DOCTOR OF MINISTRY

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The program leading to the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) is designed to equip those actively involved in a vocational ministry with a higher level of competence in the practice of a biblically and theologically oriented ministry. This program concentrates on developing expertise in the theory and practice of ministry. The D.Min. is the highest professional degree for those engaged in ministry. The goals of this program are to enable students:

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• To become aware of new trends and literature in their vocation.

• To be challenged and encouraged through dialogue with fellow professionals.

• To acquire a doctoral degree which is practically rather than academically oriented.

• To enhance their ability to communicate the Gospel.

• To meet the needs of their constituents in a more effective manner.

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Mission|The purpose of the Doctor of Ministry program is to prepare men and women for faithful and effective ministry in Church and society. The D.Min is the highest “professional” degree for Christian leaders who are actively engaged in vocational ministry. As such, the degree program is focused primarily on the practical investigation and application of Scripture and Christian ministry, supported by vigorous academic research. Those qualified leaders pursuing the Doctor of Ministry degree will experience opportunities of biblical and academic research and practical application.

 

Haven University welcomes qualified participants without regard to denomination, race, sex, or physical disabilities. The school seeks to strengthen and deepen the spiritual life of those participating through classroom and other academic activities, to engage them in critical discussions about the Bible and theology with probing questions regarding faith and life in today's world. The D.Min program is structured so as to allow participants to complete the program while remaining in vocational ministry.

 

Course Requirements | A candidate for the D.Min. must have completed a total of 42 units of academic credit, of which 33 are composed of coursework, and 9, of a dissertation. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.

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A maximum of 21 semester units of comparable work may be transferred toward the D.Min. degree from recognized graduate theological schools. In addition, students may petition to substitute some electives for required courses if they have previously taken and passed courses of the same content elsewhere. A maximum of 3 units of independent study are allowed per semester, with the total for the degree not to exceed 9 units.

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Completion of the minimum requirements does not automatically qualify the student for the D.Min. degree. He or she must have shown evidence, to the satisfaction of the Degree Committee, of consistent Christian character, effectiveness in Christian ministry, and commitment to the primacy of the divinely authoritative inerrant Scriptures, which are interpreted with in the framework of evangelical theology.

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Dissertation | Nine units of a dissertation, maximum 60,000 words, on a topic selected in consultation with the student's academic advisor, must be completed and approved by one internal and one external examiner. The criteria of acceptability for this dissertation are, in order of weight, (1) significant research in and contribution to the field of study, (2) in-depth knowledge of the area of research, and (3) clear, concise presentation according to proper grammar, style, and academic format. A previously written work, or one which has already been awarded academic credit, will not be accepted. After the completion of all course work, student has one year to submit a dissertation without a continuation fee.

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A maximum of three years is the time normally allowed for writing a dissertation following the completion of all course work. If it is not completed within that time, the student must file an application in the Registrar's office for an extension, and may be required to complete additional coursework.

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