The Doctor of Ministry Degree Program – 43 credit hours
The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree is an advanced professional degree designed for those in pastoral and parachurch ministries. A prospective student must hold a Master of Divinity degree, or its equivalent, and have three or more years of post-MDiv professional ministry experience. For more information regarding Online Registration, Military Chaplains, and International Students see related tabs.
The DMin Program consists of six semesters (each five months in length) and a final project. Each semester (6 credit hours) includes:
- two months of pre-seminar work
- an intensive on-site seminar
- a three-month post-seminar period for the completion of seminar assignments.
The Doctor of Ministry Project (7 credit hours) earns one credit hour for work performed in conjunction with each seminar and one additional credit hour for work completed between the final semester and graduation.
DME 2010-2011 Semesters
Semester 1
May 15-Oct 15, 2010 (seminar July 12-16, 2010)
A one-day orientation for entering students will be held in mid-May
Semester 2
Nov 15, 2010-Apr 15, 2011 (seminar Jan 10-14, 2011)
A one-day orientation for entering students will be held in mid-November
DME 2011-2012 Semesters
Semester 1
May 15-Oct 15, 2011 (seminar July 11-15, 2011)
A one-day orientation for entering students will be held in mid-May
Semester 2
Nov 15, 2011-Apr 15, 2012 (seminar Jan 9-13, 2012)
A one-day orientation for entering students will be held in mid-November
The DMin degree program is composed of ministry-oriented, doctoral-level courses, which cover topics such as preaching, evangelism and outreach, spiritual formation, and leadership. In addition, three specializations are offered over the course of the degree program:
- The Pastoral Leadership Specialization, directed by Dr. Ken Shuman, addresses congregational systems, leading through change, and ministry in a post-modern culture, among others.
- The Pastoral Care Specialization is co-directed by resident faculty members Dr. David Gustafson (pastoral ministries) and Dr. Jerry Terrill (counseling). This specialization combines the best of both disciplines to inform students regarding concepts and practices in this field of study.
- NEW! The Spiritual Direction and Formation Specialization, directed by Dr. Mike Luedde, provides a way for students to receive spiritual direction certification while completing the Doctor of Ministry degree program
For additional information, see the Doctor of Ministry Handbook PDF.
For questions about the Program, contact:
Dr. Becky Towne, Associate Dean and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program
For admission questions contact an Admissions Counselor:
Sharon Gustafson or Brian Turnbow
For an application to HGST’s Doctor of Ministry Program click here.