Doctor of Ministry – Program Outline

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY

The Doctor of Ministry is a professional program for pastors, missionaries, and others actively engaged in ministry-related fields. Courses are normally offered in intensive one-week sessions in January and July. Students receive pre-course assignments that include assigned readings and/or written papers. At the end of the sessions, students receive post-course assignments that may include a written project requiring the students to apply course material.

 

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

A Master of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary, or its equivalent, with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, followed by at least three years of ministry experience is required. (Equivalency will be decided by the Admissions Committee, and will ordinarily be defined as 72 graduate semester hours or comparable graduate credits in other systems that represent broad-based work in theology, Biblical studies, and the arts of ministry and that include a master’s degree.)

At their discretion, the Doctor of Ministry Program Committee will interview a prospective student to evaluate the individual’s knowledge and skills for ministry in light of the Seminary’s vision for ministry.

 

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR CANDIDACY

Satisfactory completion of all coursework (24 credit hours) with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and Program Committee approval of the major project proposal. At their discretion, the Program Committee will interview a candidate to evaluate the individual’s readiness for candidacy.

 

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETION

All requirements for the Doctor of Ministry degree must be completed within six years from the time of matriculation. Petitions for an exception to this requirement must be approved by the Program Committee.

The candidate will complete a total of 30 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. This includes successful completion of eight seminars (24 credit hours) plus the major project (six credit hours). Upon completion of the major project, the candidate will make a successful oral presentation of the work to the Program Committee and the Project Committee for evaluation.

Upon successful completion, the student is awarded the Doctor of Ministry degree.

 

PROJECT PRESENTATION AND EVALUATION

All students are required to complete the project presentation and evaluation at least five weeks before graduation. Normally present for the project presentation and evaluation are the Program Committee, the Project Committee, and any parties invited by the Program Committee.

Doctor of Ministry course schedules may be obtained by contacting the Registrar’s Office.