Models, Specialized Inquiry: Practices and Methods, Integration: Macro Context, Integration: Micro Context, Generative Learning, and Continuing Well.
Residency Experiences
Learning is not done in isolation. That's why, in addition to having a mentor team, you will participate in two week-long group residencies. These residencies will be held in Sioux Falls, SD, and provide valuable opportunities for community building and making connections. You'll be able to draw personal encouragement from others who are asking similar questions and learn from their experiences, perceptions, and wisdom.
Dissertation
As part of the Doctor of Theology program, you will be invited to generate for dissemination high-level scholarly research within a specialized theological field of inquiry toward the improvement of ministry praxis. You will work alongside a mentor team crafted around your specialized field of inquiry, and your entire learning experience may be individualized and contextualized as much as possible toward exploring your degree concentration and research focus.
Customized Learning Experiences
Learning experiences in Kairos are built around an invitation for students to explore some aspect of their vocation, Christian thought and practice, or the human experience. As a Doctor of Theology student, you will be able to engage in individualized and guided learning experiences that encourage deep theological reflection on ministry practice within your context and tradition.