What is a Doctor of Ministry Degree?

A Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree is a thirty-hour postgraduate degree that gives ministers and other vocational ministry workers additional training and education to thrive in ministry. A DMin focuses on aspects such as theology, leadership, understanding biblical text, and research. A DMin can be taken in person or online, but most offerings of this degree are hybrid. This degree typically takes around three to four years to complete.

The purpose of a DMin is to educate and equip those who are called into vocational ministry. This degree is for both men and women, and it is one of the highest degrees earned for individuals in ministry. It is a helpful step for many individuals seeking additional education and training in the field of ministry.

A DMin degree can help those in ministry develop greater spiritual growth, increase their dependence on Christ, and sharpen their biblical perspective. A DMin differs from a PhD in Theology because its focus is specifically on practical ministry, whereas a PhD mainly focuses on academic research and writing.

Students seeking to acquire a DMin should be aware that a master’s degree is required as a prerequisite. Additionally, they should understand the commitment of this degree. Students seeking to obtain this degree should also be aware that they need to have at least three to five years of ministry experience. A DMin degree can be useful not only for vocational ministers but also for chaplains, missionaries, nonprofit leaders, church administrators, or teachers.

Why Pursue a Doctor of Ministry Degree?

There are numerous potential benefits to seeking a DMin degree. One of the main components of the degree is its focus on research and practical problem-solving skills. Additionally, the degree aims to help advance the spiritual leadership of the student, and to deepen theological understanding of the Bible.

The Doctor of Ministry program at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) is unique because this degree uses a hybrid learning model, meaning it is in-person and online, making it more flexible for students to fit around their work schedule. Our program is grounded in Scripture and is taught by leading professors.

The Three Phases of a DMin at TEDS

Our program contains three phases designed to take around four years in total. The first phase (15 credits) focuses on assessments, research, and missional renewal. The second phase (9 credits) is focused on ministry and missional strategies. Lastly, the third phase (6 credits) is focused on a ministry research project that relates to each student’s personal ministry context.

Students of TEDS will not only be taught in the classroom but will be given hours spent in individual research and practical application. We additionally offer a program for immigrant churches based in North America. The DMin program is also offered in Korea.

If you are interested in getting your DMin from TEDS, there are many advantages that our program offers you. First, as mentioned above, the program is hybrid, ensuring each student gets ample classroom time, but also gives each student more flexibility by allowing portions of the program to be online.

Second, our program offers you a degree with theological diversity. Trinity Evangelical Divinity School is an interdenominational, evangelical divinity school committed to sound doctrine and theological rigor. While grounded in biblical orthodoxy, our divinity school is unique because of the denominational diversity that exposes students to different opinions, enabling them to grow in their knowledge and beliefs.

The DMin program at TEDS is focused on being a practical, theologically grounded, research-based program. Throughout this program, TEDS will help each student to develop biblically-based leadership skills, integrate their learning into the culture, and prepare for a lifetime of gospel ministry.