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Prepare to Take Your Ministry to the Next Level

Do you possess considerable ministerial leadership experience? Our Doctor of Ministry degree will provide you with the specialized, concentrated training you need to increase your ability to minister in today’s diverse, multifaith world.

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Degree Overview

DMin Program Details

Required Credits

To graduate with a DMin degree, you will be required to complete a total of 36 credits. This typically involves the completion of eight 4-credit courses, followed by a 4-credit dissertation.

Time to Complete

This 36-credit degree program can be reasonably completed in 4 years if you maintain a half-time course load (12 credits per year) and complete your dissertation in a little over a year.

Dissertation

An advisor will support you as you complete work on your dissertation. Once completed, the dissertation will be read and evaluated by your dissertation advisor and other qualified evaluators (typically other professors). You will then be required to “defend” the dissertation in an oral examination with the evaluators.

Distance Learning

All DMin concentrations can be completed entirely via distance learning. All courses have the option to attend classes either in person or via Zoom. With the exception of the DMin Practicum course and the classroom courses for the Spiritual Direction concentration, all courses can also be taken completely asynchronously with no required class meetings. This option is designed for students for whom daily work commitments require maximum flexibility.

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Learning Outcomes

A graduate of United’s Doctor of Ministry degree program will be able to:

  • Formation: exhibit continued growth in spiritual, personal, and moral maturity necessary for deepening and reinvigorating their vocational calling and conduct in the practice of ministerial and community leadership;
  • Contextualization: identify, frame, and respond to crucial ministry and community issues through competent engagement with diverse contexts, as defined by culture, religion, or global location;
  • Leadership Capacity: demonstrate advanced competency in the praxis of ministerial and community leadership that combines critical and contextual understanding with reflective theological/religious practice;
  • Integration: acquire new knowledge of the praxis of ministerial and community leadership through analytic and practical research that engages with various theological and other related disciplines and that demonstrates engagement of their cultural context with theological acumen and critical thinking; and
  • Dissertation: complete a research investigation or work of art that makes a significant contribution to the effective application of their area of concentration to the practice of ministry, chaplaincy, or other vocational leadership.

“United professors are working on relevant, impactful questions about ministries without which we wouldn’t have the rootedness to be effective in our work. We are engaged in national conversations that matter right now, shifting ministry from individuals to movement makers.”

Tanya Sadagopan – DMin, Public Theology

Doctor of Ministry Concentrations

United’s DMin degree offers the following areas of concentration:

 

Interreligious Chaplaincy
Public Theology
Social Transformation
Spiritual Direction
Theology and the Arts
Directed Study
Frequently Asked Questions

Doctor of Ministry Degree FAQs

What is the difference between a Doctor of Ministry and a PhD in Theology?

A Doctor of Ministry (DMin) is a professional doctorate focused on applied ministry praxis, while a PhD in Theology is an academic degree focused on research and theory. Our DMin program includes a dissertation project rooted in your ministry context, while a PhD is designed for scholars pursuing academic teaching or research.

 

Is a Doctor of Ministry worth it?

Absolutely. Our DMin program is designed for experienced pastors, chaplains, and ministry leaders seeking advanced, practical theological training. Whether you’re deepening your impact through Public Theology, pursuing Chaplaincy Certification via Interreligious Chaplaincy, or exploring new dimensions of formation through Spiritual Direction or Theology and the Arts, each concentration offers a unique pathway for growth. 

 

Can you get a Doctor of Ministry online?

In addition to our available onsite classes, our online Doctor of Ministry program offers flexible options: live Zoom, or fully asynchronous formats. This 100% distance-learning seminary model is ideal for working ministers balancing study and service.

 

How long does it take to complete a Doctor of Ministry?

The DMin program is structured for working professionals and typically takes around four years to complete at a half-time pace. Students usually take 12 credits per year, including coursework and a final dissertation project.

 

What are the admission requirements for a DMin?

Applicants need a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or equivalent from an ATS-accredited seminary and at least three years of ministry experience. You’ll also submit transcripts, recommendations, and a statement of purpose. Some students with other theological master’s degrees may be admitted with additional coursework. See more information on the admissions process here.

 

What can you do with a Doctor of Ministry degree?

A Doctor of Ministry degree prepares leaders for senior pastoral roles, chaplaincy, teaching in applied theology, spiritual direction, and work in public theology or social transformation. It’s designed to elevate your leadership and impact within your ministry setting.

 

Is a DMin a terminal degree?

Yes. The DMin is a terminal professional doctorate, recognized as the highest credential in practical theology and ministry leadership. While a PhD is for academic research, the DMin focuses on real-world application and context-driven transformation.

 

Do you need a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree for a DMin?

Typically, yes. Most DMin programs require an MDiv degree. However, applicants with equivalent theological training and significant ministry experience may be considered for admission, especially if their background aligns with ATS standards.

 

How many credits is a Doctor of Ministry program?

Our Doctor of Ministry program is a 36-credit degree, consisting of eight 4-credit courses and a 4-credit dissertation project. The structure supports advanced pastoral leadership through both study and applied research.

 

How much does a Doctor of Ministry program cost?

A Doctor of Ministry degree from United currently costs $28,930. We keep our online DMin degree affordable, with financial aid and flexible payment options available. For more information, visit our Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships page or contact admissions.

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