Online Graduate Degree
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
An advanced professional doctorate for working pastors and ministry leaders.
- Total Hours
- 30
- 15 elective
- Format
- Online or Residential Hybrid
- Year-round enrollment
- Time to Complete
- 2–5 years
- Master's Degree
- Tuition
- $755/credit
- See tuition page
- Enrollment
- Open
- Apply year-round
What Sets DMin Apart
The Three Marks of Doctor of Ministry
The convictions that shape every course in this program.
Pastoral Formation
You will be formed not just academically but vocationally — preparing the whole person for faithful proclamation.
Confessional Conviction
Reformed theology and the Westminster Standards inform every classroom, every conviction, every conversation.
Steadfast in Doctrine
A hope that anchors the soul (Hebrews 6:19) — historically rooted, theologically grounded, pastorally applied.
About This Program
Doctor of Ministry
An advanced professional doctorate for working pastors and ministry leaders.
The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) is an advanced professional degree that prepares men and women for more effective ministry in the unique context to which God has already called them. The curriculum is designed for those currently serving as pastors, missionaries, teachers, or administrators in churches, Christian schools, or other ministries.
Ideal for those who seek:
- To add theological depth and training into their ministry calling and context.
- To strengthen skills such as preaching, teaching, research, and writing needed for their ministry work.
- To grow their leadership capacity for effective ministry.
- To mature spiritually, personally, and professionally.
- To be recognized for a unique, practical contribution to their calling by means of the final project, with individualized coaching through the project phase.
The Doctor of Ministry may be taken entirely online or by incorporating one-week intensive courses, offered periodically at the Knox campus.
By graduation, you'll be able to:
A graduate of this program will be able to:
- Articulate the Gospel message of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone.
- Explain the inspiration and authority of all of Scripture and its relationship to the Gospel.
- Articulate the relationship of the Gospel to sanctification in the life of the believer.
- Articulate a Christo-centric view of ministry in which theological study, practice, and ethical conduct mutually inform and enhance one another.
- Demonstrate the pastoral, oral, and written skills and competencies that are required for church leadership at its most mature and effective level.
- Contribute to the practice of ministry by means of a doctoral-level project that integrates analytical and ministerial research, theological reflection, and practical application.
Course Requirements
30 credit hours- DM825 Doctoral Research and Writing for Ministry
- DM888 Theological Ethics for Ministry
- DM918 Christ-Centered Preaching with Bryan Chapell
- 15 (DMin) Elective Hours
- DM999 Major Project (6 credit hours)
How to Apply
Admission Requirements & Process
Year-round enrollment. No rigid deadlines.
Academic Prerequisites
- DMin applicants must have a completed master's degree in a ministry-related area with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale as well as significant ministry experience.
- Whereas the most common academic pathway to the DMin is a completed MDiv from an accredited seminary, the admissions committee will also consider applications demonstrating strong proficiency in:
- Completion of an accredited master's degree (or equivalent) in a ministry-related area.
- Significant ministry experience.
- Identification and articulation of ministry calling and contribution of a DMin.
- Ability to interpret Scripture and articulate its place in their theological tradition.
- Ability to understand and adapt ministry to their particular context.
- Capacity for, and history of, spiritual, personal, and ministerial growth and maturity.
Application Process
- Complete and submit an online application with fee.
- College-level transcripts sent officially and directly to Knox Seminary from all institutions attended.
- Fill out and return pastoral, academic, and personal reference forms.
- Provide an endorsement letter from your church/governing body.
- For applicants without a completed MDiv, complete additional short answer and essay questions.
Take the Next Step
Ready to apply to DMin?
Join a community shaped by Scripture, the Reformed tradition, and a passion for the local church.
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