Program Mission Statement

The Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) is a professional doctoral degree. The degree differs significantly from the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in that the latter is primarily a research degree with a lesser focus on practical issues in ministry. The D. Min. program guides students in seeking understanding not for its own sake, but rather for practical ends. Therefore, the contribution is primarily to the practice of ministry. The degree program will be appropriate for students with experience in ministry who desire to hone their skills in ministry.

Program Overview - 21st Century Ministry

The Doctor of Ministry is a 35-hour degree program delivered through a hybrid approach, involving independent, seated, and online study. The D. Min. in 21^st Century Ministry requires:

Eight Seminars	24 hrs.
Project Methodology Workshop	2 hrs.
Ministry Project	9 hrs.
Total Hours	35 hrs.

Online Seminars

Online seminars meet in at least eight two-hour synchronous online sessions. Online meeting times and duration of sessions will be determined by the individual instructor. In addition to the online sessions, students will also engage in online discussions and other assignments.

Residential Seminars

Residential seminars will meet on-campus for weeklong (5-day) intensive seminars. Students will receive reading and assignment lists at the beginning of the semester in preparation for the intensive seminars. Instructors might also choose to meet with students for an online synchronous session to begin the term.

Project Methodology Workshop (CHR 690)

This workshop is aimed at preparing students for their Ministry Project. It is an online course where students meet for synchronous sessions. The workshop provides students with insight into the kind of research and writing that will be required in the Ministry Project.

Ministry Project (CHR 695)

Each student must implement (in action) and evaluate (in writing) a significant ministry project in the field of preaching designed to enhance the student’s understanding and practice of ministry. (See the next section for further details).

Sequence

There is no prescribed sequence for courses in the D. Min. in 21^st Century Ministry program except that the student takes the project seminar after CHR 690. 

Faculty

Dr. Michael Duduit, Dean of the College of Christian Studies & Professor of Christian Ministry

Dr. Kristopher Barnett, Associate Dean, Clamp Divinity School & Associate Professor of Christian Ministry

Dr. Charles Fuller, Associate Professor of Christian Studies

Dr. Tim McKnight, Assistant Professor of Christian Studies

Dr. Dante Wright, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry

Dr. Ben Brammer, Assistant Professor of Christian Studies

Admission

Anderson University accepts students on the basis of academic qualification, character, and evidence of the potential to benefit from the university experience. Each applicant’s record will be examined for evidence reflecting the potential for intellectual and social growth, the strength of character, and seriousness of purpose. The University considers all qualified applications without regard to race, place of national origin, sex, disability, or ethnic group. Admission will be on a competitive basis, with the best-qualified students receiving priority.

Applicants are required to provide the pertinent admission information in order to be considered for admission into the D. Min. program. The D. Min. Admission Committee will make final decisions regarding the acceptance of applicants. In some cases, the committee may ask for further information or a personal interview prior to a decision regarding admission into the program. All applicants are required to pay a $40 non-refundable application fee.

Applicants for admission into the D. Min. program at Anderson University must meet the following academic prerequisites:

A. Academic Prerequisites

1. A Master’s degree in Ministry or Divinity (or equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning or from an institution accredited by ATS, ABHE, or TRACS.
2. A minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a GPA slightly below the minimum requirement may be admitted on a probationary status.
3. Official transcripts from all baccalaureate and graduate degrees.
4. An academic recommendation. The recommendation should be from a former professor or someone who can vouch for the applicant’s academic ability.

B. Professional Prerequisites

1. A minimum of three years of experience in a ministry vocation.
2. A professional recommendation from someone that can speak specifically about the applicant’s abilities as a minister.

C. Personal Prerequisites

1. An essay explaining the reason for your application and the potential impact of the D.Min. degree on your ministry. The purpose of the essay is to establish the applicant’s motivation for pursuing the degree and the applicant’s professional goals.
2. A personal recommendation.
3. If one of the previous recommendations provided is not from the applicant’s pastor, there must be a recommendation of the applicant on behalf of the church in which the applicant is a member.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition

For current tuition costs for the DMin program, please see http://online.andersonuniversity.edu/tuition-fees

Students can register for the project seminar for four consecutive semesters before they incur additional fees. Beginning with the fifth semester, students will pay $600 per semester to continue in the program. 

Textbooks, lodging, food, travel, and graduation costs are not included in the tuition fees.

All fees, including the overall tuition and the cost per credit hour, are subject to change. Any subsequent changes will be announced separately. Application fee is waived for Anderson University graduates.

Graduate School Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office is committed to helping students find appropriate ways to finance their education.  Students can receive private loans to help pay for the cost of the program.  The Financial Aid Office can provide instructions for receiving these loans.

The University does not currently provide institutional scholarships for graduate students. A variety of private scholarships are available for students preparing for ministry, and D.Min. students are encouraged to apply for such aid.

For more information regarding financial aid, please call the Financial Aid Planning Office at 864-231-2020.