DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY (ThD)

DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY (ThD)

Candidates for the Doctor of Theology degree plan complete a minimum of 60 credit hours depending on their course of study. The minimum expected time for completing the doctorate is 4 to 5 years. Students who enroll in more than 12 credit hours per semester need written permission of the HUGS Academic Board.

HUGS acknowledges that entering students bring vast life experiences and skill sets. Students may receive a maximum of 18 graduate credit hours for equivalency and/or honoring of additional courses completed at other colleges and universities. Students must complete a portfolio to be submitted to the Academic Review and Admissions Committee for approval of equivalency credit as well as approval for honoring the additional courses completed at other colleges and universities.

Holos utilizes distance learning accomplished by working with instructors using email and attending video conference classes.  There may be a few courses that require attendance at a 1 to 5-day residency.  Residency locations and dates are posted on the HUGS Official Calendar.

All courses carry one to three (3) hours of credit, except 996 Dissertation Preliminaries. This course is a four (4) credit hour course.

Option 1: Doctorate - Human Study Research

1. The Doctorate, with a Human Study Research Project, degree plan is made up of core requirements, electives, and a minimum of thirteen (13) credit hours of Dissertation Research courses. Elective courses may be used to identify a special emphasis area of study.
2. Initially, the student is assigned an advisor. Once the core required academic courses are completed the student is assigned a committee consisting of a Chairperson, two committee members, and one alternate committee member. The student will work with their advisor and committee Chairperson to determine the appropriate electives for their degree plan special emphasis. The final decision on elective courses will be based on their relevance to the student's passion, interest, and the specific topic they chose upon entering graduate school.
3. Following completion of all academic core required courses and electives, the committee Chairperson will assist the student in finalizing a "type" of research project.
4. A Doctorate with Human Study Research requires the student to enroll in 996-Dissertation Preliminaries course first, followed by 997-Dissertation Research, 998-Dissertation Writing and finally, 999-Dissertation Presentation & Oral Defense. These four courses are designed to complete a human studies research project. Upon complete of the actual research project and the final approved dissertation manuscript, the student sits for an oral exam, conducted by videoconference. The oral exam, as well as a power point presentation of the students project are required elements to earn the Doctor of Theology degree.
5. There are two courses that are required prior to beginning the dissertation phase. They are 737-Research Methods and 767-Statistical Methods in Research. The student may receive permission to enroll in both 767-Statistical Methods in Research and 996-Dissertation Preliminaries in the same semester.
6. Required for graduation; each student's course work shall average a grade point of "B" (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better.

   Credits: 60 credit hour minimum

   NOTE: The thirteen (13) credit hours for dissertation courses (996/997/998/999) are a minimum requirement. If the student fails to complete the assignments in any course within the allotted credit hours for that course, then they will enter into continuous enrollment in that course with a minimum of three credit hours each semester until the degree requirements are completely satisfied.

**** In compliance with United States federal law and to ensure the integrity and safety of all participants, research involving more than a single case study subject must comply with all ethical guidelines. Researchers are required to complete Human Study Ethics Research Training with the CITI Program from the University of Miami. Additionally, all research protocols must have approval from a recognized Human Study Ethics Review Board (IRB) prior to working with subjects.

Option 2: Doctorate - Literature Review Critical Analysis

1. A Doctorate with a Literature Review Critical Analysis degree plan is made up of core requirements, electives, and nine (9) credit hours of dissertation courses. Elective courses may be used to identify a special emphasis area of study.
2. Initially, the student is assigned an advisor. Once the core required academic courses are completed the student is assigned a committee consisting of a Chairperson, two committee members, and one alternate committee member. The student will work with their advisor and committee Chairperson to determine the appropriate electives for their degree plan special emphasis. The final decision on elective courses will be based on their relevance to the student's passion, interest, and the specific topic they chose upon entering graduate school.
3. Following completion of all academic core required courses and electives, the committee Chairperson will assist the student in finalizing a "type" of research project.
4. A Doctorate with a Literature Review Critical Analysis requires the student to enroll in 980-Dissertation Lit Review Preliminaries course first, followed by 981-Dissertation Lit Review Writing and finally, 982-Dissertation Lit Rev Presentation & Oral Defense. These Three courses are designed to complete a critical analysis of existing studies. The analysis requires an understanding of research methods and statistics. Upon completion of the final approved dissertation manuscript, the student sits for an oral exam, conducted by videoconference. The oral exam, as well as a power point presentation of the students project are required elements to earn the Doctor of Theology degree.
5. Required for graduation; each student's course work shall average a grade point of "B" (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better.

   Credits: 60 credit hour minimum.

   NOTE: The nine (9) credit hours for dissertation literature review courses (980/981/982) are a minimum requirement. If the student fails to complete the assignments in any course within the allotted credit hours for that course, then they will enter into continuous enrollment in that course with a minimum of three credit hours each semester until the degree requirements are completely satisfied.