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Doctor of Missiology (D.Miss.)

The Doctor of Missiology equips leaders to effectively integrate theory into missional praxis within the global reality of the twenty-first century.  With this program, key leaders will continue their ministries in-context while attending a cohort-based seminar and interacting with a visiting Fuller SIS faculty member.

The DMiss program is designed for leaders with a minimum of five years of missional experience who desire:

1. To assist mission leaders in context.
2. To have direct impact on practical ministry.
3. To maximize their leadership potential within their organizations.

Distinctions
Structure
Admissions Requirements
Scholarships
Deadlines
Contact Information

What is the difference between the Doctor of Missiology and the PhD in Intercultural Studies programs?
The Doctor of Missiology (DMiss) is the highest level of professional certification in Missiology and equips practitioners serving in a wide variety of leadership roles, while the Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies (PhD) represents the highest level of academic certification. 

The DMiss program enables leaders to focus on missional issues relevant to their ministry contexts.  Within this program, key leaders will continue their ministries in context while attending a cohort-based seminar and interacting with a visiting Fuller SIS faculty member.  On the other hand, the Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies prepares men and women for teaching mission studies at the university and graduate level.

What is the structure of the DMiss program?
The Doctor of Missiology degree requires the successful completion of 48 units in missiology beyond the master's level in a cohort-based format. A specific focus that demonstrates intentional missional praxis in context will be the distinctive of each cohort. The overall layout of the program is:

  • Module One: Missiology and Program Design
  • Module Two: Ministry and Contextual Factors
  • Module Three: Leadership and Change Dynamics
  • Module Four: Integration and Project

  1. Each module is structured in a two week/8 hours per day intensive format. This module structure will allow intensive interaction between members of the cohort with their SIS professor.

  2. Each module represents a 12-unit block, comprised of a pre-reading, eight-unit tutorial combined with a four-unit methods course, and post-module write-ups.

  3. The cohort of 6 to 12 participants will be focused on a specific area of missiology. The same cohort members will then meet together every year for the duration of the program.

  4. Each module must be completed within one year.

  5. Cohorts will convene around organizational (e.g. people working within a particular mission organization), topical, or regional interests.

  6. Cohorts will meet annually at prearranged sites to be determined based on the purpose and goals of the cohort.

  7. Normally the fourth year integration module will be held on the Fuller campus in Pasadena.

What are the admissions requirements to join the DMiss program?
Applicants for the DMiss program in the School of Intercultural Studies must:

  • Have earned a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning including a balance of theology and missiology totaling a minimum of 36 quarter units each.
  • Possess a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.4.
  • Have had a minimum of five years of missional experience.
  • Show evidence of personal maturity as communicated through three references.

Note: Applicants to the Doctor of Missiology program who have not completed an English-based master's program will be required to submit an official score from either the TOEFL with minimum scores of 600 (paper), 250 (computer), or 100 (internet) or the IELTS Academic Format with a minimum score of 7.0.

Are there any scholarships/grants offered for the DMiss program?
Federal loans will be available for DMiss students starting Fall quarter 2007.  In addition, we are currently in the process of making partial scholarships available for the DMiss program.

When are applications due for the DMiss cohorts?
As new DMiss cohorts will begin at various times during the year, each cohort will have a different application deadline.  The application deadline will be approximately 5-6 months before the start of the first module.  Check our cohorts page for a current listing of new cohorts and their application due dates.

For More Information:
Matthew Krabill
Doctoral Studies Assistant
Email: dmiss@fuller.edu
Phone: (626) 584-5261