Course Descriptions
Normally, doctoral courses are available as term-length courses in the fall and spring and as one- or two-week intensive modules during January and the summer session. Recent visiting faculty who have offered Selected Topics seminars include: Robert Pazmiño, Warren Benson, Linda Cannell, Kenneth Gangel, Ted Ward.
TTDE 801 - Philosophical Issues in Educational Studies (3)
An advanced course in which students examine philosophical issues relevant to educational studies from a Christian worldview perspective. Emphasis is placed on enhancing critical thinking about educational issues primarily through the preparation of several critical book reviews suitable for publication.
TTDE 803 - Human Development and Learning (3)
Advanced study of the processes of learning and life-span human development. Investigation centers on understanding of social science data within a Christian worldview. Students are challenged to develop implications for various teaching contexts.
TTDE 804 - Management & Organizational Behavior in Non-profit Organizations (3)
Advanced study of significant theories and principles of effective administration as applied in selected non-profit organizations. Emphasis is upon the integration of management theory and biblical concepts for use within local and international educational and other non-profit institutions. (Core course: Non-profit Leadership emphasis)
TTDE 805 - Teaching & Curriculum Theory (3)
Advanced study of teaching within various educational settings. Students are challenged to enhance their personal repertoire of teaching skills and educational strategies through observation, discussion and practice. Includes an investigation of guidelines for curriculum design.
TTDE 806 - Theological Integration for Educational Studies (3)
An introduction to research method and relevant resources in biblical and theological studies to inform scholarly research of educational studies and ministry practice. Students prepare an integrative paper based on biblical and theological studies and social science findings.
TTDE 807 - Educational Research Methods (3)
Advanced study of a variety of methods for scholarly educational research. The course focuses on research evaluation and the literature review portion of a study, addressing research design, data collection methodology and results analysis.
TTDE 808 - Statistical Methods in Educational Research (3)
A practical, computer-based study of the concepts and techniques involved in the analysis and interpretation of quantitative research data based on descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include describing data, correlation, regression, multiple regression, introduction to factor analysis, and analysis of variance.
TTDE 811 - Introduction to Christian Spirituality (3)
This course explores the means to developing a deep relationship with God. Based on scriptural teaching about knowing God, it is geared particularly for those preparing for or engaged in Christian ministry. Topics include barriers that hinder us and what spiritual disciplines and practices may be used to nurture a deeper friendship with God.
TTDE 812 - Character Formation & Personal Renewal (3)
An exploration of the formation of Christian character with implications for the practice of teaching and learning in local church, parachurch and higher education settings. Related topics include relevant aspects of sanctification, the indwelling Holy Spirit, traditional spiritual disciplines, ethical theories (especially virtues ethics), and personal habit formation.
TTDE 813 - Community & Friendship: Contexts for Growth (3)
An inquiry regarding Christian community and mature relationships from theological and social science perspectives. Concepts to be studied include the Trinity, Jesus and community, friendship and intimacy, interpersonal relationships, accountability, conflict, forgiveness, forbearance, and peace-making.
TTDE 818 - Leadership in Non-profit Organizations (3)
A critical examination of contemporary leadership principles and practices with particular emphasis upon the application of how these are manifest in non-profit environments. (Core course: Non-profit Leadership emphasis)
TTDE 819 - 20th Century Christian Education Thought (3)
Examines the educational philosophies and theological perspectives of a variety of key Christian education leaders in the 20th century, the educational ministry approaches and practices they promoted, and their impact on the Church.
TTDE 820 - Selected Topics in Educational Foundations (1-3)
Exploration of selected issues led by resident faculty or visiting professors.
TTDE 822 - Jesus, the Master Teacher (3)
Detailed analysis of what Jesus taught and how he taught based on an exegetical study of various teaching episodes in the gospels (competence in exegetical skills and knowledge of TTNT Greek is helpful).
TTDE 823 - Habits of the Excellent Teacher (3)
Pursues the question, "What constitutes excellence in the teacher and in teaching?" The course involves analyzing case studies of outstanding teachers.
TTDE 826 - Studies in the History of Education (3)
Investigation of great teachers, great educational ideas or great educational systems in the history of education and the teaching ministry of the Church. A particular historical period may be treated or themes across historical periods (may be repeated).
TTDE 827 - Contemporary Christian Education Thought (3)
An exploration and evaluation of recent Christian education writings representing a variety of educational philosophies and theological perspectives. Looks at the current state of Christian education theory and how it is impacting educational ministry in the Church.
TTDE 829 - Governance in Non-profit Organizations (3)
This seminar deals with roles of volunteer boards of trustees which govern non-profit organizations. Methods for the selection, motivation and training of volunteers for leadership and governance roles are examined and approaches to stimulating the active involvement of trustees in organizational affairs are explored.
TTDE 831 - Administration of Christian Higher Education (3)
Exploration of major responsibilities in the administration of higher education with a view to broaden the student's awareness of the complexities involved in educational leadership. Emphasis is given to a discussion of the departments of faculty, shared government issues, student affairs, advancement, legal affairs, library, and support services.
TTDE 836 - Current Trends in American Higher Education (3)
An examination of critical issues facing North American universities and discussion of the acquisition of viable premising data, relevant strategic planning issues, and future programmatic designs.
TTDE 841 - Team Development & Leadership (3)
Exploration of the dynamics of effective work teams, the development, maintenance and benefits of leadership teams in educational ministry settings. Includes a focus on team assignment, strategies for team development, beneficial leadership practices, and the application of team strategies to various local and cross-cultural ministry settings.
TTDE 842 - Volunteerism: Issues in Development & Supervision (3)
An advanced study of volunteer management principles and practices within various local and cross-cultural ministry and non-profit settings. Examines a theological rationale for the role of volunteers in ministry and religious non-profit organizations, including key issues influencing volunteer motivation, recruitment, equipping, support, and supervision to enhance the experience and effectiveness of volunteers in ministry.
TTDE 843 - Change, Power & Conflict Management (3)
An analysis of the change process, the role of power and authority in the development of change and conflict, and approaches to conflict management.
TTDE 844 - Contemporary Issues in Non-profit Management (3)
Designed to change its substantive focus each year, this seminar deals with non-profit management and policy issues of current or continuing interest. Special focus is given to the dynamic nature of leadership and its relationship to social institutional contextualization.
TTDE 845 - Selected Topics in Educational Leadership & Administration (1-3)
Exploration of selected issues led by resident faculty or visiting professors.
TTDE 847 - Legal & Ethical Considerations in Non-profit Organizations (3)
Laws affecting the establishment and operations of non-profit organizations are identified and discussed, and the ethical questions and value dilemmas encountered by leaders of non-profit organizations are explored.
TTDE 848 - Multiple Staff Management (3)
Issues related to the complex nature of multiple staff management in the church and religious non-profit organization settings are identified and discussed. Topics include methods of structuring administrative and program staff, fiscal management, technological innovations, and staff development.
TTDE 849 - Fund Raising & Institutional Advancement (3)
An overview of the principles involved in the administration of philanthropic organizations. An examination of various types of fund-raising including annual fund, corporate fund raising, grant writing, planned giving, capital campaigns and individual solicitation.
TTDE 851 - Curricular Materials Design & Development (3)
An advanced study of the rationale for and guiding principles of curriculum design and development. Students may direct their assignments to local church, parachurch or higher Christian education settings.
TTDE 853 - Curriculum Innovation & the Change Process (3)
An examination of the principles underlying effective change strategies as these relate to the improvement of curricular elements of educational ministry.
TTDE 854 - Effective Teaching Research (3)
An introduction to and examination of current research on effective teaching as it relates to the objectives and ministry models of Christian education. The emphasis will be on evaluating, synthesizing and applying major research findings to the unique purposes and contexts of the Church's educational efforts, including local church and parachurch ministries, Christian schools, cross-cultural ministries and higher education.
TTDE 855 - Selected Topics in Curriculum Theory & Teaching (1-3)
Exploration of selected issues led by resident faculty or visiting professors.
TTDE 856 - Non-profit Financial Management & Control (3)
Business principles applied to the financial accountability and fiduciary responsibilities of those in the non-profit administration. This course introduces the student to basic financial management controls and techniques required for effective management of non-profit organizations. Topics discussed include fund accounts, budgeting, revenue forecasting, financial statements and reports, cash-flow management, and capital financing.
TTDE 860 - Qualitative Research (3)
An advanced course on qualitative data collection and analysis methods, emphasizing rigorous research design and quality control with a focus on educational settings, both formal and non-formal.
TTDE 861 - Educational Psychology in Educational Ministry (3)
An advanced exploration of learning, learning styles, and student motivation with implications for the practice of teaching and learning in local church, parachurch and higher education settings.
TTDE 862 - Faith Development (3)
Analysis of various aspects of faith development. Particular investigation of the relationship of this literature to human development theory and research and to biblical understandings of growth toward maturity in Christ.
TTDE 865 - Selected Topics in Human Development & Learning (1-3)
Exploration of selected issues led by resident faculty or visiting professors.
TTDE 874 - Writing for Publication (3)
A study of research and writing in the field of Christian education with an emphasis on preparing manuscripts for publication as journal articles.
TTDE 875 - Selected Topics in Educational Research (1-3)
Exploration of selected issues led by resident faculty or visiting professors.
TTDE 884 - Doctoral Internship (1-3)
An opportunity to implement educational theory into practice in an applied setting. Students may emphasize educational leadership or teaching or both. A detailed Growth Contract must be developed and approved by the supervising faculty member, field supervisor, and student; the contract must be filed in the doctoral program office prior to receiving a registration signature for the course. Evaluation of the experience will be based on a portfolio of documents, etc., developed by the student during the internship term, as well as formative and summative written evaluations submitted by the field supervisor and additional persons identified from the ministry context. A minimum of three units is required for all students. The course may be repeated for up to six units of credit. Students preparing for college teaching may substitute two of the three required units of internship with an advanced course on teaching.
TTDE 886 - Comprehensive Examination Orientation (0)
Involves attendance at a seminar designed to orient students to the Comprehensive Examination components (exam to be taken the following semester) and submission of preparation assignments. Required for Ph.D. & Ed.D. students as a prerequisite for TTDE 887 Comprehensive Examination. No fee.
TTDE 887 - Comprehensive Examination (0)
Following the completion of all coursework or, in the final term of coursework, the student completes the various components of the Comprehensive Exam. Certain components must be identified and approved prior to receiving a pre-registration signature. The student is considered full-time while enrolled for TTDE 887. Fee: $100.
TTDE 888 A - Dissertation Orientation Seminar (0)
Required of both Ph.D. and Ed.D. students. The seminar includes attendance at sessions designed to orient the student to prepare for work on the dissertation proposal. To be taken twice: during the last semester of coursework, and during the comprehensive exam semester (DE 887). The second time includes follow-up assignments during the comprehensive exam semester. Required for Ph.D. and Ed.D. students as a prerequisite to TTDE 888 B. No Fee.
TTDE 888 B - Dissertation Proposal Development (3)
Required of Ph.D. students only. After successfully completing the Comprehensive Exam (DE 887) and Dissertation Orientation Seminar (DE 888 A), the student begins dissertation studies with enrollment in TTDE 888 B for one semester to work through initial issues in the development of the dissertation proposal. Students are considered full-time for one semester, then move on to TTDE 891.
TTDE 891 - Dissertation (3)
Following successful completion of TTDE 888 B, students enroll in TTDE 891 for fall and spring terms for up to two terms (Ed.D. students) or four terms (Ph.D. students), during which they are considered full-time students. A student must register for at least two terms of TTDE 891 and must be enrolled in TTDE 891 or 895 the semester of graduation.
TTDE 892 - Program Extension (3)
Students enrolled in TTDE 895 Dissertation Extension will also be enrolled in TTDE 892 Program Extension upon the approval of the Doctoral Program committee. Fee: $100.
TTDE 895 - Dissertation Extension (3)
If a student has not graduated after completing two terms (Ed.D) or four terms (Ph.D.) of TTDE 891, upon approval from the Doctoral Program Committee, the student must enroll in TTDE 895 each fall and spring term until the student graduates. The student will be considered less than half time.
TTDE 897 - Leave of Absence (0)
For students who have been granted an official leave of absence from the doctoral program. A fee equivalent to one unit of tuition is normally charged.
University Courses as Electives
Up to six units of elective graduate course work directly related to the program of study may be taken in other departments at Biola University or transferred in from other accredited graduate institutions. For example, the following university courses may have some relevance for a student's program. However, since enrollment may be limited, the student must obtain permission from the instructor and the dean of the school in which the course is offered.
| TTTH 717 | Theology of Human Nature | 2 |
| ISCL 721 | Cross-cultural Teaching / Learning Strategies for Curriculum | 3 |
| ISCL 765 | Cross-cultural Leadership | 3 |
| RSPY 610 | Development of Religious Understanding in Children & Adolescents | 2 |
| RSPY 733 | The Self: Theological, Philosophical, Psychological & Cross-cultural Perspectives | 3 |
| RSPY 745 | Maturity: Psychological & Theological Perspectives | 2 |
| TTDE 880 | Directed Research | 1-4 |
| TTDE 881 | Directed Readings | 1-4 |
* Note: Up to four units of directed study opportunities may be arranged with resident faculty.
Download
Print-friendly version (PDF) of program information and curriculum chart.