PhD in HOLISTIC CHILD DEVELOPMENT
This is a 60-credit hour, research-based program intended to prepare participants to engage in theological reflection and undertake original research in the
area of holistic ministry to needy children both in the church and outside the church. The program will also develop faculty for HCD programs in theological schools.
HOST SCHOOL:
Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS)
RATIONALE
The Ph.D. in HCD is a multi-year, inter-disciplinary, research-oriented degree that builds on an earned master’s degree. Graduates of the Ph.D. in HCD will be prepared to teach, to lead specialized ministries for children, and to engage in intensive and original research. It is intended for those who are or will be high-level practitioners and for those who are leaders or administrators of ministries with children.
PROGRAM MISSION
The Ph.D. in HCD is designed to meet the need of the church and society for competent child advocates, practitioners, and educators. Upon completion of the program the students will have developed the following competencies:
PROGRAM VISION
The program envisions equipping leaders and churches with the ethos and mindset for holistic ministry with children.
PROGRAM EMPHASIS
The Ph.D. in HCD is a multi-year, inter-disciplinary, research-oriented degree that builds on an earned master’s degree. Graduates of the Ph.D. in HCD will be prepared to teach, to lead specialized ministries for children, and to engage in intensive and original research. It is intended for those who are or will be high-level practitioners and for those who are leaders or administrators of ministries with children.
Leadership Competence – as well-informed, passionate and skilled leaders of graduate level and/or grass-roots ministry with children inside and outside the church.
Children in Crisis Ministry Competence – as creative resource persons for ministering with children in crisis in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Competence as Educators—as effective teachers and mentors in the field of holistic child development.
Research Competence – as scholarly and strategic researchers and thinkers on issues related to children; ability to engage in action research for social change.
PROGRAM
VALUES
The program will function on the following values:
Christ-centered education. Program participants are always led to the realization that in ministering to children, Jesus Christ reigns supreme and that every child will be led to a personal relationship of Jesus
Holistic approach to ministering to “the least of these” (Mark 9:37). A holistic approach treats the physical, emotional, and social needs of children as well as the spiritual. The Bible says, “So Jesus grew both in height and in wisdom, and he was loved by God and by all who knew him,” (Luke 2:52, NLT). The curriculum will take into consideration various aspects of child development for holistic ministry.
Intentional and strategic intervention for children in crisis and at risk. Program participants will be challenged to engage Bible-based, professional and relevant interventions that would enable children to grow up in the fear and knowledge of the Lord so they, too, could
minister to others including their families, friends, and others around them.
Learning for life contexts. Classroom interactions are always culture sensitive and instruction, scholarly research, and major projects will always be geared towards various of areas of ministries with children.
Developmental orientation. Attention will be given to development theories and processes within a biblical framework and their implications to ministry. This is intrinsically related to the concept of the individual worth of each child and the value of giving every child respect and consideration.
Doctor of Philosophy in Holistic Child Development
Designed for missionaries, mission leaders and educators
CORE UNITS
21 UNITS
Choose (7) of the following:
- Biblical Theology of Children and Childhood
- Children in Socio-Cultural and Historical Context
- Mission with Children at Risk
- Transformational Leadership for Holistic Child Development
- Advanced Christian Nurture and Development of Children
- Transformation Theology
- Theology of Compassion
- Intervention Strategies for Children in Crisis
- Action Research for Social Change
CONCENTRATION UNITS
15 UNITS
Choose (5) of the following:
- Child, Church, and Mission**
- Approaches to Holistic Ministry**
- Child in Changing Contexts and Cultures**
- Holistic Nurture of Children**
- Physical Development and Public Health
- Learners with Special Needs
- Children’s Spirituality
ELECTIVES AND PRACTICUM
9 UNITS
- Electives and Practicum (9 units)
- Any relevant course from other AGST seminaries or from their home country – (6 units)
- Practicum (3 units)
- Advanced Research Methodology (6 units)
- Research Design
- Research Analysis and Integration
- Project/Dissertation (9 units)
- Dissertation Seminar (3 units)
- Dissertation Writing (6 units)
Total = 60 units
* Concentration courses with MA-RE in HCD. Doctoral students will have different sets of requirements.
** These are pre-requisites to core units.
FACULTY AND MENTORS
OTHER DETAILS YOU’LL NEED FOR
ADMISSION PREREQUISITE
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution
- Six (6) graduate units in Research Methods
- Twelve (12) graduate units of study in Biblical and theological subjects
- Portfolio that includes: (a) thesis or other evidence of substantial research; (b) evidence of English abilities. A test of English is required. The student should have the equivalent of 550 (paper-based TOEFL test); and (c) prospective research topic for the Ph.D. – a 3-4 paged essay;
- Evidence of or interest in working with children, or at least 5 years of experience in any scope of Christian ministryAll decisions on admission will be made by the program committee. If the admission requirements noted above are not met, provisional acceptance may nevertheless be offered to an exceptional applicant who may then be required to complete supplementary assignments in addition to his or her regular coursework. He or she will gain full acceptance after having successfully completed 18 credit hours.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
- E-mail or write for application packet:
Dr. Nativity A. Petallar (npetallar@apnts.org)
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary
Ortigas Ave. Ext., Kaytikling, Taytay, 1920 Rizal Philippines, Tel. 63-2-284-3741Applications can be downloaded from www.apnts.edu.org - Ask an administrator and a member of the faculty of an institution you have attended, as well as your current pastor to provide letters of reference in sealed envelopes and send these to the above address.
- Ask all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended to send official transcripts of your academic record to the above address. Prepare a statement describing your vocational objectives and explaining how a Ph.D. degree is related to these.
a. Prepare a statement indicating how your studies will be financed, including specific commitments from any institutions or individuals that may be sponsoring you.
b. Prepare a health certificate indicating your physical fitness to pursue graduate studies.
c. Send your completed application for admission, prospective research topic (a 3 to 4-paged essay), the description of your vocational objectives, the financial statement, and the health certificate, along with the nonrefundable application fee of $50 (US) or the peso equivalent, to the above address.
d. Wait until you have received your letter of acceptance before coming to Manila.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
See attached file for financial information for PhD
CLICK HERE
SCHEDULE
Classes are held October – November and June – July each year
For further inquiries please contact:
Dr. Nativity A. Petallar (npetallar@apnts.org)
Associate Program Director
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary
Ortigas Ave. Ext., Kaytikling, Taytay, 1920 Rizal Philippines
Tel. 63-2-284-3741