Doctor of Ministry
The program equips pastors and ministry leaders to deepen theological foundations and spiritual formation, strengthening pastoral care and leadership. Integrating theology and practice, it prepares students to respond to contemporary challenges and develop future Christian leaders.
Purpose
The Doctor of Ministry program provides opportunities for full-time pastors and other Christian ministry professionals to pursue advanced study while continuing in active ministry. The program is designed to deepen spiritual maturity, strengthen biblical and theological foundations, and further develop the professional competencies needed for faithful and effective ministry leadership.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Doctor of Ministry program, students will be able to:
Develop a biblically and theologically grounded framework for faithful and effective ministry in a variety of contemporary contexts.
Design doctoral-level applied research within the student’s chosen area of ministry and professional practice.
Reflect critically on and evaluate personal life experiences in ways that foster inner healing, spiritual growth, and a commitment to lifelong learning and continued development.
Provide effective leadership and management within churches and Christian organizations.
Cultivate a global perspective and communicate the Christian faith meaningfully across diverse cultures and people groups.
Equip and develop other leaders in order to strengthen the ministries of local churches and Christian organizations.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants must hold a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, or its equivalent, from an ATS- or ATA-accredited institution, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B or 83.5–86.4%). Applicants whose entering GPA does not meet the minimum requirement may be permitted to enroll provisionally in two courses. Formal admission may be granted if the applicant earns an average grade of B or higher in those courses. Applicants holding a Master of Christian Studies degree or an equivalent degree must complete the required M.Div.-equivalent coursework or degree requirements. Any deficiency coursework must be completed before the student has earned 18 doctoral credits.
- Applicants holding an M.Div. must have completed at least three years of full-time ministry following graduation and demonstrate effectiveness in ministry. Applicants holding a Master of Christian Studies degree must have completed at least five years of full-time ministry and demonstrate effectiveness in ministry. Full-time ministry experience completed prior to the applicant’s M.Div. or other master’s degree may be considered holistically by the Admissions Committee.
- Applicants must provide recommendations from at least two ministry colleagues, such as pastors or church elders.
- Applicants must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in reading and writing English.
Curriculum and Program Structure
- Students must complete a total of 34 credits, consisting of 30 credits of coursework and 4 credits of dissertation work.
- Courses are organized into five areas: Biblical Studies, Pastoral Ministry, including leadership and expository preaching, Missions, Counseling, and other approved areas. No more than five courses from any single category may be counted toward the degree.
- Courses are offered in an intensive format. Each three-credit course is normally taught over one intensive week, with approximately five hours of instruction per day.
- The Doctor of Ministry academic calendar is organized into three terms: Winter (December–March), Summer (May–August), and Fall (September–November).
- Winter intensive courses are normally offered at the main campus during January and February, with approximately four to six courses available.
- Summer intensive courses are normally offered at the main campus in June, with approximately six to eight courses available.
- Fall intensive courses are normally offered at the main campus between September and October, with approximately six to eight courses available.
- A minimum enrollment of five students is normally required for a course to be offered.
Program Duration and Location
- The program, including coursework and dissertation requirements, requires a minimum of three years and must normally be completed within six years. Students may apply for a one-year extension. Exceptional cases are reviewed individually.
- Off-campus coursework or transfer credits may not exceed two-fifths of the total credits required for graduation, and the combined total of off-campus and transfer credits may not exceed one-half of the degree requirements.
- Courses are offered through the Seminary’s Los Angeles main campus. Students are encouraged to participate in person, while synchronous online participation is also available. Dissertation work may be completed off campus.
Required Courses
Graduation Requirements
Complete the required 34 credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B).
Complete the doctoral dissertation and successfully pass the dissertation defense.
Complete all required institutional clearance procedures.