Doctor of Ministry Admissions

A Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree or its equivalent from an institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) or a regionally accredited institution is required. For detailed information concerning the M.Div. equivalency requirements, please contact the D.Min. office. 

A minimum master’s level cumulative grade point average of “B” (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) is required to be considered for this program. Applicants with a cumulative grade point average lower than 3.0 will be considered on an individual basis and may be admitted on academic probation if they successfully complete other requirements, including any additional required standardized testing (ex. Miller Analogies Test) and/or assignments as determined by the director.

Minimum of three years of full-time ministry experience in most cases is required after the post-graduate degree and prior to beginning the Doctor of Ministry Program.

In the judgment of the faculty and the accrediting agency, the Doctor of Ministry Program is most effective when students bring to it a period of experience in ministry that follows the attainment of the first professional degree.

The extremely rare exception to this policy will be based upon the normal considerations for admission plus age, years of experience, history of excellence in ministry or outstanding prior academic performance. The D.Min. Director with the assistance of the D.Min. Program Committee will consider any exceptions. 

Potential for excellence in ministry is assessed on the basis of a letter of recommendation from the applicant's church, references from at least five specified persons acquainted with the applicant's ministry and a goals and ministry essay involving one's Christian experience, calling, church service and response to an actual ministry case study.

For further recommendations necessary for degree completion please visit the Degree Requirments page.