The program of study required for the D.Min. degree will take students no fewer than three academic years and no greater than six years. Entering students must understand the high level of commitment that is required to actively participate in this degree program year round for this period of time.
Admissions Requirements
Students are required to hold at least a Master of Arts degree from an accredited theological institution. If you do not have a theological graduate degree, please contact asmith@sebts.edu with a copy of unofficial transcripts for leveling information.
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 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 sample research paper.
Upon official acceptance into the D.Min. program, a student has up to one year to register for the first seminar. Failure to matriculate in that time period, without prior permission from the director, will result in the need to repeat the admissions process beginning with the pre-application stage.
