Doctor of Ministry Degree (DMin Degree)

“The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15

Engage culture through Kingdom-focused education with leading scholars in a diverse community of learning.

Houston Christian University’s Doctor of Ministry degree, offered through Houston Theological Seminary—an evangelical and multi-denominational community within Houston Christian University—empowers pastors, chaplains, and ministry leaders with the advanced knowledge and credentials necessary to serve the contemporary world and excel in their ministry careers.

The DMin program provides a Kingdom-focused experience where leaders participate in a spiritually formative learning community and gain specialized education from experts in the field through the study of New Testament theology, practical ministry, philosophy, and cultural studies.

Join the Doctor of Ministry program to go deeper in the Scriptures, learn inventive ways of engaging modern culture and society with the Gospel, and advance the Kingdom through training in leadership, all while growing personally more conformed to the image of Christ.

Request Info

Apply Now

Visit Campus

Doctor of Ministry Degree Overview and Requirements

HTS’s 30-credit hour DMin degree program begins with core study in theology, biblical studies, and cultural exegesis. Students then choose between two tracks to specialize in areas of ministry and culture:

Faith & Culture Track: Engage cultural challenges with depth and conviction, drawing on HCU’s interdisciplinary approach integrating theology with the arts, humanities, and philosophy.
New Testament Studies Track: Achieve doctoral-level biblical competency by engaging in cutting-edge New Testament research to more effectively communicate and lead through God’s word.

Core Program Structure and Format

The core doctoral program (30 hours) can be completed in as few as three years. Most courses are semester-long and hybrid in format, focused on one-week residential intensives. Students will meet several times online each semester for 90-minute class periods to discuss readings and work on writing projects.

DMin Degree Plans

Review Faith and Culture Track requirements
Review New Testament Studies Track requirements

Courses in the DMin Degree

The DMin degree requires 30 credit hours total, consisting of:

Core Courses (9 hours): Establish foundational competencies in Kingdom Theology, Kingdom Ministry, and Theology and Culture.
Research Seminars (8 hours): Join faculty in cutting-edge research discussions and receive progressive guidance in developing your individual research project.
Track Courses (9 hours): Specialize through the Faith & Culture or New Testament Studies track. Each provides three courses engaging key topics and challenges in the discipline.
Research Project (4 hours): Demonstrate applied theological and ministerial consideration through a traditional research dissertation or a pre-approved substantial project. Benefit from the support of two internal or external readers.

Some incoming students may need to complete up to 24 hours of Bridging Courses before the core, three-year doctoral course of study, These courses will be decided at time of admission and may include Hermeneutics, Systematic Theology, Church History, or Old Testament Theology, or New Testament Theology.

Program Structure

Semester at a Glance

Faith & Culture Track

This DMin degree track equips leaders to engage complex cultural challenges with robust theology and apologetics. Courses such as Modern and Postmodern Philosophy and Culture, Theology and Imagination (including an optional week in Oxford), Theological Aesthetics, World Religions, and Faith & Culture draw upon HCU’s interdisciplinary approach. Students study with top apologetics and theology faculty including David Baggett, Michael Licona, Holly Ordway, Chris Sneller, Phil Tallon, Melissa Travis, Michael Ward, Nancy Pearcey, and Kristen Davis.

New Testament Studies Track

Designed for leaders seeking doctoral-level biblical expertise, this track features cutting-edge New Testament research to strengthen your preaching and teaching. Course options include Studies in the Gospels and Acts, Pastoral Ministry from a New Testament Perspective, Jesus the Preacher, and Pauline Letters. Students study with top NT faculty, including Lynn Cohick, Scot McKnight, Ben Blackwell, Craig Evans, Chris Kugler, Michael Licona, Jason Maston, and Paul Sloan.

Why Earn Your Doctor of Ministry Degree at HCU?

Learn from Top Experts: Study with leading faculty who are active experts in their fields, such as Lynn Cohick, Scot McKnight, Craig Evans, Ben Blackwell, Michael Ward, and Paul Sloan.
Experience Formative Community: We intentionally cultivate connection through courses that incorporate worship, prayer, and spiritual direction.
Gain Fresh Perspective: Facilitate inspiring encounters with Gospel-engaged leaders and organizations, including substantive time at Lanier Theological Library.
Complete in 3 Years: Our DMin program is designed for busy leaders, taught in a hybrid format centered on one-week intensives. The core, 30-hour degree can be finished in as few as 3 years.

Learn more about the DMin degree program distinctives.

Career Opportunities with a Doctor of Ministry Degree

A Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree can open a wide range of career opportunities. Here are some potential career paths:

Leadership roles in Christian organizations: Your advanced theological knowledge and leadership skills can qualify you for leadership positions in churches, denominations, and ministries.
Consulting roles: Christian organizations often seek experts in theology and ministry for guidance. A DMin degree can qualify you for consulting or advisory positions.
Academic roles: A DMin degree can lead to academic and teaching opportunities in theology, ministry, or related subjects at Bible colleges, seminaries, or Christian schools.
Community outreach roles: A DMin degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to engage with communities and make a difference through outreach programs, social justice initiatives, or spiritual guidance.

Admissions and Aid

Admissions requirements for the DMin degree: Applicants must hold a theological master’s degree, particular graduate theological coursework, and have at least 3 years of ministry/leadership experience.
Cost and scholarships: Nearly all students receive a partial scholarship through the generous support of the Cole Scholarship, with additional scholarships available for HCU/HBU alumni and members of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT).
Apply to the Graduate School: Read about the application process and deadlines and learn about the admissions requirements to the Graduate School.

Start Your DMin Degree at Houston Christian University

The challenges of the contemporary world demand that the church has leaders who can rise to the occasion. Some have their heads in the clouds and others have them in the sand, but the church needs Kingdom-oriented leaders whose feet are firmly planted and heads alert to the unique shape of our modern setting.

If you’ve felt the need to expand the efficacy of your ministry, apply to the Doctor of Ministry degree program today.

Note: When you apply, the Doctor of Ministry is considered an “on campus” degree, but you only have to come to campus one week each semester.

More Information

Explore more detailed information about the Doctor of Ministry degree:

Please feel free to contact Andrew Garbarino (agarbarino@hc.edu), DMin Program Coordinator, who can help guide you through the application and shape a program that fits your interests and ministry goals.