Purpose and Goals

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Practical Theology with concentration in Spirituality and Coaching will prepare students for the scholarly work of research, teaching, and community engagement in an interdisciplinary field combining spirituality and Coaching. Students will develop an advanced level of expertise in articulating, integrating, and applying the history, methodology, and contemporary perspectives of Christian spirituality and Coaching in the context of the contemporary churches. The PhD program is aligned with the School of Theology’s fundamental commitment to prepare and support leaders dedicated to serve the church and impact the world for Christ.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

The PhD in Practical Theology will focus on preparing students for scholarship of research, teaching, and engagement based on mastery of the history, methodology, and contemporary perspectives of spirituality and Coaching in the context of the contemporary churches. Through the PhD program, students will achieve the following learning outcomes.

    • Demonstrate, from a practical theology framework, a comprehensive knowledge of historical and contemporary ideas of the interdisciplinary field combining spirituality and counseling coaching
    • Demonstrate advanced competence to apply research methods of practical theology in the student’s scholarship in the Korean church context
    • Demonstrate advanced competence to engage in original research and writing that contributes to the discipline
    • Demonstrate capacities for scholarship of teaching suitable for higher education and scholarship of community engagement in congregational and community settings

 

Admission Requirements

Students applying to the PhD in Practical Theology must have completed either a Master of Divinity degree or a master’s degree in counseling, coaching or theology or the educational equivalent from an accredited educational institution. Applicants must also have a minimum grade point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale in all previous graduate work. Educational equivalence is defined as an earned master’s degree of graduate study, including 12 credits of graduate counseling/coaching and 12 credits of graduate theology (the prerequisites). Applicants must complete all the required coursework prior to enrollment to the PhD program. Applicants are encouraged to have significant prior experience in pastoral leadership or in the practice of professional counseling and coaching. Students whose primary language is Korean must demonstrate competency in English before making application for qualifying examinations by language examination. In exceptional cases, admission decisions will be determined through deliberation by the Academic Affairs Committee.

 

Pre-Requisite Courses

To all applicants, at least 24 credits of pre-requisites (12 credits of Coaching courses and 12 credits of theological courses – biblical Theology, Systematic Theology, Historical Theology, & Practical Theology) are required. If the applicant has completed pre-requisites in their master’s degree program, these can be waived.

BT501 Introduction to Old Testament (3 credits)

BT502 Introduction to New Testament (3 credits)

ST502 Systematic Theology I OR

ST503 Systematic Theology II (3 credits)

IS514 Leadership Development (3 credits)

CH531 Coaching Psychology (3 credits)

CH532 Coaching and Spiritual formation (3 credits)

CH536 Christian Coaching Core Competencies (3 credits)

CH537 Coaching Ministries and Leadership (3 credits)

 

Course Credits: total of 48 credits

Theology: 4 credits

PT803 Theology, Bible, and Context (4 credits)

 

Spirituality: 8 credits

SF801 Profound Research on Spiritual Formation (4 credits)

SF802 Research on Integration of Theology, Spirituality, and Psychology (4 credits)

 

Coaching Theory and Practice: 28 credits

CH811 Advanced Coaching and Mental Health Based on Psychology (4 credits)

CH812 Coaching Leadership in the Global Context (4 credits)

CH813 Advanced Coaching and Spiritual Care (4 credits)

CH814 Leading and Coaching Across Cultures (4 credits)

CH815Applied Coaching Skills for Ministry and Missions OR

CH891 Coaching Field Practicum (4 credits)

CH816 Anthropological Insight into Holistic Coaching (4 credits)

CH895 Research Methodology for Coaching (4 credits)

 

Dissertation: 8 credits

PT820 Colloquium (0 credit)

PT821 Language Requirement (0 credit)

PT822 Comprehensive Examination (0 credit)

PT823 Teaching Assistantship (0 credit)

PT824 Dissertation I (Proposal Writing) (4 credits)

PT825 Dissertation II (Dissertation and Oral Defense) (4 credits)

 

Admissions Policies

All applicants who wish to enter World Mission University must be raised who have pledged to actively follow the educational philosophy and educational policy of the school based on Christian beliefs. World Mission University does not discriminate based on gender, race, skin color, nationality or origin in educational regulations, admission regulations, scholarships, and other programs and activities. The following documents are required for admission.

 

Eligibility for Application

Students who apply for the Doctoral program must hold an MDiv. degree or equivalent in pastoral studies from a formally accredited graduate school and has a GPA of 3.3/4.0 or higher.

 

Application Requirements

    1. Application for admission and application fee (non-refundable)
    2. A confession of faith
    3. 2 recommendation letters (academic supervisor and local pastor, etc.)
    4. A research plan with self-introduction
    5. One copy each of the English transcripts for the bachelor’s and master’s degrees
    6. Photo (taken within 6 months) (uploaded to the application)
    7. A grade of 3.3 or higher from a formally accredited school. MDiv or MA or equivalent degree

 

A Limit on the Length of a Degree Program

This degree course must be completed in a minimum of three to a maximum of five years. Coursework must be completed within two years of admission, and thesis-writing must be registered in the first semester after coursework. Theses must then pass within a minimum of one or a maximum of three years.

 

Graduation Requirements

You must complete the coursework with at least a GPA B grade. Up to two B-s are allowed, but if three or more B-s are produced, the subject must be retaken and the number of B- credits must be reduced to two. Students must pass the thesis project and have a thesis presentation.

 

A Thesis Project

Students will prove academic and practical learning through the acceptance of the thesis project. Students can select an area of interest among the ministry, research, and complete the thesis. The thesis project has a minimum of 100 to 200 pages. Information on the thesis project can be obtained from the doctoral office. When failing to pass the dissertation within seven years, the opportunity to graduate with a DMin degree is provided.

 

Integrated Master’s with Doctoral Degree Program

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply. During the first three semesters, students take master’s courses; from the fourth, they mix master’s and doctoral courses.