Doctor of Theology (D.Th.)
Advanced Scripture-centered scholarship in eschatology, the Book of Revelation, Christian counseling, apologetic defense of doctrine, and doctoral theological research.
Advanced theological scholarship rooted in Scripture.
The Doctor of Theology is the terminal theological degree in the DHBC academic pathway. Doctoral scholars engage concentrated study in eschatology, Revelation, Christian counseling, apologetic reasoning, Christian worldview, and disciplined theological research.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”2 TIMOTHY 2:15 · KING JAMES VERSION
Write, reason, serve, and present at the doctoral level.
The doctoral experience expects professional theological writing and presentation, Christ-centered ministry practice, serious engagement with Scripture and research, and advanced Christian worldview and apologetic reasoning.
From biblical origins and Revelation into Christian counseling and spiritual care.
The doctoral curriculum is organized in two concentrations that culminate in substantial theological research and professional presentation.
Eschatology & Revelation
- Genesis to Revelation FrameworkEternity Past, creation, sin, promise, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and biblical-historical evidence.
- Sun-Clothed Woman & DragonPromised Seed, conflict, Revelation patterns, relevance, and primary themes.
- John the RevelatorPatmos, the Lord’s Day, the appearance of Jesus, and biblical symbols.
- Seven Churches of Asia MinorEphesus through Laodicea, their messages, warnings, and church conditions.
- End of the Church AgeRapture, resurrection, heavenly throne room, and the sealed book.
- Tribulation & JudgmentsSeals, trumpets, witnesses, Antichrist, false prophet, bowls, and Armageddon.
- Eternity FutureSecond Coming, reign of Christ, judgments, final defeat of Satan, and the New Beginning.
Christian Counseling & Spiritual Care
- Foundations of Christian CounselingIntroductory counseling issues and the relationship of the Church to counseling.
- Moral, Legal & Ethical IssuesResponsible practice, boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical concerns.
- Emotional & Developmental ConcernsProminent emotional issues and developmental perspectives.
- Interpersonal & Family IssuesIdentity, family, relationships, and concerns involving control.
- Addictions, Crisis & TraumaPastoral and counseling engagement with high-need situations.
- Spiritual IssuesChristian worldview, spiritual care, and ministry responsibility.
- Counseling the CounselorSelf-awareness, stewardship, and the wellbeing of those who serve others.
Body Pages
Doctoral dissertation requirement, in addition to applicable preliminary and reference material.
Research that demonstrates disciplined theological scholarship.
The dissertation should develop a researchable theological argument supported by Scripture, credible scholarship, Christian worldview, apologetic reasoning, disciplined analysis, and ethical writing.
- Develop approximately 100 body pages in addition to applicable preliminary and reference material.
- Build a researchable theological argument rather than using personal opinion as the primary idea.
- Use Scripture across the Old and New Testaments and narrow biblical evidence to the approved research question.
- Demonstrate Christian worldview and apologetic defense of doctrine where appropriate.
- Use credible academic and theological sources within a systematic, documented argument.
- Integrate the Gospel of Jesus Christ appropriately within the student’s field of study.
A disciplined movement from observation to presentation.
Observe
Identify the text, issue, context, facts, patterns, and relevant evidence.
Interpret
Analyze meaning through Scripture, theology, research, context, and disciplined reasoning.
Apply / Defend
Explain theological significance, ministry implications, Christian worldview, and appropriate apologetic response.
Present
Write clearly, document sources, organize the argument, and prepare for academic or public presentation.
Advanced writing requires careful stewardship of people and information.
Confidentiality
Doctoral writing should avoid identifying family members, peers, counseling subjects, ministry participants, or sensitive relationships without permission. Professional roles, de-identification, composite examples, and other ethical methods should be used when appropriate.
Academic Integrity
Doctoral scholarship should distinguish documented evidence from personal opinion, use credible sources, engage Scripture carefully, and present arguments with professional theological and academic discipline.
Preparation for terminal theological study.
- Master degree or approved graduate theological preparation.
- Readiness for advanced theological research, academic writing, and doctoral-level presentation.
- Ability to engage Scripture, Christian worldview, apologetic reasoning, and credible research sources.
- Commitment to the program’s minimum cumulative GPA standard of 3.5 (A-).
- Participation in required doctoral assignments, examinations, Chapel Day, and graduation requirements.
What doctoral graduates should be prepared to demonstrate.
Eschatological Interpretation
Interpret major themes, movements, symbols, judgments, and future events presented in Revelation within the program’s eschatological framework.
Counseling Evaluation
Evaluate selected counseling issues through biblical, ethical, relational, developmental, family, crisis, and spiritual-care perspectives.
Doctoral Argument
Construct and defend a theological argument using Scripture, credible research, Christian worldview, and apologetic reasoning.
Ethical Scholarship
Demonstrate ethical and confidential scholarly practice when discussing persons, ministry experiences, counseling concerns, and sensitive information.
Dissertation
Complete and present a substantial doctoral dissertation demonstrating advanced theological research and ministry application.
Professional Presentation
Communicate advanced theological learning with clarity, documentation, disciplined reasoning, and responsible public presentation.
Doctoral completion reflects scholarship, formation, and institutional accountability.
Completion Standards
- Complete 35 doctoral credit hours in the approved D.Th. curriculum.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 (A-).
- Complete the 100-body-page dissertation and required doctoral assignments, examinations, and presentations.
- Participate in Chapel Day and graduation.
- Satisfy applicable academic and financial clearance requirements.
Designated Study Resources
- I Believe. I’ll Testify! — Rev. Dr. Mary Elizabeth LeSure.
- The Holy Bible — King James Version, Red Letter Edition, with study tools and helps.
- Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide — Gary R. Collins.
- Eternity Past to Eternity Future — Rev. Dr. Mary Elizabeth LeSure, CPE.
- Panorama Study No. 4: The Book of Revelation — Alfred Thompson Eade.
Tuition and fee notice
Registration, assessment, books or materials, graduation, transcript, and other program-related charges may be assessed separately. Students should review the current enrollment agreement and payment schedule before enrollment. The amount stated in the student’s current signed enrollment agreement governs if a later approved schedule differs.
Faith-based quality assurance and accountability.
Destiny of HOPE Bible College identifies the Association of Independent Christian Colleges and Seminaries (AICCS) as its accrediting body and represents the College as fully accredited through AICCS.
Students should confirm receiving-institution requirements.
Accreditation does not guarantee that credits or credentials will be accepted by another college, university, seminary, employer, licensing agency, or professional body. Acceptance is determined by the receiving institution or organization.
A theological academic credential.
Prepare for terminal theological study at Destiny of HOPE Bible College.
Speak with DHBC about doctoral entrance requirements, current enrollment dates, dissertation expectations, and the Doctor of Theology pathway.
