DOCTORAL PROGRAMS

GSST offers the following Doctoral programs:

DOCTOR OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES (DRS)

 DOCTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (DCE)

 DOCTOR OF STEWARDSHIP (DS)

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY (DMIN)

DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY (THD)

Applicants for the Doctor of Religious Studies (DRS), Doctor of Christian Education (DCE), and Doctor of Stewardship (DS) programs require an earned, 32 Semester Unit Graduate degree (or its equivalent) in a qualifying discipline. Candidates must successfully complete a total of 51 Semester Units to earn the degree.

Applicants for the GSST Doctor of Stewardship (DS), Doctor of Ministry (DMin), or Doctor of Theology (ThD) programs must possess an earned, three year Master of Divinity or Master of Theology degree (or the equivalent).  Candidates must successfully complete 39 Semester Units to complete the degree.

Candidates desirous of contributing to the field of Biblical knowledge and/or the pastoral calling through studies other than offered may petition the Academic Advisory Committee for permission to undertake such studies. A Faculty Advisor shall be assigned to assist the Candidate in selecting and designing the curriculum of study. The course of study must then be submitted to the Academic Advisory Committee.

All Doctoral Candidates must take RE911 (Research Methods) unless they have already successfully completed the course at GSST or meet the course requirements through completion of a similar course through another institution. If the Candidate is required to take the course, he/she should take it just prior to or in conjunction with the Proposal Phase of the Dissertation or Doctoral Project.

Candidates may transfer a maximum of nine units into the Doctor of Stewardship, Doctor of Ministry, or Doctor of Theology programs. These nine units may come from another institution, or through the acceptance of a Candidate prepared Ministerial Experience Portfolio.

The cost of GSST graduate programs are listed on our tuition page.  For detailed tuition  payment plans.

DOCTOR OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES (DRS)
(51 UNITS REQUIRED)

The GSST Doctor of Religious Studies degree is designed for those individuals who want to complete a post-graduate program, but who lack the normal prerequisite Master of Divinity or Master of Theology degree. Candidates who possess an earned, 32-unit Master’s degree in any discipline may be eligible for the Doctor of Religious Studies degree program.

Candidates may transfer a maximum of 15 units into the Doctor of Religious Studies degree program. These units may come from another institution, or through the acceptance of a Candidate prepared Ministerial Experience Portfolio.

A total of 51 units are required for this degree.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

1. An earned 32-unit Master’s Degree in any discipline.
2. An entrance GPA of at least 3.0.
3. A minimum of three (3) years of ministerial experience (professional or lay ministry).

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

1. Candidates must complete 51 units of post-graduate level coursework.
2. Candidates may transfer a maximum of nine (9) post-graduate units into the DRS program.
3. Candidates must maintain a 3.5 GPA to maintain enrollment in the program.
4. Candidates must participate in the GSST Monthly Payment Plan.Candidates must complete a minimum of 36 required units, including the three (3) unit Research Course and the six (6) unit Dissertation.  If the candidate has completed the same or similar course as the requirement, another course may be taken as an Elective.
5. Candidates may select as electives any courses totaling 15 units to complete the 51 unit requirement for graduation. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that students take BI921 HERMENEUTICS as one of their Elective courses.

REQUIRED COURSES

For detailed tuition payment plan for this program

For detailed tuition  payment plan for this program.
 

DOCTOR OF STEWARDSHIP (DS)
(51 UNITS REQUIRED)

The Doctor of Stewardship degree is designed for those Candidates whose present or future ministry will require an exacting knowledge of this subject. Christian stewardship principles, as well as active participation in the field of Stewardship, are required for this advanced degree. Students may enter this degree program with a qualifying graduate degree of 32 units or more.

Candidates may transfer up to 15 units into the DS degrees program. These units may come from another institution, or as the result of an acceptable Ministerial Experience Portfolio.

A total of 51 units are required for this degree.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

1. An earned, 32 unit Graduate degree in any discipline.
2. An entrance GPA of at least 3.0.
3. A minimum of five years of ministerial experience (professional or lay ministry, or a combination of the two equaling five years.)

PROGRAM REQUIREMENT

1. Candidates must complete 51 units of post-graduate coursework.
2. Candidates may transfer a maximum of 15 units into the DRS program.
3. Candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA to maintain enrollment in the program.
4. Candidates must participate in the GSST Monthly Payment Plan.
5. Candidates must complete a minimum of 36 required units, including the three (3) unit Research Course and the six (6) unit Dissertation.  If the candidate has completed the same or similar course as the requirement, another course may be taken as an elective. A total of 15 units may be transferred into the DS program.
6. Candidates may select as electives any courses totaling 15 units to complete the 51 unit requirement for graduation.

REQUIRED COURSES

For detailed tuition  payment plan for this program.
 

DOCTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (DCE)
(51 UNITS REQUIRED)

The GSST Doctor of Christian Education (DCE) degree is designed for those who seek ministry in the discipline of Christian Education. Candidates must possess a relevant Master’s degree of at least 32 units.

Candidates may transfer a maximum of 15 units into the Doctor of Religious Studies degree program. These units may come from another institution, or through the acceptance of a Candidate prepared Ministerial Experience Portfolio.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

1. An earned 32-unit Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
2. An entrance GPA of at least 3.0
3. A minimum of three years of ministerial experience (professional or lay ministry).

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

1. Candidates must complete a total of 51units of post-graduate coursework with GSST.
2. Candidates may transfer a maximum of nine (9) post-graduate units into the DCE program.
3. Candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the program.
4. Candidates must participate in the GSST Monthly Payment Plan.
5. Candidates must complete the 39 required units, including the three (3) unit Research Course and the six (6) unit Dissertation or Project. If the candidate has completed the same or a similar course as the requirement, another course may be taken as an Elective.
6. Candidates must select as electives any courses totaling 12 units to complete the required units.

REQUIRED COURSES

For detailed tuition  payment plan for this program.

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY (DMin)
(39 SEMESTER UNITS)

The GSST Doctor of Ministry degree requires each Candidate to successfully complete a CORE CURRICULUM of 12 Credit Units PLUS the nine Credit Unit Doctoral Dissertation or Project (the nine credit units includes RE911, Research Methods).  Once the Candidate has completed the CORE CURRICULUM, he/she may select any other courses in the GSST Post-Graduate curriculum to complete the remaining Credit Unit requirement.  This Doctor of Ministry program allows each Candidate a maximum degree of  flexibility in the design of their degree program.

This terminal degree will integrate the course work of the Candidate with his/her current ministry in order to maximize the academic and experience relationship. The resulting synthesis of learning and implementation can only be achieved through an external study program.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

1. In addition to an earned four year Bachelor’s Degree (or its equivalent), e an earned, 90 Semester Units (minimum) Master’s Degree in a field which will have directly prepared the Candidate for this highly specialized program of study. (Preferably a Master of Divinity degree.)
2. A total of 27 Semester Hours of post-graduate study must be completed through GSST, PLUS a Dissertation or Project, for the degree to be earned. A total of nine (9) units may be transferred into the DMin program.
3. Candidates should anticipate the Dissertation or Project Phase to require about one year for completion.

ALL CANDIDATES MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CORE CURRICULUM.

*NOTE: Students may concentrate in specific areas, i.e. Biblical Studies, Old Testament, New Testament, and Theology. etc. This means the student completes the Electives allowed in a specific area. When such concentration is accomplished, the diploma shall make reference to that concentration.

For detailed tuition  payment plan for this program.

DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY (ThD)
(39 SEMESTER UNITS)

This terminal degree provides the ultimate opportunity to become a major resource person in practical theological knowledge. This degree requires maximum commitment of the Candidate. Should the Candidate desire to contribute in a field of religious knowledge other than offered, he/she may petition the Academic Advisory Committee for consideration.  This degree program consists of a CORE CURRICULUM of 15 Credit Units Plus the Doctoral Dissertation or Project, which is worth a total of 6 Credit Units.  (Candidates must also take RE911, Research Methods, if they have not already completed a course in this area.)  A Faculty Advisor shall be assigned at that time to assist the Candidate in the preparation of a formal Petition.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

1. In addition to an earned four year’s Bachelor degree, the Candidate must have an earned 90 Semester Unit (minimum) Master’s Degree in a field which has directly prepared him/her for this highly specialized program. In addition, the Candidate must have an earned Master of Theology degree (either equal to in credit or beyond the Master of Divinity).
2. A total of 27 Semester Hours of post-graduate study must be completed through Golden State School of Theology, plus a Dissertation or Project. Candidates may transfer a total of nine (9) units into the ThD program.
3. The Candidate should expect the Dissertation or Project Phase to require at least one year.

 CORE CURRICULUM REQUIRED OF ALL CANDIDATES

C900 Orientation (If this course has been completed at another level, the candidate may select any other course in its place. 

*RE911 is required if the student has not take RE511 or its equivalent in the Master's Program.  It is the basis  for research.

For detailed tuition  payment plan for this program.