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Apr 23, 2024
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2017-2018 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Ministry, D.Min.
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The Doctor of Ministry degree provides the opportunity for advanced study that integrates theological reflection and ministerial practice with a contextual focus for people in professional ministry within the church.
Areas of Study
The six areas of concentration within the D.Min. program are evangelism, pastoral leadership, spiritual formation, urban ministry, missional church studies, and preaching and worship. Two-week seminars are offered during the summer and January terms. Each student will complete a project practicum and a project thesis that focus on an aspect of ministry within the student’s selected concentration. Courses are also offered at Singapore’s Trinity Theological College during the summer term.
Admission Requirements
The professional nature of the D.Min. requires that students have leadership responsibilities in their ministry setting. Application deadlines are March 15 for June admission and October 1 for January admission. Applicants wishing to enter the D.Min. program must have:
- An Association of Theological Schools-approved M.Div. degree or equivalent with a cumulative GPA in the master’s-level program of at least 3.000 on a 4.000 scale (grade of B or 80). In cases of demonstrated extraordinary ability in the practice of ministry, applicants with a lower grade average may be considered for conditional admission with the requirement to complete the first term with a grade of B or better in order to be granted full admission and continuation in the program.
- Significant experience and demonstrated competence in ministry, as attested by three references. A minimum of three years of full-time experience following completion of the M.Div. degree (or its equivalent).
- The ability to reflect theologically and communicate effectively as reflected in a short essay addressing the proposed area for study. The essay should include (a) a statement of objectives in pursuing the D.Min. degree, (b) a statement of the proposed area of study for the professional practicum and project thesis and (c) the anticipated contribution of the professional practicum and project thesis to the applicant’s ministry.
Generally, international applicants who hold a religious worker visa (R-1), or in some cases an F-1 or J-1 visa, may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English with a minimum score of 600 paper-based or 250 computer-based score on the TOEFL English language proficiency test. International applicants should be in touch with the director of the D.Min. program prior to submitting application.
Inquiries and Submission of Application
Inquiries, applications and transcripts should be sent to the director of the Doctor of Ministry, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, PO Box 750133, Dallas TX 75275-0133. Appointments can be made by writing to DMin@smu.edu. More information is available at the Perkins School of Theology website at www.smu.edu/perkins/dmin. The phone number is 214-768-2432 (for Pamela Hogan, coordinator of the D.Min. program) or 214-768-3385 (for the Director of the Program).
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Required Courses
The course requirements are as follows:
- DM 9370 The Person and Role of the Minister
- DM 9380 Seminar in Practical Theology
- DM 9392 Professional Project I (taken in sequence)
- DM 9394 Professional Project II (taken in sequence)
- DM 9396 Doctor of Ministry Practicum
- DM 9398 Doctor of Ministry Project (thesis)
- Four seminar courses, one each term, for a total of 12 hours
The Doctor of Ministry Committee
During the first year of study, the student will invite, in consultation with the director of the D.Min. program, three people to serve on a committee to supervise the approved project practicum and the written project thesis. The committee will consist of an adviser, a reader and a field supervisor. Either the adviser or the reader must be a member of the Perkins regular faculty, with the other committee member selected from the regular or adjunct faculty. It is recommended that a Perkins regular faculty member serve as adviser. The field supervisor should be recognized as having gifts and experience in ministry that are applicable to the practicum and be available to consult with the student during the practicum as well as to evaluate the student’s practicum. The entire committee will guide, read and evaluate the student’s professional practicum and project thesis. When the professional project is completed satisfactorily as determined by the committee in consultation with the director of the D.Min. program, the student will participate in an oral evaluation on the school campus by the committee on the professional project thesis. At a minimum, both the student and adviser must be physically present for the oral evaluation. It is recommended that all committee members be physically present with the student for the evaluation. All committee members must be present for the evaluation, either in person or by electronic means.
Project Practicum and Thesis
The professional project practicum and thesis combine research, a designed ministerial field experience and a written doctoral-level project that addresses both the nature and the practice of ministry and has the potential for application in other ministry contexts.
- The professional project is an approved practicum experience and written thesis that articulates the theological and theoretical rationale for the practicum with theological reflection on the experience.
- The professional project in both its parts (practicum and written thesis) should demonstrate the student’s ability to identify a specific theological topic in ministry, organize an effective research model, use appropriate resources, evaluate the results and reflect the student’s depth of theological insight in relation to ministry.
- The written project thesis must be submitted in an approved style and format.
- Upon completion of the professional project and with the student’s D.Min. committee’s permission, the student will sit for an oral examination administered by the project committee and open to the public covering the project and the student’s integration of her or his theology and practice of ministry. This examination will take place on campus, with at a minimum the student and adviser present. Other committee members may participate via electronic means if necessary.
At completion of the doctoral project and successful oral evaluation, the completed written project thesis will be accessioned in Bridwell Library.
The D.Min. degree requires 30 credit hours total for graduation: 24 credit hours of coursework, the project practicum (three credit hours) and a professional project thesis (three credit hours). Successful completion of the D.Min. will 1) demonstrate an understanding of the theological disciplines informing the exercise of ministry in the contemporary church and world, and 2) demonstrate, in writing and application, the integration of theory and practice through seminars, the practicum and the professional project. The D.Min. can be completed in three calendar years. All degree requirements must be completed within six years from the time when coursework began. Under special circumstances, the director of the D.Min. program may be petitioned in writing for an extension. People who do not complete the degree within eight years of initial matriculation will be required to repeat all coursework. All financial obligations must be met before graduation.
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