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The Doctor of Leadership (DLd) degree is a professional doctorate in the practice and theory of global leadership. It is designed for educated, experienced Christian leaders who recognize their need to develop transmissible projects in unconventional ministry contexts. The Doctor of Leadership program at Portland Seminary is distinctive from other leadership doctorates in that its primary focus is on the practice of leadership from a Christ-centered, globally-minded, and theologically-informed perspective.

Graduates of the Doctor of Leadership in the Global Marketplace track will:

1. Formulate a Christ-centered marketplace leadership philosophy and practice that is globally and theologically informed.
2. Become innovative, visionary leaders who conduct themselves with integrity and respect in the spirit of excellence.
3. Gain skills and competencies in applied doctoral research.
4. Construct a doctoral-level project that expresses the skill of global marketplace leadership.

Graduates serve in roles such as pastors in small towns, pastors of megachurches, mission pastors, international senior pastors, and leaders of NGOs, charities, or educational institutions.

Applicants seeking admission to the Doctor of Leadership degree tracks must hold a master's degree in a relevant area (humanities, social sciences, or theology/ministry) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or possession of a competitive grade point average as reflected in one’s transcripts). Master’s degree relevance is evaluated on the basis of the program theme and the student’s leadership context. In addition, applicants must complete the following to be considered for admission to the program: 

• Completion of the DLd application form and payment of application fee. 
• Submission of one official transcript from each college, seminary, or university attended. 
• Curriculum vitae or resumé. 
• Documentation of full-time participation in at least three years of leadership experience. 
• Three letters of reference (as specified in admissions materials). 
• Articulation of the scope and character of one’s current leadership context. 
• Evidence of the capacity for an advanced level of competence and critical thinking in the practice of leadership beyond that of the master's level and possession of writing skills sufficient to excel in an ATS-accredited professional doctorate program. 
• Statement of faith. 
• An academic writing sample. 
• An entrance interview with the director of the Doctoral program (by invitation only). 

Transfer credit from another doctoral program may be allowed up to a maximum of 18 semester hours. Transferability of credits earned at this institution and transferred to another is at the discretion of the receiving institution.

All work leading to the Doctor of Leadership must be completed within seven years from the time of matriculation. Extension of this limit requires the approval of the director. Program extension requests must be received before the conclusion of the sixth year. Reinstatement to the program after withdrawal requires Admissions Committee action and may subject the student to additional requirements for the degree.

Because of the cohort model used for this DLd program, students must maintain full attendance throughout each module experience. However, a student in good standing who must interrupt his or her studies for compelling reasons may petition the director for a leave of absence of not more than one year. Students who discontinue enrollment without an official leave of absence will be withdrawn and required to apply for readmission.

The Doctor of Leadership in the Global Marketplace program requires three years and the completion of 36 semester hours of coursework as a minimum for graduation. A maximum of 16 semester hours of coursework may be completed during one calendar year unless a student takes an approved leave of absence or works out an alternative plan with the director. 

The six-course project research sequence is completed over three years. Of the total hours required for the degree, 16 hours are in prescribed program-themed 'taught' courses and 20 hours in the doctoral project research and design sequence. 

The program also requires participation in three ‘advance’ face-to-face intensives. A fee is attached to the ‘taught’ course offered that semester. Most meals, lodging, and ground transportation to assigned tours are included in that fee. All transportation costs round trip from the country of origin and back from the visiting country are the responsibility of the student.

The Jakes Divinity School (JDS) doctoral program includes the design and completion of an applied doctoral project. The project addresses a challenge in the student’s professional context.  As such, the goal is to apply theological research skills to a significant and real-world need, problem, or opportunity (NPO) in the student’s professional context.

The program uses a 3-year, qualitative approach combining bibliographic and field research to explore the NPO and create an effective solution or response. Students will not only address a current challenge in a professional setting but will also gain skills for addressing challenges after graduation.

In order to graduate with the Doctor of Leadership degree students must:

• Satisfactorily complete a minimum of 36 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Achieve no grade lower than a B- in all core courses. If a grade of a C+ or lower is received in a designated course, that course must be retaken (for more specific information, please refer to the student handbook).
• Fully participate in all face-to-face intensives.
• Oral presentation of the doctoral project.
• Successfully defended the doctoral project.
• Be recommended by Portland Seminary faculty and Jakes Divinity School for graduation from ºÚÁÏÍø.