Doctor of Ministry
Purpose of the Degree
The Doctor of Ministry degree is an advanced professional program (30 or 36 hours) intended to enhance the practice of ministry for persons who hold the M.Div. degree or its equivalent, who have worked in a ministerial context for at least three years after earning the M.Div. degree, and who continue in the tasks and responsibilities of ministry during the course of their doctoral study.
Areas of Study
- Area I
- Practical Theology, Worship and Spirituality, Homiletics, Religious Education, Mission and History of Religions, Church in Society, and/or Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Counseling
- Area II
- Bible, Christian Theology, Christian Ethics, History of Christianity, and/or Jewish Studies
- Area III
- Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Counseling (normally pursued in residence)
Structure of the Program
The Doctor of Ministry degree requires the completion of three components: (1) a common core course, (2) courses in two areas of specialization (one primary, one secondary), and (3) a doctoral project. At least one course (in either the primary or secondary area of study) must be taken as a directed study, with up to four directed study courses permitted.
- Common Core Course
The first component of the program requires the completion of a seminar course, DOMI 80013 Theological Reflection for Ministry and Its Tasks (3 hours). This seminar prepares D.Min. students for advanced studies in ministry and the theological disciplines.
- Courses in Areas of Specialization
Primary specialization in Area I requires completion of 15 hours (usually 5 courses) in that area, plus 9 hours (usually 3 courses) in Area II.
Primary specialization in Area II requires completion of 15 hours (usually 5 courses) in that area, plus 9 hours (usually 3 courses) in Area I.
Primary specialization in Area III requires completion of 24 hours (usually 8 courses) in PTPC, plus 6 hours (usually 2 courses) in Area I or II.
- Doctoral Project
After completing at least 18 hours, but no more than 24, the D.Min. candidate, in consultation with an adviser, proposes a project that draws together the areas of specialization and the practice of ministry (that may grow out of a directed study). Following approval of the proposal by the D.Min. Committee, the D.Min. candidate shall complete the doctoral project within two academic years. During the semester in which the student anticipates the oral examination of the completed project, the student enrolls in DOMI 80913.
General Information
Length of Program
Students may complete the D.Min. degree in no less than three years, but must complete the degree in no more than six years.
Brite Divinity School offers one-week, or consecutive two-week, courses in the Doctor of Ministry Program in October, January, and May. These courses may be held on the campus of Brite Divinity School or at distance locations. Students may enroll in only one Doctor of Ministry course in each of these short terms. If their ministry situation allows, students may also enroll in the Divinity School’s regularly scheduled semester-long courses.
Directed Study
Students must take one three-hour course in either their primary or secondary areas of specialization as a Directed Study. Students may elect up to four Directed Study courses, for a total of twelve hours.
Transfer of Credit
Applicants to the D.Min. Program and students already enrolled in the program may apply to transfer normally no more than three hours of course work toward their D.Min. degree. After consultation with and approval by the Assistant Dean for Advanced Studies. Program, students and applicants will request transfer of credit from the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs.
Financial Aid
Applicants to the D.Min. program become eligible for financial aid from Brite Divinity School upon admission to the D.Min. program. The D.Min. Committee may recommend financial assistance in the form of tuition grants for as much as sixty percent. Financial aid to D.Min. students, however, does not cover student fees or the fee for continuation.
Summary of Degree Requirements
- Attendance at the D.Min. Orientation session, including the Seminar on Sexual Misconduct and the Clergy.
- Successful completion of either 30 hours (for Specializations in Areas I and II) or 36 hours (for Specialization in Area III) of course work. Normally, each course equals 3 hours of credit.
| Specialization in Area I |
Specialization in Area II |
Specialization in Area III |
DOMI 80013 Common Core Seminar
3 hours |
DOMI 80013
Common Core Seminar
3 hours |
DOMI 80013
Common Core Seminar
3 hours |
Primary Area of Study:
Area I
15 hours |
Primary Area of Study:
Area II
15 hours |
Primary Area of Study:
Area III
24 hours |
Secondary Area of Study:
Area II
9 hours |
Secondary Area of Study:
Area I
9 hours |
Secondary Area of Study:
Area I or II hours
6 hours |
DOMI 80913
Project
3 hours |
DOMI 80913
Project
3 hours |
DOMI 80913
Project
3 hours |
Totals
30 hours |
Totals
30 hours |
Totals
36 hours |
- Three-twelve hours of Directed Studies in the primary or secondary areas of study.
- Satisfactory completion of doctoral project.
- Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or better.
Requirements for Admission
- M.Div. degree or its equivalent from an accredited school, verified by submission of official transcripts.
- Official academic transcripts for all other degrees and previous academic work.
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25 (on a 4.00-scale).
- At least three years of experience in the fulltime practice of ministry following completion of the M.Div. degree or its equivalent.
- The Miller Analogy Test, taken within the previous seven years, with a score of 50 or higher. In addition, admission to Area III requires the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and Sixteen Personality Factors Test (16-PF), taken within the previous three years.
- Minimum TOEFL score of 600 (computer-based 250) for applicants whose primary language is other than English.
- Three letters of recommendation that assess and evaluate the applicant’s previous performance in ministerial practice, academic work, interpersonal relationships, and personal maturity.
- Declaration of intended areas of specialization (primary and secondary).
- A personal statement, describing the applicant’s autobiographical and theological understanding of ministry.
- A graduate-level research paper or sample of professional writing written within the last five years.
- A non-refundable application fee of $75, made payable to Brite Divinity School.
- An interview with the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program and/or a member of the faculty.
Admission Schedule
For Fall Matriculation
February 15
Last date for international applicants to take the paper-based TOEFL in order for Brite to receive the scores by April 15.
March 1
Last date for international applicants to take the computer-based TOEFL in order for Brite to receive the scores by April 15.
July 15
Completed applications, including appropriate test results.
For Spring Matriculation
September 15
Last date for international applicants to take the paper-based TOEFL in order for Brite to receive the scores by November 15.
October 1
Last date for international applicants to take the computer-based TOEFL in order for Brite to receive the scores by November 15.
October 15
Completed applications, including appropriate test results.
