
DOCTOR OF MASONIC ARTS DEGREE
UNIVERSITY OF INSTRUCTION
This self-paced, ten to twelve to week course, the Doctorate of Masonic Arts (DMA) degree certification from the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge (MWUGL) of Florida is best suited for Freemasons and Eastern Stars who wish to further explore the depths of their base learning of Freemasonry. For ease of access, this online platform provides the most flexibility for learners. The BMA degree requires 14 credits of core coursework.
After enrolling in this course you must connect with a Professor.
Video Introduction
COURSE OFFERING DATES
This Course Requires a Professor
Students Enrolling 2025:
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First Course Offerings: May 1 to July 31
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Second CourseOfferings: August 1 to October 31
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Students ​Enrolling ​2026:
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Third Course Offerings: January 3 to March 31 ​

Instructor: Dissertation Chair
DMS 4000 Intro to Doctorate Level
Credit Hours: 2
DMS 4000: Course Contents
Choosing a dissertation topic is a crucial decision that significantly impacts your academic journey. Depending on your field, your advisor might suggest a topic, or you might need to formulate one independently.
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This course will demonstrate 'how' to begin, immerse yourself in recent literature relevant to your field. Identify gaps or unanswered questions that pique your interest and align with your expertise and passion.
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Once you've identified potential areas for research, evaluate their feasibility considering available resources and time constraints. Discuss your ideas with your faculty advisor to gain valuable insights and refine your focus.
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Incorporating feedback from your advisor ensures that your chosen topic is well-defined, researchable, and contributes meaningfully to your field of study.
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For visual learners please visit the video found HERE
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Instructor: Dissertation Chair
DMS 4100 The Dissertation
Step by Step
Credit Hours: 2
MGL 4100: Dissertation Step-by-Step Guide
Choosing a dissertation topic is a crucial decision that significantly impacts your academic journey. Depending on your field, your advisor might suggest a topic, or you might need to formulate one independently.
​
This course will demonstrate 'how' to begin, immerse yourself in recent literature relevant to your field. Identify gaps or unanswered questions that pique your interest and align with your expertise and passion. ​Once you've identified potential areas for research, evaluate their feasibility considering available resources and time constraints. Discuss your ideas with your faculty advisor to gain valuable insights and refine your focus.
​
Incorporating feedback from your advisor ensures that your chosen topic is well-defined, researchable, and contributes meaningfully to your field of study.
​
For visual learners please visit the video found HERE
​​​​​

Instructor: Dissertation Chair
DMS 4101 Understanding
Dissertation Proposal
Credit Hours: 2
DMS 4101: Identifying a Topic for the Dissertation
Finding a thesis topic can be challenging. Understanding this it is vital to comprehend the process. The right approach allows you to discover something that is both compelling and manageable. This course offer tips to help you navigate this important decision. :
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Instructor: Dissertation Chair
DMS 4102 Formulate
Research Question
Credit Hours: 2
DMS 4102 Formulate Research Question
A research question is the fundamental query that your thesis will aim to answer. It guides the direction of your research and writing. A strong research question should be clear, focused, and complex enough to allow for in-depth exploration.
Here are some examples of research questions for different fields:
Social Sciences
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Topic: Social Media and Mental Health
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Research Question: How does the use of social media affect the mental health of teenagers?
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Topic: Gentrification
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Research Question: What are the social and economic impacts of gentrification on urban communities?
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Instructor: Dissertation Chair
DMS 4103 Identifying the Problem
Credit Hours: 2
DMS 4103: Leadership Development
Defining a research problem is a crucial step in developing a focused and purposeful dissertation proposal. Here’s how you can approach this process and craft a compelling problem statement:
Steps to Define a Research Problem:
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Identify the Problem Area:
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Practical Issues: Look for inefficiencies, challenges, or gaps in real-world applications, organizational processes, or societal practices.
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Theoretical Issues: Seek out gaps in the existing literature, unexplored relationships, conflicting theories, or unresolved scholarly debates.
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Instructor: Dissertation Chair
DMS 4104 Research Design
Methodologies: Qualitative, Quantitative, Blended
Credit Hours: 2
DMS 4104: Methodologies: Qualitative, Quantitative, Blended
This course delves into the mystery of secret societies. Such orginizations consists of membership organizations or associations that utilize secret initiations or other rituals. Members often employ unique oaths, grips (handshakes), or other 'modes of recognition.' Secret societies have captured the imagination of people for centuries, often portrayed in literature, movies, and conspiracy theories. Exploring their history, rituals, and influence on society can shed light on hidden aspects of culture and human psychology. ​
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Instructor: Dissertation Chair
DMS 4105 Style Guide
Credit Hours: 2
DMS 4105: Style Guide
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The 7th edition of Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association was created by the American Psychological Assocation (APA) and contains the complete guidelines on how to format material for publication and cite your research. It is a set of style rules that codifies the components of scientific writing to deliver concise and bias-free information to the reader.
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This guide provides some of the basics to keep in mind, but it doesn't replace owning or borrowing the actual Publication Manual itself. It should be on your desk by your side throughout your writing process.
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Instructor: Dissertation Chair
DMS 4106 Reference Page
Credit Hours: 2
Course Overview
DMS 4106: Reference Page
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The reference page in an APA-style dissertation lists all the sources cited throughout your work. It must follow specific formatting rules to ensure consistency and clarity. Here are the key guidelines and an example layout for creating a reference page in APA style:

Instructor: Dissertation Chair
DMS 4107 Choosing a Topic
Credit Hours: 2
Course Overview
DMS 4107: Choosing a Topic
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Choosing a topic for your dissertation is a crucial step that sets the foundation for your research. It’s important to select a topic that is both interesting and feasible. Here’s a guide to help you choose a dissertation topic:
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1. Identify Your Interests Reflect on the subjects and courses you enjoyed most during your studies. Consider your personal interests and how they align with your academic field. Think about any unanswered questions or intriguing problems you’ve encountered in your readings or coursework.
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Instructor: Dissertation Chair
DMS 4108 Writing the Draft
Credit Hours: 2
Course Overview
DMS 4108: Convention Coordination
This study investigates the impact of the common gavel’s use for disciplining members among lodges, chapters, and councils [craft], and its effects on the Head of Houses with the craft. With the rising popularity of a rush to power in masonic houses along with one-year leadership in the east (i.e. Worshipful Masters [WM), the lack of experience is a causality leading to mental and health instability of the Head of Houses. Understanding this relationship is crucial. A survey was conducted with nine leaders in the east to measure their gavel usage towards discipline issues, patterns and anxiety levels when having to invoke the gavel as a disciplinary tool.

Instructor: Dissertation Chair
DMS 4109 Approval for Dissertation
Credit Hours: 2
Course Overview
DMS 4109:The Great Fault Line - A Study of Fraudulent Masonry
This course examines getting approval from your dissertation chair is an important step in the dissertation process. Here’s how you can go about it:
Steps to Get Approval from Your Dissertation Chair
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Prepare Your Proposal:
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Ensure your dissertation proposal is well-written, thoroughly researched, and follows all formatting guidelines.
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Include the title, introduction, literature review, methodology, expected results, and references.
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Attach any necessary documents, such as consent forms, data collection instruments, and preliminary data if available.
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Instructor: Dissertation Chair
DMS 4110 Dissertation Defense
Credit Hours: 2
Course Overview
DMS 4110: : History of the Black Church
This course examines preparing for your dissertation defense is a crucial step in completing your doctoral journey. Here are some comprehensive steps and tips to help you prepare effectively:
1. Know Your Dissertation Inside and Out
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Thorough Review: Re-read your entire dissertation, paying close attention to the methodology, results, and discussion sections. Be familiar with every detail.
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Understand the Big Picture: Be able to summarize the key points, main arguments, and overall contributions of your work.
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Anticipate Questions: Think about potential questions related to your research questions, methodology, data analysis, and conclusions.
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