Doctorate Degree in Dhanvantari Ayurveda

(see Department of Ayurveda)

Doctor of Divinity in Vashnavism

The quality and success of the Vaishnava Minister is very often determined by the minister's ability to communicate in oral and written fashion.  It is the purpose of the Divinity Program Doctorate to hone the spiritual gifts and abilities of Vaishnava leaders presently serving at Minister level. Through developing their writing, speaking,k and administrative skills, Florida Vedic College seeks to train Ministers for effective leadership.  The Vaishnava Minister has a twin life style of learning and doing.  To be effective as a Minister, learning must continue and the Minister must be able to make practical application of what he learns throughout his life.  The Doctorate of Divinity in Vaishnavism degree presumes competence in Ministerial skills and experience.  The Doctor of Vaishnavism student should have had basic studies in Vaishnava Philosophy, Vaishnava History, Vaishnava Administration, Vaishnava Ministry and Vaishnava Edcuation, as well as practical ministerial experience in applying those teachings.

Prerequisite

The student needs to possess a Master's degree acceptable to FVC, a Bhakti-Vedanta degree, or a Bhakti-Sarvabhauma degree to be enrolled in the Doctorate program.

Characteristics of the program

The Florida Vedic College Divinity Doctor in Vaishnavism degree programs are designed to provide Ministry analysis, guidance and training to increase ministerial competency. The study programs seek to provide direction in several ministerial areas, such as: research/writing, Vedic scripture-based communication, administration/leadership, and personal development.

Curriculum requirements

The Doctor of Divinity in Vaishnavism program consists of 30 semester hours beyond the Master degree program.  The assignment of credit is as follows:

Doctorate Contract Workshop

The Doctorate Contract Workshop is an introduction to the FVC educational philosophy and doctoral programs.  It is held periodically upon request by doctoral candidates.

Tutorials

Tutorial #1:  Is a seminar that introduces the candidate to good reasearch and writing procedures.

Tutorial #2:  Seminar relating to Vedic scripture-based communication and administration/leadership.

Tutorial #3:  Seminar relating to personal spiritual development.

Developmental Reading

The candidate is required to read 2,000 pages of collateral material beyond the specific project requirements.  The candidate will select the bibliography for this reading and submit it for his Major professor's approval.  The candidate will list each title read, and may be required to give a brief annotation for each of the materials read.

Projects/Dissertation

The candidate must complete a Doctorate Project/Disertation, which will include all or one of these areas of development:

Area 1 - Research/Writing Dissertation: As a requirement in this area, the candidate will write a 100 - 125 page (minimum) dissertation dealing with an approved aspect of Vaishnava philosophy, religion, ministry or of Vaishnava interest.

Area 2 - Vedic Scripture - based Communication: The candidate will complete projects dealing with course and lesson presentations or scriptural translations and exegesis.  A dissertation presentation of 100 page minimum is required.

Area 3 - Vaishnava Administration Project: The candidate will complete projects dealing with the implementation of Major administrative projects, such as the establishment of institutions in Vaishnavism, inclusive of government approvals, standards, catalogs, financial reporting and a minimum of one year of establishment is to be reported on. A final project analysis is required in this area of study.

Area 4 - Personal Development: The candidate will complete projects dealing with personal spiritual growth, Vedic scriptural study, theological perspectives, and Vedic counseling.  This are is generally on a part of the Doctoral program and in many cases may be combined with the other three areas for completion of project.

All of the projects must be approved by the candidate's Major Doctorate professor. Vaishnava Ministers may request specific project adaptations as to relate to their particular fields of ministry, and these project adaptations must be arranged through the candidate's Major professor and approved by the college.  Courses and seminars offered by FVC may be substituted for various project credits.  The maximum number of project substitutions allowed is nine credits.

Doctorate course description

Research/Writing Project:

Vedic scripture-based communication:

Vedic administration project:

Personal development:

Additional doctorate courses:

Time requirements

Normally the program is completed in 24-27 months, taking 9 credits per semester.  Under extreme conditions, the time of completion may be extended as long as 4 years. No program may extend beyond that time without special permission.

Grading Policy

The Doctor of Divinity in Vaishnavism student must earn a minimum grade of "B" in each project. Failure to achieve a grade of "B" will necessitate repeating the project.

Financial responsibility

The appropriate fee for the Doctorate program must be paid in full prior to graduation.

Work submission deadlines

The work submission deadlines will be given by the Major professor in the doctorate area.  Work not submitted on deadline may receive failing grade, if the delay is not requested in advance.

Bhaktisarvabhauma Degree

The student must possess a "Bhaktisarvabhouma Degree" and pass the Mastery level examination on the required scripture to receive this degree Sri Caitanya Caritamrta  adi, madyha and antya lilas (17 Vols)