The Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) is still the highest degree offered in Bible schools in Europe, but in the US, it had become simply an honorary one. Numerous divinity schools and seminaries are beginning to join the trend of now offering the Doctor of Divinity (D.D) as an earned degree with all of the distinction of the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.).

Simmons Bible University's (SBU) Doctor of Divinity is a 30-credit program, designed for seasoned pastors/ministers who have determined that an advanced degree would facilitate the growth of their ministry. The program consists of five modules that can be completed in a year or less, depending on your personal schedule.

A. Program Requirements

Applicant must be able to document:

• Ordination from an established church, denomination, or para-church ministry.
• Service in a ministry role for at least fifteen years.
• Earned degree/certification demonstrating biblical knowledge or receive a passing grade on the SBU Biblical Foundations Examination.
• Professional references.

B. Program Structure
The five program modules include:

• Ministry Background (4 credits)
• Provides complete picture of ministry efforts, focus, and future direction.
• Includes submission of credentials and references.
• Old Testament Theology (6 credits)
• Covers all aspects of Old Testament history, customs, culture, concepts and linkages to the New Testament.
• Module assignments can be completed though traditional research papers, Oral Examination as offered in all SBU programs or completion of regional seminar.
• New Testament Theology (6 credits)
• Covers all aspects of New Testament history, customs, culture, concepts and linkages to the Old Testament.
• Module assignments can be completed though traditional research papers, Oral Examination as offered in all SBU programs or completion of regional seminar.
• Systematic Theology (6 credits)
• Provides opportunity to study and digest the key dimensions of systematic theology and be able to explain the key foundational beliefs and definitions of what it means to be a Christian.
• Module assignments can be completed though traditional research papers, Oral Examination as offered in all SBU programs or completion of regional seminar.
• Comparative Theology (8 credits)
• Provides opportunity to compare and contrast the belief structure of various Christian denominations, as well as other belief systems, based on a set of specific criteria. The emphasis will be on how these compare with your own definitions derived from your work with systematic theology.
• Module assignments can be completed though traditional research papers, Oral Examination as offered in all SBU programs or completion of regional seminar.

C. Program Fees

• Total fee for the program is $4,200.00. This can be substantially reduced through SBU’s generous scholarships and grants program.
• Fee includes cost of attendance of regional seminar or Oral Examination options.

Click here for a program summary.

To discuss your interest in this exclusive program, contact Rev. Dr. LeRoy Thompson at lthompson@simbu.org.