Degree Programs

Doctor of Ministry

Program Learning Outcomes

The UGST faculty has identified the following outcomes for the D.Min. degree which are aligned with the Degree Program Standards of the Association of Theological Schools. This degree has been designed to enhance the practice of ministry and leadership in the church and other public settings. It is available to 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 ministry during the course of their doctoral study. The D.Min. offers opportunities for professional, spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth through the rigorous academic study of theology, leadership, important ministerial issues, and focused research. This advanced degree is recommended for pastors, global representatives, chaplains, educators, and leaders of faith-based organizations. 

 

    Outcome 1

  •     Graduates of the D.Min. program should be able to produce advanced original research that engages with broader Christianity and addresses emerging trends from an Apostolic perspective.    (ATS Area A)

 

    Outcome 2

  •       Graduates of the D.Min. program should be able to demonstrate transformative leadership within the Apostolic tradition by identifying crucial ministry issues and proposing innovative solutions that integrate new knowledge and skill into ministry practice. (ATS Area B)

 

    Outcome 3

  •     Graduates of the D.Min. program should be able to connect biblical research and ministry practice through the integration of theology and socio-cultural experience in order to prepare to live out personal calling. (ATS Area C)

 

    Outcome 4

  •     Graduates of the D.Min. program should be able to grow in spiritual awareness, demonstrating Christian values and spiritual maturity in the academic context, while integrating Apostolic spirituality            into the practice of ministry. (ATS area D)

 

Cohorts for this 30 credit hour D.Min. program will begin each fall and applicants should possess a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree (or its equivalent) with a minimum of a 2.7 CGPA on a 4.0 scale. This degree could come from either UGST or another seminary. In addition, applicants should possess significant ministry experience. In most cases, this means at least three years of ministry experience since completing your M.Div..

 

Those candidates who possess a Master of Christian Ministry (M.A.C.M.) or a Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) from UGST may also consider applying. However, please note that additional bridgework (UGST coursework), along with additional essays and documentation of ministry experience will likely be required before fully matriculating into the D.Min. program.

 

Degree Program & Core Requirements

Doctor of Ministry – for pastors, global representatives, chaplains, educators, and leaders of faith-based organizations with significant ministry experience.

 

Degree requirements

  • Successfully complete 30 credits in the required areas of study. A minimum of 21 credit hours must be completed in residence.
  • Complete three Dissertation Project units (6 credits total) and successfully defend a dissertation.
  • Fulfill financial and library obligations.
  • Maintain a 3.0 grade point average for the total course of study.
  • Demonstrate significant progress in the areas identified in the D.Min. program learning outcomes. 

 

Degree Capstone

The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) culminates in a doctoral dissertation. During a total of three years of the program, students will complete a Dissertation Project unit of 2 credits, for a total of 6 credits over four years. In the final semester of the program, the student will defend a dissertation addressing both the nature and practice of ministry before a faculty panel. This dissertation should be of sufficient quality that it contributes to the practice of ministry as judged by professional standards and has the potential for application in other contexts of ministry.

 

Application Requirements

Urshan Graduate School of Theology has rolling admissions. Applicants can be accepted as soon as their file is complete and they have fulfilled all the criteria necessary for admission. However, all students in the D.Min. program will begin coursework in the fall semester. To have the greatest opportunity for scholarship assistance, scholarship requests should accompany applications prior to May 1. If a student is applying for Federal Financial Aid, consult the Financial Aid Handbook for application deadlines.

 

Required Information/Data for Application Submission:

  • Online Application Form
  • Application fee ($50.00)
  • Admissions essay
  • Academic, graduate-level writing sample
  • Headshot photo
  • Copy of government-issued photo ID 
  • Pastoral recommendation
  • Academic recommendation
  • Personal recommendation
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • Health history
  • Personal interview with a faculty member

 

Apply here!