Doctor of Ministry, D.Min.
[Doctor of Ministry - 2301.00]
The Doctor of Ministry program (D.Min.) is an advanced, professional, theological degree that is designed to enhance the practice of ministry for pastors, ministry staff, and those carrying leadership responsibilities in other Christian organizations. Its purpose is to serve and advance the church by providing an environment in which experienced church and parachurch leaders can have their thinking enriched, their skills strengthened, and their spiritual lives renewed for the challenges of ministry today.
Graduates of the Northeastern Seminary D.Min. program will be able to demonstrate the following:
- an advanced understanding of the nature and purposes of pastoral ministry
- enhanced competencies in pastoral and cultural analysis and ministerial leadership skills
- enriched ability to think biblically and theologically about all aspects of ministry
- an ability to integrate their understanding and competencies into a theologically reflective practice of ministry
- continued growth and increased maturity in personal and spiritual formation
In short, the Doctor of Ministry degree equips people to serve Christ’s church with the highest levels of excellence, wisdom, and skill.
The Doctor of Ministry degree is an advanced professional doctorate that builds upon a master’s degree, a base of formal theological education, and significant ministry experience. Students with an accredited master's degree in another field may be asked to complete leveling work consisting of six master's level seminary classes. As a part of the admissions process, students will be assessed on their ability to interpret Scripture thoughtfully and to understand the theological tradition of their ministry context. In addition, they will be evaluated on their ability to understand and to adapt one’s ministry to their cultural context. Lastly, each applicant will be assessed on their own self-understanding of their ministerial identity and vocational calling as well as their readiness to engage in ongoing personal and spiritual formation for one’s ministry.
Admissions Requirements
The purpose of the D.Min. degree is to enhance the practice of ministry for persons who hold a theological degree from an accredited theological school and have engaged in at least three years of professional ministerial experience. Admission is on the basis of competence in theology and ministry, and giving evidence of the motivation and ability to pursue further study at the doctoral-level. In examining the application, the admissions committee will consider whether the applicant:
- Is capable of doctoral-level work
- Has demonstrable learning in the various theological studies
- Has sufficient ministry experience to gain maximum benefit from the program
- Has articulated how the program will enhance his or her ministry
- Is spiritually and emotionally mature
- Has sufficient support structures (e.g., family, church, etc.) to complete the program successfully
In order to determine whether or not the applicant meets these criteria, the following specific requirements are necessary for admission to the D.Min. program:
- Earned Master of Arts (M.A.) in a ministry-related field or Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree from an accredited seminary, college or university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In cases where the applicant has a master's in a non-ministry field, students may fulfill educational prerequisites by completing six seminary classes in the form of a graduate-level certificate. The Advanced Certificate must be completed with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher to be eligible to apply to the D.Min. program. The Advanced Certificate will consist of a base of six classes: five Great Conversation classes (Biblical Worldview, Exploring the Bible,The Early Church, Reformation and Renewal, and Mission in the Modern World or Social Justice and Spirituality) are required as well as Introduction to Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching.
- Three or more years of professional ministry experience. Exceptions to this rule must be approved by the director of the Doctor of Ministry program on a case-by-case basis and must meet ATS standards for admission.
- Official transcripts from all previous graduate and undergraduate academic work; normally, a grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in previous graduate degree work is required
- Two ministry/ecclesial references from a supervisor of the church or para-church organization to which the applicant is accountable that indicate an ability to do above average graduate-level academic work, affirm the applicant’s call to and gifts for Christian ministry, and give their endorsement for the individual to pursue the D.Min. degree and one congregational/character or institutional reference that affirms the applicant’s call to and gifts for Christian ministry
- An application essay and theological paper sample
- A professional resume is required that outlines the scope of work and specifically highlights involvement in various forms of ministry
- A TOEFL score of 79 or higher is required of international students for whom English is a second language
Courses in the Program:
- Choose any seven courses: (21)
- DMIN 865NE Advanced Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching (3)
- DMIN 875NE Spirituality for Ministry (3)
- DMIN 885NE Transformational Leadership (3)
- DMIN 866NE Special Topics in Scripture (3)
- DMIN 876NE Special Topics in Spirituality (3)
- DMIN 886NE Special Topics in Leadership (3)
- DMIN 890NE Special Topics in Ministry (3)
- Required research courses: (13)
- DMIN 801NE D.Min. Community (1)
- DMIN 801NE D.Min. Community (1)
- DMIN 801NE D.Min. Community (1)
- DMIN 801NE D.Min. Community (1)
- DMIN 860NE Research Methodologies and Methods (3)
- DMIN 910NE Dissertation/Ministry Project (capstone)* (6)
Students will automatically be registered for DMIN 901NE - continuation of registration - and be charged a fee every semester after registering for DMIN 910NE. Students who do not intend to finish the Capstone project must file a withdrawal form to avoid the charge. Students are expected to complete the degree within six years from the date of initial matriculation. If additional time is needed, an Extension Petition must be filed before the six-year deadline.
*For information about the capstone project guidelines, please contact the academic office.
Minimum Total Hours: 34
Minimum Graduation Requirements: Cumulative GPA of 3.0, a completed degree application submitted to academic services by October 1 prior to the May Commencement, and the successful completion of a capstone project.