Context-Centered Collegial Learning

All students undertake their study from within a particular context of ministry so that every course and the practicum/project thesis become opportunities for reflection upon the practice and experience of ministry. Classroom work expects serious engagement with the theological disciplines grounded in the life of a congregation or other setting of ministry. Perkins Doctor of Ministry courses assume professional competence and the desire to engage in a collegial process of learning with other professionals with the guidance and direction of competent faculty and other practitioners. The practicum presupposes the active engagement of members of the congregation or other persons involved in the particular ministry in which the student is participating.

Course Structure and Format

The curriculum is designed with the expectation that students will continue their active practice of ministry while they are pursuing the degree. All students begin the program of study in either January or  mid-June with two core seminars: The Theology of Ministry and The Person and Role of the Minister. These core seminars are three weeks long and taken simultaneously on the Perkins campus, earning six credit hours. See Course Information page for exact dates and syllabi.

After completing the core seminars, students in the Parish Leadership, Spiritual Formation, and Urban Ministry concentrations will take four courses on the Perkins campus. A student will take one three-credit course per semester for four semesters. These courses comprise three three-day seminars taken in the Fall and Spring semesters. The three-day sessions are held during one week of September, October, and November (fall) and February, March, and April (spring). Standard class times are: Mondays 1:00-4:00 pm, Tuesdays 9:00 am-12:00 noon/1:00-4:00 pm, and Wednesdays 9:00-12:00 noon. See Course Information page for exact dates and syllabi.

Timelines for Parish Leadership, Spiritual Formation, and Urban Ministry concentrations.

Students in the Evangelism concentration will come to the Perkins campus for four two-week-long sessions offered in January and June of each year. Each two-week session earns three credit hours. Standard class times are: Mondays, 1:00-4:00 pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9:00 am-12:00 noon. See Course Information page for exact dates and syllabi.

Timelines for Evangelism concentration.

Parish Leadership, Spiritual Formation, and Urban Ministry students will take two Ministry Research Seminars, offered each May. These seminars last two days and are usually held the last week of May. The purpose of the first year seminar is to define a problem or thesis that the student wants to develop into a practicum experience that can be explored in their practice of ministry. The students are encouraged to choose persons who might serve on their committees at this phase. The second-year seminar will help the student to define the necessary research to undertake the project using an outline. Students with a concentration in Evangelism will have an opportunity to complete the project seminars during their two-week seminars held in January and Summer terms. See Course Information page for exact dates and syllabi.

Time and Money

The minimum time for completion of degree requirements is three calendar years. All degree requirements must be completed within six years from the start of course work. Participants in the D.Min. Program will make semester tuition payments on July 1 and January 2 during each of the first three years of their program for a total of six semesters of full tuition payments in the course of the degree. Those who require additional time to complete the program will pay a deferral fee equal to one term hour's tuition for each additional semester required to complete the program. If a participant is granted a leave of absence in any term, he or she will be required to pay a deferral fee for that term in order to continue in the program. There is no financial aid for the D.Min. Program.

Applications

Applications are accepted throughout the year in the order in which they are received and are considered when they are complete. Early application is recommended so that required pre-class readings and assignments can be completed before classes meet.

Applications completed by October 1, 2007 for January 2008 admission will receive priority attention. No applications will be accepted after November 1 for the January 2008 session.

Applications completed by March 15 for June 2008 admission will receive priority attention. No applications will be accepted after April 15 for the June 2008 session.

Please refer to the Perkins School of Theology Catalog, Doctor of Ministry page, for more details concerning the requirements of the Doctor of Ministry degree.

For more information, please contact the Doctor of Ministry Office: