Program FAQ

The Doctor of Ministry degree is designed for ministers who seek to take their ministries and theological education to the next level. Individuals who have earned a Master of Divinity degree or another theological master’s degree from an ATS accredited school (48 credit hours or more), and who have had at least three years of significant ministry experience with one year post earning a theological master-level degree are eligible. Click HERE to view the DMin Eligibility Requirements. 

The Doctor of Ministry program is not offered online. It includes a combination of in-person seminars that take place on Thursdays from 1:00 – 5:00 pm and Fridays from 9:30 am – 4:00 pm, as well as independent research electives and project work that will be conducted independently. Students would come to campus for Thursday/Friday seminars 8 times their first semester, and four times for the second and third semesters. Following that, visits to campus would be on a voluntary basis.

The DMin program is considered a part-time degree; however, scholarship eligibility and a student’s status in the program functions as though it is full-time. The part-time nature of the program allows the best opportunity for students who are serving in ministry to be able to incorporate the DMin program into the work they are already doing.

Seminars take place on Thursdays from 1:00 – 5:00 pm and Fridays from 9:30 am – 4:00 pm. Students would come to campus for Thursday/Friday seminars 8 times their first semester, and four times for the second and third semesters. Following that, visits to campus would be on a voluntary basis. Independent research electives and project work will be conducted independently and students would come to campus on a voluntary basis.

While the Master of Divinity degree is preferred to pursue a Doctor of Ministry degree, it is not required. To be eligible to pursue a DMin, a person must have a theological master’s degree from an ATS (Association of Theological Schools) accredited school. In general, degrees with fewer than 48 hours will not be considered. Leveling courses may be required, especially for degrees with fewer than 72 hours. Professional but non-theological master’s degrees such as MBA, MEd, or MSW do not fulfill this requirement. Click HERE to view DMin admissions requirements. 

Yes. It is very important that individuals have significant involvement in their ministry context(s). A student’s ministry context is the place in which a student’s work in the program is focused.

Click HERE to view the admissions requirements for the Doctor of Ministry Program.

The Master of Divinity degree is preferred; however, one must have a theological master’s degree from an ATS (Association of Theological Schools) accredited school. In general, degrees with fewer than 48 hours will not be considered. Leveling courses may be required, especially for degrees with fewer than 72 hours. Professional but non-theological master’s degrees such as MBA, Med, and MSW do not fulfill this requirement.

This is a fairly common situation with applicants. Please communicate this situation to the Divinity School admissions office so that an alternative recommender can be determined. It is likely that another minister recommendation can be submitted in place of the seminary professor recommendation.

One hundred percent (100%) of DMin students will receive scholarship assistance. Outside scholarships can also be applied on top of what is awarded by the Divinity School. Click HERE to learn more about scholarships and financial assistance.

Once the DMin cohort is finalized, students will be notified of their scholarship awards. There is no additional financial assistance application process for DMin students.

Yes, loans are available for all degree programs. Unsubsidized and graduate plus loans are available for students. Completion of the FAFSA is required for loan consideration. Loans are handled and processed through the University’s Office of Financial Aid. Students are encouraged to use loans as a last resort.