Standards for Formal (campus-based) Programs


1. General guidelines regarding educational levels.
1.1. The programs of schools included in EAAA can correspond to the following levels of theological education:
1.1.1. Elementary theological education (level A);
1.1.2. Secondary theological education (level B);
1.1.3. General higher education (level C);
1.1.4. Specialized higher education (level D),
1.1.5. Post-graduate education and doctoral-level study (level E).
1.2. The following qualifying levels and degrees correspond to these educational levels:
- Level A and B - not defined,
- Level C - bachelor,
- Level D - master,
- Level E - candidate and doctor.

1.3. For levels A and B there is no degree specified upon completion of the program. Those who have finished a program at level A can be issued a document confirming successful completion of the program, without indicating a field of specialization. A diploma indicating specialization in a certain area of theology or ministry is awarded for level B. In the educational documents for levels C, D and E it is necessary to specify an appropriate qualifying level or degree (bachelor, master, candidate, doctor of sciences), if this does not contradict the requirements of the state where the school is located.
1.4. In addition to the document of education (certificate or diploma), a transcript of grades must be provided indicating the disciplines studied, the number of academic credits, and the grade awarded. (The indication of a grade is not obligatory for level A programs).
1.5. During the early operating years of EAAA, only full-time day programs will be considered for accreditation at level C, D and E: i.e., no correspondence programs. Each school can have programs accredited at various levels.
1.6. Graduates of higher theological educational institutions who have fulfilled all the requirements of their academic programs can be awarded the following degrees (qualifying level):
1.6.1. Bachelor and Master of theology;
1.6.2. Bachelor and Master in the following areas of practical theology:

        - Christian psychology,
        - Christian education,
        - Missiology,
        - Pastoral ministry,
        - Church music,
        - And other areas as approved by EAAA.

1.6.3. Candidate, doctor:
        - Theology,
        - Christian philosophy,
        - Christian education,
        - Missiology,
        - Ministry.
        - And other areas as approved by EAAA.

1.6.3.1 Such areas or ministry can be indicated on a “B” level diploma.
1.6.4. In conjunction with the degrees (qualifying levels) indicated in section 1.6, a school has the right to specify in its educational documents the equivalent English degrees which are normally assigned in other accrediting associations (if this right has been confirmed by EAAA during accreditation of its programs).
2. The school as an organization: its tasks and objectives.
2.1. Purpose of the school.
A school should have a clear and biblically-appropriate mission statement; a written history; and a legal status that makes fulfilment of its mission statement possible.
2.2. Legal status.
As a rule, a school should have the legal status of a non-profit organization recognized by state organs, and should have the legal right to provide theological education.
2.3. Mission statement.
The mission statement should reflect the fact that a school is an educational institution for which the Bible is its foundation, and the Christian way of life and service are essential purposes of its existence.
2.4. Goals of the school.
The goals of school activity should be clearly determined, corresponding to the school's mission, and published openly.
2.5. Achievement of school goals.
A school should be able to provide facts proving that it achieves its specific program.
2.6. Specific tasks and the foundation for their fulfilment.
A school should have clearly determined goals for each accredited program. A school should visibly document that each graduate has completed all the requirements of the appropriate program. It should also have proof that the practical application of the graduate's knowledge corresponds to the goals stated in the programs of the school.
2.7. Stability of the school.
Before the Accreditation Council will evaluate a school, the school should have existed for a minimum of 3 years. Its stability should be confirmed by continuity of the Board of Trustees and school administration; infrequent turnover of the school's instructional staff; uninterrupted operation of its program(s); and an adequate material/financial base. Its financial activity should be able to be easily checked and verified.
2.8. Critical review.
Every five years a school must conduct ongoing self-evaluations of its goals, programs and achievements, which include not only a review of the programs as a whole, but also each subject (course). The report of an ongoing self-evaluation must be transmitted to the Accreditation Council at a specified time.
3. Management and administration.
3.1. Adequacy of the management system.
The school should have an adequate structure, and clearly determined and functioning management bodies managing and leading the life of the school.
3.1.1. Charter and structure.
A school should have a charter, bylaws and, if necessary, any other documents, which clearly set forth the principles of management, levels of authority and lines of accountability of its leaders and staff, and the scope and limits of their authority and responsibility.
3.2. Control Council; i.e., the Board of Trustees (BoT).
The highest body of school management and control should be the BoT (the actual title of this council is not important), which determines school policy in the area of administration, economic activity, academic life and student life.
3.2.1. The function of the BoT includes (but is not limited to) the following:
        - Appointment and removal of the school's rector (president),
        - Responsibility for financing the school,
        - Fulfilment of the role of school's official property holder,
        - Control of the major phases of development of the school,
        - Upon recommendation of the rector (president), reviewing and approving nominees for the administration and permanent members of the teaching faculty of the school,
        - Approval of an annual budget,
        - Confirmation of the charter, mission statement and creedal statements of the school,
        - Promoting the school in order to obtain new students and financial support.

3.2.2. Members of the BoT should be acknowledged experts. If possible, there should be experts among them in the fields of education, management, finance, law and ministry. The size of the BoT will correspond to the size of the school, but there cannot be fewer than five members. The majority of members of the BoT should be citizens of countries of the former Soviet Union.
3.2.3. The rector (or president) of a school participates in the work of the BoT and is the sole member of the administration of the school who takes part in the activities of the BoT. In most cases, the rector is not a voting member of the BoT. Under no circumstances can he officially or unofficially execute the functions of the chairman of the BoT. Upon request of the rector, other leaders of the school can participate in the meetings of the BoT as consultants. Members of the BoT cannot maintain any communications with the members of the school without the rector's knowledge.
3.3. Denominational control.
If a school is controlled by a denomination, all rights of managing the school should be delegated to the BoT. Thus, the denomination can control the school only if the BoT is accountable to the denomination.
3.4. Board of Administration - BoA.
The BoA should conduct regular meetings for solving problems of school life. The BoA normally consists of the primary officers (rector, academic dean, administrative director, student dean or other officers according to the structure of the school). As a minimum, one of the two leading executive officers of the school (the first or the second administrative officer of the school, according to its charter) should be a citizen of the former Soviet Union.
3.5. Rector (President).
The rector of a school is head of its executive council. All other members of the administration of the school are directly or indirectly accountable to the rector.
4. Instructional staff.
4.1. Correspondence of instructional staff.
The qualifications of the instructional staff of a school should correspond to its stated goals and programs.
4.2 Number of instructors.
A shortage of teachers mustn't limit the effectiveness of the program. A school should normally have, as a minimum, one teacher for every 15 students and at least four teachers for which the school is their primary place of employment.
4.3. Qualification of instructors.
4.3.1. The educational level of instructors should be at least one level higher than the level which they teach. They should have educational documents from appropriately accredited schools.
4.3.2. For teaching in a specific field of knowledge, teachers should have an appropriate level of education in that area, or a specialization in an adjacent area. In no case should they have fewer than 20 credits of academic preparation in the field of knowledge they are teaching.
4.3.3. Teachers who do not meet the criteria stated above should have sufficient competence for their sphere of teaching; talent confirmed by practice; and significant experience in ministry. Their participation in the program should not exceed 10 % of the instructional staff (excluding student practicum programs).
4.4. Spiritual qualities and devotion to Christian ministry.
Instructors should be mature Christians who fully share the goals and rules of the school, and willingly agree with its theological position. They should support and develop their knowledge in the area of their competency, including teaching techniques. They are expected, whenever possible, to participate in the spiritual life of the school, and demonstrate personal interest in the spiritual and physical well-being of the students.
4.4. Responsibility, limitation of loads and material support.
A written labor agreement contract should be concluded with each teacher for a definite period of time, with an appendix which specifies their rights and responsibilities. The average teaching load, per week, should not exceed:
        - At level A - 20 hours,
        - At level B - 15 hours,
        - At level C - 13 hours,
        - At level D - 11 hours,
        - At level E - 8 hours.

As a rule, school administrators should not be assigned to teach more than 60% of the load that an instructor who is free from administrative responsibility would teach. Salary and additional compensation for instructors should conform to local standards, so that instructors can completely devote themselves to the school. The salary for their work should periodically be reviewed. Insurance and retirement benefits for instructors should be in accordance with the laws of the country in which the school is located.
4.5. Improvement of professional skills.
The school should promote improving the professional qualification of its teachers, and should create conditions for their participation in research and literary activity.
4.6. National factor.
At the moment of accreditation the school should employ on the instructional staff a minimum of 25 % of citizens of the former Soviet Union in its accredited programs. The school should have a reasonable five-year plan of increasing that number to at least 55 % in its accredited programs.
4.7. Organization of instructors.
The structure and internal order of a school should ensure regular gatherings of instructors as a structured part of the school. Under the direction of the academic dean, and also according to the charter of the school, instructors should participate in the development and operation of programs; academic requirements; rules of student admission; and organization of student life.
4.8. The school should keep a register of all past and present instructors participating in the accredited program. This database about instructors should be sufficient to give a clear and full representation of their educational level (degree, specialization, when and where awarded), church affiliation, and experience of Christian life and ministry.
5. Material property of the school.
5.1. Real estate.
A school should have buildings and classrooms, a library, and places for student meetings and administrative offices on the property. For schools whose sphere is wider than a specific city or region, it is necessary to also have dormitories for students and dining facilities. Facilities should meet local building standards. The condition of school buildings should not limit its ability to successfully operate its educational programs.
5.2. Library.
5.2.1. Contents of the library.
The library should correspond in volume and quality to the level of training offered. In addition to books the library should contain periodicals.
5.2.1.1. The number of volumes of books and periodicals should be not less than:
Volumes Books Periodical titles
Level A500 300 is not required
Level B5000 3000 10
Level C10000 8000 20
Level D25000 15000 40
Level E50000 40000 70

5.2.1.2. The quantity of the holdings in the library should not be achieved at the expense of quality. The book and periodical collections should reflect at one and the same time its breadth and concentration. Its breadth is related to academic levels, theological orientation, and subjects. Its concentration is related to the theological orientation or specialization of a school, its cultural or geographical context, and also the subjects taught there.
In cases where there is not an adequate library in the school, student and instructor access to the library of another school will be taken into consideration. Access to books and study helps via modern electronic and optical media is also possible. The books and study helps should be in languages that are accessible for students. A school should be able to prove that students can use its books and study helps that are written in foreign languages.
5.2.2. Financing the library.
The budget of the library should support its normal operation and development. As a rule, this means that a school should use a minimum of 5 % of its operational budget (excluding the costs for student residential and dining facilities).
5.2.3. Administration of the library.
5.2.3.1. The library should function according to standard library rules and procedures. The attendants should be adequate in number and professional preparation. The structure of the library and its procedures should support keeping books in good condition. Books and journals should be easily accessible for students, and the library should have a sufficient number of work places (no less than one place for every four students). The cataloguing system should correspond to the "General Recommendations for the Structure of Theological Libraries". It is recommended that the Dewey decimal system be used, with its internationally accepted headings.
5.2.3.2. Schools that have programs at level C and higher must have a Library Council (LC), for developing a philosophy and operational policies for the library. The LC consists of the director of the library, and representatives of the instructional staff, administration and students.
6. Academic programs.
6.1. Methods of measuring the size of the program.
6.1.1. For an evaluation of the curriculum a relative unit - " the academic credit " - has been adopted.

One academic credit (hereafter referred to as "credit ") is the equivalent of 17 academic hours (considering each academic hour as 45 minutes) or 15 academic hours (considering each academic hour as 50 minutes).

Note: If lectures are translated than the number of hours is multiplied by 1.33.

6.1.2. Instruction in each subject should be planned so that a student's independent preparation for each hour of class time includes the following:
Level A -        0,5 hours, or 50 pages of an assigned text.
Level B -        from 0,5 to 1 hour, or 100 pages of an assigned text.
Level C -        from 1 to 1,5 hours, or 150 pages of an assigned text.
Level D -        2 hours, or 300 pages of an assigned text.
Level E -        more than 2 hours, or 150 pages of an assigned text.

6.2. General requirements for programs.
6.2.1. Program(s) should be constantly and critically evaluated by the school so that students can achieve stated goals, including development of adequate analytical and communication abilities; a Biblical world outlook; a foundation of biblical and general knowledge, a global vision of the church's mission, skills of practical application of knowledge, an understanding of the needs of people in the world, and diligence in propagating the gospel message and acts of charity.
6.2.2. Irrespective of its structure, each program should include at least one course of study in principles of Evangelism, mission and church growth. The program should demonstrate a progressive sequencing from lower to higher levels, and should include study of biblical, theological, general and professional subjects, as well as practical studies in the amount (or proportions) indicated in this section.
6.2.3. The program of a school should be available in printed form, including an explanation of its purpose and concrete goals which the school attempts to fulfil by means of this program. For each course in the program (including practical study) a course plan should be composed which, in addition to other necessary information, should include the title and time at which the subject is taught, the name of the instructor, the course's purposes, specific objectives, themes and structure, textbooks and related literature used, tasks for independent study by students, and methods of measuring students' understanding of the subject. The program and course plans should not simply be copied documents, but should reflect the goals of the school to prepare graduates for work in a specific cultural and geographical context. The goals of each course in the curriculum should be consistent with the agreed common goals of the program as a whole. The person or department responsible for the academic component of the school, according to its charter, should approve the program and the course plans.
6.2.4. Students studying at different academic levels studying the same course is not allowed. In exceptional cases, students of differing levels can attend the same lectures. But the coursework and the depth of study must be distinguished and confirmed by the course plans, student assignments completed by the student and means for checking the knowledge they have received. The credits accumulated in this way cannot exceed 20 % of the overall program.
6.2.5. The credits accumulated by a student in a lower level program can be accepted into a higher level program (as an exception) only in order to prevent duplication of studies, and cannot exceed 20 % of the volume of the overall program. The decision concerning acceptance of credits of the previous level can be made only by the academic leader of the school, and in courses graded as not less than "good" on the school's grading scale.
6.2.6. Practical training should be organized by the school as appropriate for each level of study. For this purpose, a school should have on its instructional staff a person who manages the practical training of students. Such practical training, and its certification, should be properly documented.
6.2.7. The ongoing evaluation of personal development, academic progress and practical abilities and skills is a constant part of the academic process. For final examinations it is recommended that instructors use a three-tiered grading scale: "excellent", "good", and "satisfactory".
"Excellent" 90-100 points on the test;
"Good" 80-89 points on the test;
"Satisfactory" 70-79 points on the test;
"Unsatisfactory" Less than 70 points on the test.
All courses in the educational program should have final grades, about which students should be duly informed. When the program is completed, a cumulative Academic Grade Report should be given to the student. An "unsatisfactory" grade is not recorded in the final Report attached to the student's certificate of graduation. A student who has received an "unsatisfactory" grade for a course should complete additional tasks for learning the material (if the total percentage for a course is 60-69), or take the course over again (if the total percentage for the course is less than 60), and should demonstrate satisfactory knowledge upon a repeated testing.
6.2.8. It is recommended that EAAA schools calculate cumulative Grade Point Averages to document the level of progress of students and graduates. This is a fair approach for evaluating student progress, especially in cases where test results differ by only one or two points. The system of calculating grades and academic progress is the following:
The grade is:   points grade points
"excellent" A 93-100 4
  A - 90-92 3,7
"Good" B + 87-89 3,3
  B 83-86 3,0
  B - 80-82 2,7
"Satisfactory" C + 77-79 2,3
  C 73-76 2
  C- 70-72 1,7
"Unsatisfactory" F 69 and less 0
The obtained grade point is multiplied by the number of credits for that course, then summed with the results of other courses, and divided into the total amount of past credits. The obtained result is the general factor of progress GPF (in the West, GPA). In addition to other advantages, the GPF allows a school to have a convenient system of compensation, requirements for studying certain programs, permission for courses taught as independent studies, and so on.
6.3. Requirements for level A programs.
Level A programs should be at least 21 credits in length, and should include in proportion to all areas of learning indicated in item
6.2.2., including no less than:
Introduction to the Bible 3 credits
Principles of Bible Study 2 credits
Evangelism and Discipleship 3 credits
The doctrines of the Bible 3 credits
The history of Christianity 3 credits
Practical Theology 2 credits
At the discretion of the School 2 credits
Practical Ministry 3 credits
Total: 21 credits
6.4. Requirements for level B programs.
6.4.1. The total length of the program should be not less than 45 credits and not more than 50 credits per year, among which is:
Biblical and theological studies 12 credits
Practical theology 15 credits
Church history and history of local Christianity  5 credits
Missiology 3 credits
Practical Ministry 3 credits
One term paper of at least 20 printed pages 3 credits
Total: 41 credits

The school can decide the remaining credits according to the student's specialization.
6.5. Requirements for level C programs.
6.5.1. Bachelor of Theology
6.5.1.1. The total length of the program should be not less than 140 credits and not more than 156 credits. Including not less than:
Biblical studies 18 credits
Hermeneutics 3 credits
Theoretical Theology 17 credits
History of the Evangelical Movement among 2 credits
Eastern Slavs  
Practical Theology (ministry in the church) 9 credits
General social sciences
(Recommended: introduction to philosophy,
psychology, sociology and world history)		 12 credits
N. T. Greek 6 credits
Greek Exegesis 3 credits
Foreign language (English preferred)
(if not enough books on the native language in the school library)  		 24 credits
Missiology and Evangelism 6 credits
Practical training 6 credits
Final course paper of not less 30 typewritten
sheets in length with public defense.		 4 credits
Total: 110 credits

The remaining 30 or more credits are decided by the school according to the requirements stated in item 6.2.1.
Note 1: If the school can provide enough literature in the national language for each subject, English can be excluded from the list of required subjects and other courses.
Note 2: In the event that a student possess sufficient knowledge in English, they may receive the equivalent number of credits usually granted for studying English at the School after an appropriate written test before the commission. This exam should indicate the student's ability to complete the tasks that would have been required in the regular English course.
Note 3: If the school accepts transfer credits from another school there must be an appropriate written procedure for this process approved by the president. The student's transcript must then show from which school these credits transferred from and the procedure for their confirmation by the current school.
6.5.1.2. During the course of this program students are required, as a minimum, to write 3 term papers of no less than 15-20 typewritten pages each, in the main areas of theology.
6.5.2. Bachelor + specialization. This is, for example, a Bachelor of Christian psychology, Christian education, Missiology, Pastoral ministry, church music, or other areas as agreed with the EAAA Board.
6.5.2.1. The total length of the program should be 110 credits, but not less than 122. Including not less than:
Biblical studies 12 credits
Hermeneutics 3 credits
Theoretical Theology 12 credits
History of the Evangelical 2 credits
Movement among eastern Slavs  
Practical Theology (ministry in the church) 6 credits
General social sciences
(Recommended: introduction to philosophy
psychology, sociology and world history)		 12 credits
N. T. Greek 6 credits
Greek Exegesis 3 credits
Foreign language (English preferred)
(if not enough books on the native language in the school library)   		 18 credits
Missiology and Evangelism 3 credits
Practical training 4 credits
Total: 72 credits
The remaining credits are decided by the school according to the student's specialization and the requirements stated in item 6.2.1.
Note 1: If the school can provide enough literature in the national language for each subject, English can be excluded from the list of required subjects and other courses.
Note 2: In the event that a student possess sufficient knowledge in English, they may receive the equivalent number of credits usually granted for studying English at the School after an appropriate written test before the commission. This exam should indicate the student's ability to complete the tasks that would have been required in the regular English course.
Note 3: If the school accepts transfer credits from another school there must be an appropriate written procedure for this process approved by the president. The student's transcript must then show from which school these credits transferred from and the procedure for their confirmation by the current school.

6.5.2.2. During the courses of the program, students are required to write several term papers of no less than 50 typewritten pages each.
Note: The make up of these specialization programs must be approved by the EAAA Board, with the following proportions required: biblical studies and principles of theoretical theology - 30 credits; specialization - 40 credits; and subjects at the discretion of the school - 40 credits.

6.6. Requirements for level D programs.
6.6.1. Master of theology.
6.6.1.1. The Master of Theology program consists of classical theological disciplines, namely:
New Testament
Old Testament
Systematic Theology
Historical Theology
Philosophy of religion
6.6.1.2. Requirements for admission:
- Bachelor's diploma of Theology or its equivalent
- Good knowledge of English language (examination in theological English)
- Knowledge of N.T. Greek (passing not less than 6 + 3 credits in the Bachelor program, and an examination in N.T. Greek language 1 + 2)
6.6.1.3. Duration of study and requirements for the program:
- Biblical Hebrew 3 credits
- Degree paper of not less than 60 pages 6 credits
- advanced studies of specialisation courses 36 credits
- electives or special emphasis courses of the school 12 credits
- Practical training 3 credits
Total: 60 credits

The program compares to two years of studies in a resident master program after having completed 4 years of B. Th. studies (Bachelor of Theology program).
During their course of study, students should complete no less than three written research projects of 15-20 typewritten pages each, in various fields of knowledge. At least one (1) of them should be of an exegetical nature. The majority of courses taken should include various written assignments. The total volume of these assignments should be no less 60 typewritten pages, not including the three research projects mentioned above.
6.6.1.4. Content and methodology of the program.
The program should consist of two parts:
- The first part is devoted to the study of biblical languages, exegesis, general educational subjects and subjects of detailed study by specialization
- The second part (equivalent to the first in amount of work) includes completion of specialized individual research work by the students under the supervision of an instructor, in the form of a course (or, preferably, as an individual tutorial)
- The program should clearly demonstrate the student's ability for independent research work; it should develop these abilities; and it should lead to a mastery of knowledge and skills.
6.6.2. Master + specialization (i.e., master of Christian psychology, Christian education, Missiology, pastoral ministry, church music, or other areas as approved by the EAAA Board)
6.6.2.1. The Master's program is offered in the following areas:
Missiology
Christian pedagogy
Pastoral Theology
Christian leadership and administration
Counseling
Social ministry
Deacon ministry
Other

6.6.2.2. Requirements for admission:
- A bachelor's degree with specialization.
Students entering the specialization without the necessary number of credits at the Bachelor's level are required to study the necessary specialized courses before joining the program.
- Good knowledge of English language (examination in theological English)
6.6.2.3. Duration of study and requirements for the program
- Course on Biblical foundations in the area of specialization  3 credits
- Course on theological themes in the field of specialization  3 credits
- Historical and modern problems and trends in the field of specialization 3 credits
- Optional subjects or seminars (according to specifications of the school) 6 credits
- Detailed study of subjects by specialization 36 credits
- Degree paper of not less than 60 pages 6 credits
- Practical studies 3 credits
Total: 60 credits

The program corresponds to two years of full-time study after finishing the appropriate Bachelor's program.
Instead of a degree paper, students in programs of this group can take an integrated written examination (without the right to use any notes or study helps). In this way they can prove their ability, during 4-6 working hours, to integrate (to understand, to explain and to systematize) in the field of their specialization all the main theories, concepts, facts and the special contribution of certain (historical) persons to the development of the theory and practice of this area.
During their course of study, students of these programs should complete no less than three (and in case of substitution of an integrated written examination for the degree paper, five) written research papers of 15-20 typewritten pages in length, in various fields of knowledge; at least one (1) of them should be of an exegetical nature. The majority of courses taken by them should include various written assignments. The total volume of these assignments should be no less 60 typewritten pages, not including the 3-5 research papers mentioned above.
6.6.2.4. Content and methodology of the program.
The program should consist of two parts:
- The first part is devoted to the study of general educational subjects, and courses of detailed study by specialization.
- The second part (equivalent to the first in amount of work) includes completion of specialized individual research work by the students under the supervision of an instructor, in the form of a course (or, preferably, as an individual tutorial)
The program should clearly demonstrate the ability of a student to do independent research work and the ability to constructively apply the obtained knowledge in ministry.
6.6.2.5. Short description of examinations
- Theological English
Reading of a five-page article from the area of specialization and written criticism (critical review of the article), of approximately 2 pages
- Examination of N.T. Greek 1:
Translation of a rather simple text of the New Testament (approximately 180 words) with the help of a dictionary. Demonstration of knowledge of grammar by explaining at least 10 grammar forms. 30 minute oral examination, half of which is devoted to reading and oral translation of a N.T. text consisting of 1-2 verses, with explanation of grammar forms in the text; and the other half requiring answers to additional questions on Greek grammar, etc.
-Examination of N.T. Greek 2:
Similar to examination of N.T. Greek 1, with use of a more difficult text; and a required discussion of textual criticism.

6.7. Level E program.
(section 6.7. is subject to change, and should be presented to EAAA for further approval).
6.7.1. The total number of class hours for a candidate, doctor program is not less than 30 credits. None of the credits passed by an applicant prior to the applicant having been awarded a Master's degree will be counted toward the candidate, doctoral degree.
6.7.2. In addition to these requirements, every candidate for receiving a candidate, doctoral degree (with the exception of the D. Min. program) should write a thesis in one of the areas of theology, on a theme approved by the school, of 50 000 to 75 000 words. Candidates for receiving the degree Candidate, Doctor of Ministry should complete a dissertation project on the subject of practical ministry, in a length determined by the authorized agency of EAAA.
6.7.3. The admission requirements, and the required amount of academic work to be completed, may differ from school to school.
The degrees described in section 1.6.3 as being equivalent to the Ph.D. are usually awarded by universities. They are oriented more toward academic research, and are considered to be a good foundation for teaching on the university level. The Ed.D. degree is similar to the Ph. D., but is more focused on one specific area of study. The Th.D. degree is normally awarded by a theological seminary, and is the highest degree in the area of theology.
The D. Miss. degree is comparable to the Th.D., in the same way that the Ed.D. is related to the Ph.D. The D. Min. degree is not oriented toward teaching and research to the same extent as the above-mentioned degrees, but it does include some emphasis on these components. The main goal of a D. Min. program is practical ministry; it implies a significant responsibility for ministry.
6.7.4. Only those who have an appropriate Master's degree or its equivalent can be admitted to level E programs (see items 1.6.3. and 1.6.4.). In the event of less than full correspondence of the Master's degree to a certain candidate, doctor program, the completion of additional credits at the Master's level may be necessary before joining the program.
6.8. Academic requirements for applicants.
6.8.1. Studies at a level A require a basic level of skill in reading, taking notes, and testing. For study at levels B and C, a secondary education is necessary.
6.8.2. Candidates for study at level D should have, as a minimum, an appropriate Bachelor's degree or its equivalent. If programs completed by candidates at level C did not contain the necessary concentration in that field of knowledge which is necessary for further study at level D, the school should offer the candidate an opportunity to pass the necessary additional credits at level C, which can be completed at schools having appropriate accredited programs.
6.8.3. Candidates for study at level D who have had non-theological higher education, can be equal to candidates who have an equivalent of an appropriate Bachelor's degree, if they study (under supervision of the school at which they will be continuing their studies) the necessary theological subjects at level C, and pass appropriate examinations. A portion of this coursework can be completed by correspondence, but no less than 30 credits should be passed by such candidates by attending classes in a program accredited at level C. Detailed rules for application of the right indicated in this section, including the list of courses deemed necessary for preliminary study, and the outlines of correspondence courses that are required for admission to a level D program, should be provided for every program that is presented for accreditation.
6.8.4. A school can accept students for study at level D who do not have the educational equivalent to the Bachelor's degree, if they are at least 30 years old; have wide experience in Christian ministry (not less than 10 years); and are distinguished by spiritual maturity and significant intellectual abilities. Nevertheless, a school does not have the right to award them the Master's degree, but can give them a diploma upon graduating from the appropriate program. The proportion of such students cannot exceed 10 % of all students in the accredited program.
6.8.5. Accredited schools have the right to award the Master's degree to their students studying at level D according to section 6.8.4. only in exceptional cases. Conditions of using this right are the following:
- The graduate should be distinguished by strong progress in academics, especially in the areas of analysis and synthesis;
- The graduate should be notable by significant and clearly documented successes in ministry (for example, creation and successful development of a missionary or educational Christian organization, movement or other extensive ministry);
- All instructors of the school, and the Board of Trustees, should come to consensus on such a decision;
- Taking into account everything stated above, applying this right is a special historical event; it cannot be used by a school         more often than once every ten years.
7. Student life
7.1. Living conditions
The living conditions of students residing in dormitories should correspond to regional norms in terms of space, layout, furnishing, etc. The dormitory must be clearly divided by sex; must be clean; and must be in accordance with standards set by local health authorities. It is important to supply students with needed medical facilities. Students must also have the necessary eating facilities. Students must be familiar with the rules of the dormitory which must be recorded in written form, including the range of possible actions of the administration in the event of violations.
7.2. Extra-curricular activities.
The school must be involved in maintaining a healthy spirit within the student body. In order to do that, it is important to provide extra-curricular activities which stimulate intellectual, physical and spiritual development and maintain fellowship. The leadership of the school, instructors and students must work together in conducting this program. All student activities must be in accordance with the overall goals of the school. The school must organize counseling and pastoral care for all students.
7.3. Student representation.
Students must be well informed about all decisions which concern them. There must also be channels through which they can express their opinions and desires to the administration of the school. As a rule, students should have a committee elected by them, through which they can manifest a measure of self-government.
7.4. Admission and graduation.
The school must have a clear admission policy, which takes into consideration the personality of the candidate, his Christian faith and life, experience in church ministry, academic qualifications, and professional experience. The academic requirements during the course of study and conditions for receiving a diploma or degree, must be clear and mandatory for each student from the very beginning. A student must be regularly informed of his standing in the school.
7.5. Payment for study.
The payment for study should be stated according to the real needs of the school and the actual financial possibilities of its students. From time to time it should be revised in accordance with regional conditions.
Stipends and other material help should be granted only if written documents are provided.
The amount of special grants and scholarship, and their usage, should be clearly described and documented.