PEACE STUDIES PROGRAM
Master of Theology (Th.M.)
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
“Restoring community and building a lasting peace through the church”
“Application Deadline for the fourth cohort (which begins classes July 2019) is February 11, 2019. Apply Soon!”
PROGRAM MISSION
The Peace Studies program is designed to develop servant-steward leaders who will model and teach their churches and other ministries how to respond to conflict with biblically based, Christ-centered reconciliation (2 Cor 5:17-20; Mt 5:23-24). As a result, these ministries can more effectively fulfill the Great Commandment and Great Commission in a broken world. The program is focused on preparing trainers of ministry leaders (2 Tim 2:2).
PROGRAM VISION
Resolving conflicts is not the ultimate purpose of our efforts, though that is an important step of obedience! We envision a growing movement of men and women, who will, as servant-steward leaders, practice, motivate and train their church communities in the skills of building a biblically based, Christ-centered culture of peace.
We envision the church in Asia becoming spiritually and relationally healthy, effectively resolving conflict in a faithful and God-honoring way. The result will be a radiant church more effectively fulfilling its calling to the ministry of reconciliation: reconciling people to God, to each other in community, and to each other between communities.
PROGRAM FORMAT
This is a non-residential, modular program offering three, week-long intensive residential courses a year for the first three years. Participants take these core courses as a cohort.
Courses are offered each July for the first three years of the program. After three weeks of intensive study, another week involves debrief, personal mentoring, and library research to round out the month. The PhD program involves more courses after the first three years, some of which are conducted on line. This format allows busy ministry leaders and faculty to continue in their work while decreasing travel costs.
PROGRAM DEGREE OPTIONS
The ThM degree (33 semester credits, three years of course work, finished in 3-4 yrs part time study) – meets the needs of those who anticipate teaching in undergraduate or masters level contexts.
Their thesis literature research helps them to upgrade their teaching and writing as they explore in more depth a focused area of biblical peacemaking. (Optional non-thesis track available.)
The DMin degree (39 semester credits, three years of course work, finished in 4-5 yrs part time study) – meets the needs of those whose primary calling is in high level leadership of pastoral ministry, parachurch ministry, or NGO work; or those in education and training work.
Their dissertation research is focused on applying peacemaking theory and qualitative research skills to practical ministry problems. This degree enhances their impact as peacemakers and as trainers of peacemakers.
The PhD degree (60 semester credits, four years of course work, finished in 5-6 yrs part time study) – meets the needs of those teaching at the masters or doctoral level, or those who are high level practitioners needing enhanced credibility in government, community or ministry representation.
Further content mastery and skill development are combined with original qualitative research and academic writing for the dissertation. This degree equips participants to be thought leaders, practitioners and influencers in their various fields of service.
The Diploma – If a program participant satisfactorily completes course work and exhibits baseline ministry competency, but for various reasons cannot finish the a degree, consideration may be given for granting a “Graduate Diploma in Peace Studies” in place of a degree.
What Makes This Program Unique?
- Core biblical values – We believe that the cross of Christ, His church, the authority of God’s Word and sensitive cultural application are central to biblical peacemaking. This extends to the role the heart plays in conflict and the way leadership is expressed.
- Non-residential format – The program can be completed while you continue in your ministry. Intensive modular courses limit your time away. Your practicum work is done in your ministry context, and on-line tutored elective courses allow you to do some of your study from home.
- International learning community – You take courses in a cohort with participants from a variety of countries in Asia and Africa, forming a lively learning community that benefits from shared life experience. International faculty all with peacemaking experience, will be your mentors and guides. Participants from previous cohorts also expand the network.
- Personal mentoring – International and local mentors are involved, both in Manila and in your home context.
- Customized learning – Three degree options, flexible course assignments, personal mentoring, elective courses, and individual research all contribute to a program relevant to your cultural and ministry context.
You learn to reconcile your own relationships, gain skills to assist interpersonal conflict resolution, then study and apply community peacemaking strategies.
PROGRAM VALUES
- Centrality of Christ – Genuine peace comes from living reconciled relationships through the truth, justice and grace found in the cross of Christ.
- Calling of the Church – A transformed church has a transforming presence. True Christ followers live reconciled relationships, growing to become peacemakers, impacting surrounding communities.
- Necessity of Biblical Counseling – Conflict involves material matters tied to relational heart issues. Conflict resolution includes dealing with destructive desires of our hearts that affect others.
- Authority of God’s Word – The Bible speaks with universal principles to conflict issues. Various insights, often discovered through sensitive dialog, help guide wise application of God’s truth to all of life.
- Model of Leadership – Servant Steward leaders compassionately serve God and people, fulfilling kingdom purposes, and giving an account for the truth, people and opportunities entrusted to them.
- Dynamic of Learning Environments – Program participants are valued as adult learners whose life experiences and interaction enrich classroom, field, and mentored learning environments.
- Balance of Program Elements – Program participants are developed in the knowledge, character and skills needed for effectively practicing and equipping others in biblical peacemaking.
Hosted by
International Graduate School of Leadership(IGSL)
What Are Participants Saying?
“The program becomes a life-formation process, not just classroom education! The mentoring aspect of the program was excellent . . . As we take what we’ve learned and apply it, it will be powerful for our organizations.”
“I appreciate the learning community & network of international relationships . . . [The new friendships] are really valuable. I did not expect this in a doctoral program!”
“Our goal isn’t to simply understand conflict, but to resolve it! I believe that’s what differentiates this program from other degrees – – you don’t only study peace, but you are equipped to be a peacemaker.”
“My personal life and ministry have been transformed!”
PROGRAM CONTENT
The Th.M., D.Min. and Ph.D. share core courses:
Core: (8 courses of 3 credits + 2 practica of 1.5 credits = 27 credits)
- Personal Life and Ministry Assessment
- Theology and Practice of Personal Peacemaking
- Negotiation
- Coaching and Mediation
- Comparative Peace Systems
- Building A Culture of Peace
- Community and Inter-Faith Conflict
- Introduction to Qualitative Research
ThM: Add 6 credits = 1 elective of 3 credits + thesis of 3 credits
DMin: Add 12 credits = 1 elective + Field Research Methods (3 credits) + dissertation (6 credits)
PhD: Add 33 credits = 4 electives + Field Research Methods + 2 practica (3 credits each) + comprehensive exams + proposal writing/defense (3 credits) + dissertation(9 credits)
Electives include: (offered as residential, on-line, or mentored tutorials)
- Community Development and Peace Building
- Shame, Honor and Story Telling in Peacemaking
- Economics and Restorative Justice in Peacemaking
- Healing Wounds of Violence, Trauma, Abuse
- Peacemaking in Marriage and Family
- Teaching and Curriculum Development
APPLICATION AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Th.M. applicants must have at least an M.A. with graduate level Bible/theology (12 sem. credits), practical ministry (12 sem. credits), and research courses (6 sem. credits).
D.Min. applicants must have an M.Div. degree or equivalent.
Ph.D. applicants must have at least an M.A. (see details for Th.M.).
One set of application forms is used for this joint program. All applicants must have at least four years of vocational ministry/work experience after their masters degree; and meet other character, ministry, and academic standards appropriate to the program.
Applicants need a grade point average (GPA) of “B+” or above (3.3 on 1-4 scale, 4 high) for their masteral work.If an applicant’s masteral study or GPA do not meet admission standards, leveling courses may be required and/or admission under academic probation may be allowed.
Applicants whose mother tongue is not English must demonstrate adequate English proficiency by means of TOEFL (minimum 550) or the IGSL English Proficiency Test (minimum 85).
BASIC FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Application fee – US$ 50.00
Tuition (per credit)
US$ 75.00 (from developing countries)
US$ 150.00 (from developed countries)
Estimated total cost for participants from Two-thirds world (developing) countries – e.g., most Asian & African countries:
(Note – These estimates include much more than tuition!)
Th.M. US$ 7,300 (includes tuition for courses, practica, thesis research & writing; also books, fees, lodging & food; but does not include transportation costs)
D.Min. US$ 8,900 (includes tuition, as well as books, fees, lodging, food; does not include transportation)
Ph.D. US$ 11,700 (includes tuition, as well as books, fees, lodging, food; does not include transportation)
Estimated total cost for participants from other (developed) countries – e.g., Hong Kong, Singapore, N. Zealand, Australia, N. America
(Note – These estimates include much more than tuition!)
Th.M. US$ 10,700 (includes tuition for courses, practica, thesis research/writing; as well as fees, books, lodging & food; but does not include transportation costs)
D.Min. US$ 12,900 (includes tuition, as well as books, fees, lodging, food; does not include transportation)
Ph.D. US$ 17,400 (includes tuition, as well as books, fees, lodging, food; does not include transportation)
Program Director
Dr. Aldrin Peñamora, PhD Theology Major in Christian Ethics (Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, USA)
Executive Director, Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Commission of Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches
FURTHER INFORMATION and APPLICATION FORMS
Please see the IGSL website. Look for the D.Min./Th.M.-Ph.D. in Peace Studies page at: http://www.igsl.asia
For help in applying or for answers to questions, please contact:
Vivian Tica (vtica@igsl.asia), Administrative Director
Grace Ang (rang@igsl.asia), Administrative Assistant
DMin/ThM-PhD in Peace Studies Program
QCCPO Box 1495
Quezon City, MM 1100 Philippines