SACRED MONASATIC ORDER  •  CHURCH OF HOPE

The Doctor of  Arts is a study-based doctoral degree as an academic alternative to the traditional research-based Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and the education-based Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). Like other doctorates, the D.A. is an academic degree of the highest level. The D.A. is also frequently conferred as an honorary degree with the added designation of honoris causa.

While the Ph.D. is the most common doctoral degree in the United States, the U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation recognize the academic-oriented doctoral degrees such as the D.A. as "equivalent", and do not discriminate between them.

For the SMOCH D.A. and O.M.D., no thesis is required. Each module is tested and graded with online, real-time exams. Modules (Lessons) are video, audio, or written-lesson based. After viewing, reading or listening, the candidate simply logs on to their private control panel, completes the accompanying exam in real-time. Once completed, results of Pass/Fail are instantly acknowledged. Should candidate result in incomplete (<70% passing grade), it can be taken two more times.

Once all modules for the D.A. are successfully completed, results are reviewed by the academic Dean and conferred to faculty for candidacy of Doctoral graduation. There is also a special option of conferred Title of Nobility.

A   Doctor of Philosophy degree is awarded for a wide range of programs. A Ph.D. candidate must submit a project, thesis or dissertation often consisting of a body of original academic research, which is in principle worthy of peer-review by the College of Priests.

The SMOCH Ph.D. program is the same as the D.A. program, with a thesis presented as part of completion.