We are living in a complex world with unprecedented challenges, which requires us to learn and innovate constantly. An ongoing commitment to holistic learning would ensure that we remain relevant to our contextual realities.
For many Christian leaders, it is a challenge to take time off from their demanding work and ministry responsibilities to pursue higher theological studies.
Recognizing this challenge, SAIACS has launched an online hybrid DMin programme that enables Christian leaders to upgrade their theological education with a doctoral programme, within a short period of time [3 years] in multiple disciplines and without disrupting them from their other ongoing work and ministry responsibilities.
- Programme Overview
SAIACS offers a 3-year DMin programme, with specialization in multiple streams, which is accredited by Asia Theological Association (ATA).
The SAIACS DMin programme is uniquely designed for scholarly practitioners, and it aims to provide a holistic theological education, focused on the head [cognitive], heart [affective] and hands [behavioural/skills].
To facilitate collegiality and enhance team learning, the DMin programme is crafted in a manner that allows students to be enrolled as a cohort.
The DMin programme is developed with a bottom-up approach in designing the curriculum. This approach ensures that students are not only exposed to information based on pre-defined courses, but they also have opportunities to choose context-specific courses in diverse disciplines. They are required to write a research thesis/project based on a research problem they have identified in the field or to reflect and research on the best practices of their ministry or document the history of their organisation.
The DMin programme is unique in its pedagogical methodology with regard to the course administration, which is built on a hybrid mode of learning, combining the benefits of online real-time (or synchronous) learning, non-synchronous learning and also through its residential components. Apart from face to face learning components, several technological tools like Moodle, Zoom, EZProxy, WhatsApp and others are employed for lectures, discussions, seminars and library access.
- ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A limited number of students are accepted each year dependent on:
- MDiv, BD, MTh, or equivalent from a recognised institution, and passed with at least II Class (55%, i.e. B+) or equivalent.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in Christian ministry.
- Letter affirming that their organisation supports their study and will provide the necessary support to the candidate to work on and complete their thesis project.
- Completion of SAIACS application requirements, examinations and interview.
- CURRICULAR DESIGN
- The DMin curriculum is designed to enhance the research capabilities of the candidates as well as provide biblically grounded courses that focus on contemporary socio-cultural issues and realities, with local and global perspectives.
- The course comprises of 45 credit hours, which is spread across 10 courses of 3 credit hours each and a thesis writing project and subsequent defence (equivalent to 5 modules and 15 credit hours).
- COURSE COMPONENTS
The DMin curriculum includes the following six components:
- Core Courses: (3 Modules: 9 credits)
Research Writing, Design and Methodology
The three research-based modules are mandatory for every student as it prepares them for their thesis research by enhancing their research writing skills and enabling them to formulate appropriate research design and methodology suitable for their thesis.
- Specialised Courses: (3 Modules: 9 credits)
Area of Specialisation/ Literature Review
Students are required to do three specialised modules, based on their area of specialisation [ Inter-cultural Studies/History/Leadership/Pastoral Studies], which are foundational for their discipline. Studying these modules will enable them to develop adequate literature for their research thesis.
- Electives Courses: Choice of Modules (2 Modules: 6 credits)
An additional two modules are required as electives as students can choose from a pool of modules, with the help of their Head of the Departments (HODs), which are pertinent for their research.
- Practicum: Spiritual Formation (1 Module: 3 credits)
All students are required to do a three year long, ongoing practicum of Spiritual formation, which accounts for a total of 3 credits [1 credit for each year]
- Thesis Proposal and Defence: (1 Module: 3 credits)
- Thesis Research, Writing, Defence (5 Modules: 15 credits)
The entire thesis project, which includes research, writing and defence, will account for 15 credits. A supervisor/mentor, who is a specialist in the area of research, will be provided during that process. While they provide valuable inputs in the process, the responsibility of completing the research project lies primarily with the student.
No. COURSES MODULES CREDITS 1. Core/Common 3
9
2. Specialization 3
9
3. Electives 2
6
4. Practicum 1
3
5. Thesis Proposal 1
3
6. Thesis Research/Writing/Defence 5
15
TOTAL 15
45
Details of a typical DMin module
Each module is of three credit and will be of one-month duration, incorporating learning through Zoom (synchronous) and Moodle learning platform (asynchronous). Each credit hour requires 2000 minutes of learning, which means that a three credit module will require 6000 minutes of learning, that is 100-120 learning hours. Detailed information on learning hour allocation for each academic activity such as reading, writing, fieldwork etc. shall be sent separately to the registered candidates.
Thesis Project
The thesis writing begins in the second year. The DMin thesis must be of 35000 to 40000 words in length with 1.5-line spacing (excluding appendices). The thesis project will constitute 15 Credits. Students will be regularly in touch with their thesis supervisor, and the supervisor will provide quarterly progress reports to the Academic Dean during the writing process.
Completion Requirements
The programme requires completion of all the modules, along with the thesis. To obtain candidacy, that is, permission to continue and write a thesis, students need an average of at least 55% (B+) in the nine modules studied during the course work and must clear the stage of thesis proposal development and defence.
Residence and Library
Students can avail guest facilities at SAIACS on the payment of additional costs for boarding and lodging. During residence, the library facility will be available, and students will be allowed to check-out books, which must be promptly returned before they leave campus. SAIACS library has a collection of nearly 60,000 books. SAIACS library catalogue and all electronic resources are now accessible from off-campus through EZProxy. It facilitates students and faculty to access library resources from any location.
Period of Study
DMin can be completed within three years, but the candidate is allowed up to 5 years with an extension of fees. If the student takes beyond five years, the registration expires, and the student has to re-register for the programme.
- COST OF THE PROGAMME
The cost for the entire programme is kept very reasonable with the possibility of scholarship for eligible students.
Please email the Academic Coordinator for more details (dminstudies@saiacs.net).