Rankings

Top 5 Best Online Doctor of Missiology Degrees

Written by Grad School Center Team We are a passionate team of experienced educators and advisors at GradSchoolCenter.com, dedicated to guiding students through their graduate education journey. Our experts, with advanced degrees across various disciplines, offer personalized advice, up-to-date program information, and practical insights into application processes.

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: March 13, 2024, Reading time: 20 minutes

Online Doctor of Missiology - featured image

Find your perfect college degree

Grad School Center is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

The world needs balance. While some people are destined for the corporate world, some are destined to become ministry leaders. People who want to become part of the church, study God’s word, and conduct spiritual formation work, will find a degree similar to a Ministry program, such as Missiology, satisfying.

Holders of a master’s degree in Religion, Theology, and similar related fields should consider a Doctor of Missiology degree. While there are Missiology doctorate degrees you can earn online, theological schools often require on-campus or face-to-face meetings. On-campus sessions are typically essential in Ministry Leadership degrees, helping students obtain hands-on learning.

Quick audio summary:

Overview

In the study of missions, Missiology is the term used to describe Christian cross-cultural activities such as ministry in Christian universities, seminaries, and other institutional settings where missionary work is studied. Missiology is a great substitute for ministry programs, and a doctorate in this field is a possible path for holders of a Theological master’s degree.

Methodology

If Missiology is a specific religious career path you are seriously considering, earning a doctorate gives you a huge advantage! Our list comprises five of the country’s top-rated grad schools and grad programs, and each of them excels because of these features:

Find out what goes into our doctorate program ranking process. Read our Methodology page.

Grad School Center is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Today’s Best Online Doctor of Missiology Programs

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Doctor of Missiology

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary offers a Doctor of Missiology that students can acquire through online learning. The online program requires students to complete 64 credit hours in 3 years; however, students can also petition the admissions counselor to extend the program length if they cannot complete coursework within the allotted time. 

Most students who have completed undergraduate programs are working in Christian ministry positions looking to advance skills and knowledge; hence, the privilege of a petition and flexible online curriculum.

Admission requirements include a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Missiology degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher. Additional requirements also include a minimum of two years of ministry practice. GMAT and GRE scores are not required, but non-native students should submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language.

The Doctor of Missiology degree program at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is designed to help master-level students advance their careers through a cohort-based learning format. Students will be able to demonstrate their capacity to serve, teach, and research the philosophical, historical, biblical, and anthropological disciplines.

Grace Mission University

Grace Mission University
Doctor of Missiology

Grace Mission University offers an online Doctor of Missiology degree program. Students must complete instruction that lasts 40 hours per course, or 8 hours per day, over one week (5 days) to complete the doctoral degree program. A student may enroll in 1-3 courses per semester. The last requirement to graduate is a dissertation, which allows students to demonstrate advanced knowledge and ministry skills acquired throughout the program.

To apply, students must have a Master of Divinity degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, candidates must be actively participating in a Christian ministry and have at least three years of experience in or on missions.

In addition to online courses, DMiss students are required to complete a classroom experience, such as the three one-week residency periods in January, July, and August. This coursework allows online students to collaborate with peers and faculty members in a seminar-style interaction. 

The faculty member works as a conversation facilitator in a friendly environment, bringing thorough analysis, critical thinking, integration, and application to the subject using their academic and professional expertise.

Southeastern University

Southeastern University
Doctor of Missiology

Southeastern University offers a Doctor of Missiology degree that is available online. Students are required to complete it. Students must complete 30 credits and graduate in three years through an online learning environment. A doctoral research project and intensive face-to-face coursework will be added to the program’s twice-yearly face-to-face sessions.

Applicants should have a master’s degree in ministry or its related field with a GPA of 3.0. The master’s degree should have at least 30 credits of graduate work in subjects somewhat equivalent to graduate-level work. At least five years of mission or church leadership experience at the executive or senior level is also required.

Students will take part in teaching, research, evaluation, and publication. They will be better prepared to plan and develop educational techniques and structures that may successfully address the various issues that their movements confront due to these actions.

Andrews University

Andrews University
Doctor of Missiology

Andrews University offers an online Doctor of Missiology degree. Students must complete 30 credit hours of graduate-level work in addition to the 30 credits from their master’s degree. There are six emphases available in this DMiss degree program: Animistic Ministry Settings, Mission Leadership, Relief, Development, and Social Issues, Urban Mission, and World Religions.

Applicants must have an MDiv degree or educational equivalent with at least a 3 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Additional requirements include a minimum of 3 years of experience and an MSSN 546-Mission in Cultural and Religious Context course completion.

The DMiss at Andrews University is one of the most affordable online degrees. Students who qualify for the program should expect a 50% discount on tuition fees plus financial aid opportunities. 

Additionally, students who have completed half of the courses required from other regionally accredited universities, such as universities accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, are not obliged to retake classes, which means a significant reduction in tuition fees.

Bethany Divinity College and Seminary

Bethany Divinity College and Seminary
Doctor of Missiology

Bethany Divinity College and Seminary offers a Doctor of Missiology degree program that combines online learning and in-person classes. Students are required to complete 54 seminar hours through a supportive cohorts program to earn the DMiss degree. The students integrate theory and practice to create a plan of action tailored to their specific service situation.

To be eligible for the program, students need to have earned a Master of Ministry degree with a concentration in mission or equivalent. Graduates without prior work experience may apply for the program.

Graduates of Bethany Divinity College and Seminary’s doctoral program in missiology will have ideas for the need for change in the setting of their Christian ministry. They learn how to research that culminates in a contextually applied dissertation with a robust action plan and a doctoral project.

Importance of Missiology

Missiology is not one of the most famous degrees. In fact, there are only very few schools that offer this major and degree, especially at a doctorate level. Before enrolling in one of the doctor-level missiology degree programs, there are some things you should know about.

First of all, missiology is the contemplative discipline that supports and directs the church’s efforts to spread the understanding of the gospel to every person, everywhere.

Think about ships. Ships have rudders attached to them that will help the captain stir direction to their destination across waters. The rudder’s goal to ship is similar to that of missiology. Missiology maintains the church’s outreach, as its ambassadors expend themselves to “make disciples of all nations,” just as a ship undertakes to keep a true course as it navigates through both calm and choppy seas.

Not only does missiology provide purpose, but it also provides security. It protects the church on its mission from harmful influences that could diminish or even negate the effectiveness of its outreach to the world by acting as a firewall. 

Common Courses in Doctor of Missiology

Spiritual Issues in Mission

This course allows students to have a deeper understanding of the involvement of spiritual formations in missiology. It will enable students to understand how a mission affects a person’s weakness in the mission. 

Seminar in the Theology of Mission

This seminar aims to assist participants in investigating the biblical and theological foundations of the mission. The delegates will be led through a brief but thorough examination of biblical studies to establish, among other things, the following biblical assertions.

Approaches in Applied Theology Research in Mission

This course will allow students to have expertise in Bible interpretation, sermon and Bible study construction, pastoral and biblical counseling, personal evangelism, and organizational and administrative principles.

Theology of Christian Missions

This course introduces students to the biblical theology of missions as the church’s response to the world. Its goal is to help the student comprehend the significance of Christian missions based on Biblical Theology through thorough study and application in their personal and Christian ministry life.

History of Christian Missions

This online course features an overview of missions in the Church of the Nazarene and other missionary-sending organizations and a brief historical survey of Christian missions through a missiological interpretation of church history globally.

World Religions

The primary religious traditions of the world are covered in this course. Primal religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, are the subjects covered.

Cultural Anthropology and Christian Witness

For students pursuing careers in missions or cross-cultural ministry, this course offers a complete, fundamental introduction to the study of anthropology.

Missions Leadership

This course discusses the rules of strategic leadership, a leader’s heart and character, and potential hazards. After completing this course, you will undoubtedly advance your ability to lead others above, below, and beyond you. Elders, deacons, and the organization of church leadership will also be covered.

Missions Strategies

This online course features the tools for identifying and carrying out their role in the Great Commission by examining the biblical and theological foundations for missions, historical missionary movements, challenges associated with sharing the gospel across cultural divides, and various mission strategies.

Evangelism and Church Planting

This course will teach you practical methodological strategies like church planter preparation, evangelistic methods, planting models, appropriate cultural contextualization, and more. Additionally, this course will cover the biblical, theological, missiological, ecclesiological, and missiological foundations of evangelism and church planting.

Career Pathways for a Doctor of Missiology Degree

Missiologist

Missiologists perform several cultural analyses and other similar tasks. These professionals have great communication skills as they frequently discuss with churches the need for them to accompany God on His mission by being aware of their context and obedient to the task He has given them. They also do much study on starting new churches and frequently about missiological topics.

Missiologists must actively participate in the global context they study and write about. Knowledgeable missiologists travel the world to observe firsthand the topics they talk, write, and teach about, in contrast to other academic subjects that can be pursued from the comfort of an office or campus. Respected missiologists aren’t just amateurs, either.

As long as the church is on a mission, missiology will continue to be essential to the church and necessary. Missiologists will always be needed to guide and safeguard the church for it to fulfill the biblical purpose that has been entrusted to it.

Missionary

Missionaries travel to various local and international areas to spread the Christian religion and preach the good news of Jesus Christ. A missionary’s primary responsibility is spreading the gospel, which fosters community growth. In addition to spreading the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ, ministers may organize health outreach programs, construct schools, teach, and help the community develop, depending on their skill set. You have the option of becoming a long- or short-term missionary.

Long-term missionaries give years of their lives to service and remain in the communities where they work to raise children or to be with their own. On the other hand, short-term missionaries only stay for a limited period, perhaps to start churches or oversee specific initiatives, and then they leave.

Senior Pastor

A senior pastor leads spiritually and writes, instructs, and preaches sermons. They collaborate with the administrative team and church leaders to ensure everything runs well. They are in charge of the pastoral team, which may also include a director of children’s ministry, executive pastor, youth pastor, associate pastor, and worship pastor. Additionally, they concentrate on spiritual growth among churchgoers.

The senior pastor also leads evangelism and mission outreach to the neighborhood and the rest of the world and manages the congregation’s broader ministry. In addition, they represent the church at neighborhood gatherings and officiate marriages and funerals. Senior pastors can be assigned to a national or local church.

Chaplain

A chaplain is a spiritual advisor associated with a secular organization. Although many are, chaplains are not required to be licensed, have a theology degree, or be ordained or commissioned by a specific denomination.

Although “chaplaincy” was once only used to describe people who practiced Christianity and studied chaplaincy ministry, it is now applied to people of all faiths. Some chaplains are required to speak for various religions, serving as a form of impartial spiritual resource.

People look to chaplains to meet their emotional and spiritual needs. Some chaplains officiate at weddings and funerals, give communion, deliver sermons, pray during public gatherings, and offer regular counseling.

Other chaplains respond to the immediate need, typically by listening and praying. For example, hospital chaplains can ask a nurse to assist them in meeting the requirements of a particular patient. Military chaplains might offer getaways for marriage enrichment.

Religious Study Professor

Religious Study is an academic field that critically examines one or more religious traditions and their followers’ actions. A professor of religious studies may focus on particular doctrines, organizations, texts, sacred languages like Hebrew, Greek, Arabic, or Sanskrit, historical eras, or more abstract topics like religious theories or ideologies. The primary responsibilities will be a combination of teaching, research, and student counseling.

Depending on the university, they might help a graduate student prepare a thesis or dissertation. Additionally, they are accountable for administrative duties such as departmental administration, faculty meetings, and professional development.

Financing Doctorate in Missiology

A doctorate requires a significant time and financial commitment, so it’s crucial to weigh all of your options before incurring such a large debt. Thus, aside from being emotionally ready, it would be best if you also established financial planning. The best alternative for you will depend on your specific situation. There are various ways to pay for your doctorate degree.

One choice is to use student loan programs to pay for your doctorate. This can be a wise choice if you have strong credit and can get a cheap interest rate. After graduating, you will need to be ready to repay your loans, which can be difficult on a meager academic wage.

Another choice is applying for fellowships or grants to help pay for your expenses. If you can get financial aid, this can be a terrific choice. However, it can be challenging to get funding.

Additionally, you might be able to work while getting your doctorate. This can both assist in defraying your expenses and provide you with priceless professional experience. However, juggling employment and school can be challenging, so you must be highly organized and self-disciplined.

Almost all universities provide financial support to their doctoral students. To determine if you’re eligible for financial aid from the federal government, complete the FAFSA form. 

Professional Organizations in Missiology

Participation in a professional organization will allow you to network with other professionals in the field. Developing relationships with similar interests will help you remember why you picked this profession. It makes it possible for young people to network with seasoned professionals and learn from them. 

It’s essential to join a professional association if you want to stay updated on local, regional, and international information and practices. It helps the professional stay current on current problems and opportunities and will also help the individual who joins advance personally.

The American Society of Missiology is the top organization for students and professionals in missiology. 

Professors, higher education students, executives of missionary orders and agencies, and missionaries can all join the American Society of Missiology (ASM), an organization devoted to offering academic and practical support to researchers in the field of mission studies. 

It aims to further scholarly research methods on theological, historical, social, and practical issues about the Christian church’s missionary component. The organization also links research in missiology to other academic fields and encourages collaboration and friendship amongst people and organizations working in missiology-related activities and research.

Essential Skills Obtained through an Online Missiology Doctorate Degree Program

Heart to Help Others

Above all else, missiology students and professionals need to have a heart for God. If not, their ministry won’t be more effective than the world. It won’t have the capacity to have as big of a spiritual or bodily impact.

Only with eyes fixed on God are missionaries capable of carrying out their ministry and achieving community development. The Lord of everything is God. He is in charge. For preachers, this is especially true. When you think about it, ministers don’t have a boss or CEO, unlike other professions. Missionaries can develop into their source of illumination.

Persevering and Growing Faith

The objective is not to have the most well-known faith. Instead, the aim is to develop a progressive faith that can resist difficulty and adversity. Unwavering faith is necessary for someone who practices missiology. Missiologists should have spiritual maturity.

Willing to Try New Challenges

A missionary’s life will frequently be filled with difficulties. The lifestyle is distinct in addition to the cultural differences. There are numerous linguistic and theological difficulties to overcome, and the region is often less modern. 

Missionaries must acknowledge that there will be difficulties. They must get ready first. They ought to work on becoming more willing to take risks even in the face of hardship. It’s not necessary to start perfectly. It is about development and knowledge gained.

Team Player

Any form of organization needs a strong sense of teamwork to succeed. God intended His people to unite into a body. This implies that each body part is significant and serves a unique purpose.

Teamwork is important outside of the job as well. The Kingdom of God depends on it. Additionally, it is crucial for the expansion of God’s Kingdom.

Personable

Missiologists will collaborate closely with others. When they are approachable, it is beneficial and fun. People who enjoy spending time with others, developing relationships, and meeting new people are excellent missionaries.

Willing to travel

While not mandatory, missiologists should at least have a knack for traveling since extensive research and spreading the work of God is their biggest task. There have been numerous missionaries who disliked traveling but heeded God’s call. However, people who enjoy traveling might make excellent candidates for mission work.

Appreciate Cultural Differences

Missiologists must respect various cultures. There is a widespread misperception about culture, particularly in Western Christianity. It’s not uncommon for Westerners to force their cultural norms on people from other cultures. Even if this may have been done with noble intentions, being Christian does not require people to adopt Western culture.

Strong Aptitude 

Missiologists frequently work with some of the most broken, unappreciated, persecuted, or abused people. They must be conscious of their challenges because of this. To be better able to assist others, they should pursue holistic healing for their own lives before anything else.

Missionaries should consider their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health before and throughout their service. Personal renewal should be done before anything else.

A Servant Leader Mindset

Every member of a ministry’s personnel is a leader. When we talk about leadership, Scripture tells us to include the word “servant.” As he humbled himself to serve humanity to the point of dying on the cross for our sins, Jesus set an example of “servant leadership.”

Some missiology roles place a strong emphasis on competence or setting an example. An executive pastor, who frequently works in the background to help the church manage its financial resources, is an example of this kind of role. Other church positions, such as senior pastor, lead more by directly supervising other employees and aiding in developing a vision based on the church’s goal.

Online Doctor of Missiology - fact

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a Doctor of Ministry Dmin Program vs. a Doctor of Missiology degree DMiss program?

Students in a DMiss degree program study missions and train students to develop intense research skills for ministry officials to pass on to others. In contrast, a DMin degree program is intended to give pastors and other ministry professionals practical ministry training.

What’s the most known and respected accreditation council for missionary degree programs?

One of the most respected accreditations is the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

How can passionate individuals grow as Missiologists?

Continue exploring God’s complex and wonderful world while intentionally drawing parallels between current events and the Scripture. Learn what you can about cross-cultural outreach and the people involved in it. Learn everything you can about globalization, especially the incredible and agonizing flow of migrants around the globe. 

Make an effort to develop genuine cross-cultural connections in the city where you reside. Whenever you have the chance, partake in cross-cultural immersion activities.

Can I work in the corporate world with a DMiss degree?

Many DMiss graduates hold jobs that have a solid connection to religion. Transitioning to the business-sector discipline of organizational studies, which focuses on how people respond to a given company, either as employees or customers, is another common route for DMiss graduates.

Key Takeaways

Additional Resources:

We’re certain of one thing—your search for more information on picking the best graduate degree or school landed you here. Let our experts help guide your through the decision making process with thoughtful content written by experts.