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 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 seated or online study. Students can select the delivery mode that they prefer. The D. Min. in 21st 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 synchronous online sessions. The individual instructor will determine online meeting times and the duration of sessions. 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 meet with students for an online synchronous session to begin the term.

Project Methodology Workshop (CHR 690)

This workshop prepares students for their Ministry Project. It is an online course where students meet for synchronous sessions. The workshop provides students insight into the research and writing 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.

Sequence

There is no prescribed sequence for courses in the D. Min. in 21st 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 & Professor of Christian Ministry

Dr. Charles Fuller, Associate Professor of Christian Studies

Dr. Tim McKnight, Associate Professor of Christian Studies

Dr. Toney Parks, Assistant Professor of Christian Studies

Dr. Ben Brammer, Assistant Professor of Christian Studies

Admission

Anderson University accepts students based on academic qualifications, 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 competitive, with the best-qualified students receiving priority.

Applicants are required to provide the pertinent admission information 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 before deciding on admission into the program. All applicants are required to pay a 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 who 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 essay aims 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

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. The 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 obtaining these loans.

The University does not currently provide institutional scholarships for graduate students. Various 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.