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Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies
The Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies is designed to prepare students for academic teaching, research, and service in a variety of professions in which interpersonal relationships are of great importance. As a result of its flexibility and structure, this unique degree program will attract students from various academic and professional backgrounds including human services, business, education, and ministry. Students enrolled in the PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies can tailor their educational experience to meet the requirements of a changing workforce and societal demands. Upon acceptance to the PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies degree program, the student will choose courses from multiple disciplines (i.e. Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Leadership, Ministry, and Biblical Studies) and design an individual plan of study with guidance from his or her Faculty Mentor and Academic Advisor. By combining core courses designed to provide an advanced understanding of research methodologies with concentration courses that allow each student to acquire specialized knowledge and skills across multiple disciplines, graduates will be uniquely prepared to make a positive impact within their communities and churches at both the individual and organizational levels.
Upon completion of the program the graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct original research and interpret and evaluate findings from other research studies;
- Utilize perspectives and theoretical constructs from multiple disciplines to critically analyze and make decisions concerning contemporary issues and problems;
- Communicate effectively, both written and orally, in scholarly and professional settings;
Time Normally Required to Complete the Program
The Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies may be completed in four years attending full-time. A student may take the courses on a part-time or full-time basis. This estimate includes coursework and the writing and acceptance of the dissertation.
Required Courses for the Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies
The Course Requirements of 51 semester credit hours for the degree program Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies consists of research courses (12 semester hours), academic areas courses (24 semester hours), a comprehensive examination (3 semester hours), and dissertation courses (12 semester hours).
Research Courses for the Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies | Sem. Hrs. | |||
Sequence A is suggested for those students with an academic background and/or primary research emphasis in Biblical Studies. Sequence B is suggested for all others. Once a sequence is selected, students must take all 12 hours in that sequence. | ||||
Research Sequence A | 12 | |||
FD 9300 | Research in Biblical Doctrine | 3 | ||
FD 9305 | Research Analysis of the Origin and History of the Bible | 3 | ||
RS 9339 | Research and Evaluation | 3 | ||
TH 9309 | Research in New Testament Theology | 3 | ||
– OR – | ||||
TH 9318 | Research In Old Testament Theology | |||
Research Sequence B | 12 | |||
RS 9320 | Research Methodology | 3 | ||
RS 9321 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | ||
RS 9322 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | ||
RS 9323 | Advanced Quantitative Design and Analysis | 3 | ||
– OR – | ||||
RS 9324 | Advanced Qualitative Design and Analysis | |||
Total Research Hours for Doctoral Degree | 12 | |||
Required Foundation Course for the Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies | ||||
FD 9301 | Foundations and Advanced Scholarly Writing for Doctoral Study | 3 | ||
Total Required Hours 3 | ||||
Interdisciplinary Academic Areas Courses | ||||
Students choose courses from the current graduate courses offered at Amridge University. A minimum of two disciplines is required. No more than 4 courses can be taken from the following disciplines. | 21 | |||
– Education, Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling | ||||
– Leadership | ||||
– Ministry | ||||
– Biblical Studies | ||||
– Curriculum and Instruction | ||||
Total Interdisciplinary Academic Areas Hours for Doctoral Degree | 21 | |||
Qualifying Examination for the Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies | ||||
RI 9300 | Qualifying Examination for Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies | 3 | ||
Total Qualifying Examination Hours for Doctoral Degree | 3 | |||
Research Dissertation Modules for the Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies | ||||
RI 9301 | Research Dissertation in Interdisciplinary Studies Module 1 | 3 | ||
RI 9302 | Research Dissertation in Interdisciplinary Studies Module 2 | 3 | ||
RI 9303 | Research Dissertation in Interdisciplinary Studies Module 3 | 3 | ||
RI 9304 | Research Dissertation in Interdisciplinary Studies Module 4 | 3 | ||
Total Research Dissertation Module Hours for Doctoral Degree | 12 | |||
Total Hours for Doctoral Degree | 51 |
Amridge University recognizes that students transferring from other institutions may have earned academic credit that is applicable to their Academic Plan at the University. Students may be eligible to transfer up to 12 semester hours of coursework into the Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies.
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