Doctor of Ministry

DMin Program Entry and Advancement

The Doctor of Ministry program at Houston Theological Seminary is designed for Christian leaders to pursue specialization that furthers their ministry capacity. This doctoral program builds upon previous theological graduate study and presupposes experience at leadership levels within a church, ministry or para-church setting. Applicants must have a minimum of three years of full-time, significant ministry experience in a leadership capacity (or its part-time or volunteer equivalent).

For entry, students need:

  • 3+ years of full-time (or equivalent) ministry/leadership experience
  • A master’s degree with enumerated graduate theological coursework, as described below.
  • Other application materials including official transcripts, résumé/CV, references, personal statement, writing sample, application processing fee, and—if applicable—international student documentation.

Note: Students must also demonstrate competency in Biblical Greek. Greek competency is not an admissions requirement, however, and may be completed concurrently with the doctoral program.

Application Requirements (Graduate Application)

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.

Ministry/Leadership Experience

A primary criterion for entry into the program is a minimum of three years of full-time, significant ministry experience in a leadership capacity (or its part-time or volunteer equivalent). Applicants will be evaluated for the depth and breadth of their experience, as well as for their ability to reflect theologically on their ministry context(s).

Previous Education

There are three pathways to satisfying the previous education requirement for admission:

1. Completed an MDiv from an accredited institution.

OR

2. Completed a master’s degree in a theological discipline (e.g., MATS) from an accredited institution AND completed master’s-level coursework (at an accredited institution, whether as part of the earned master’s degree or otherwise) in theological subject areas including Hermeneutics, Systematic Theology, Church History, New Testament Theology, and Old Testament Theology, some of which may be satisfied by Bridging Courses (see below) before beginning the core 7000-level courses.

OR

3. In exceptional circumstances, completed a master’s degree in a non-theological discipline or other non-theological terminal degree (e.g., JD, MD, MBA, EdD, PhD) AND have completed master’s-level coursework (at an accredited institution) in theological subject areas including Hermeneutics, Systematic Theology, Church History, New Testament Theology, and Old Testament Theology, some of which may be satisfied by Bridging Courses (see below) before beginning the core 7000-level courses, AND have significant, sustained ministry experience in the area of their non-theological degree, together with a clearly articulated avenue of research to be pursued through the doctoral Thesis.

Other Application Materials

  • Personal Statement – Applicants should submit a personal statement, at least 800 words, addressing the following prompts:
    • Please describe your relationship with Jesus Christ.
    • Please describe your calling to ministry and how you have followed that call.
    • Why are you interested in HCU’s DMin program?
    • Which track do you intend to pursue—New Testament or Faith & Culture?
    • Do you have an intended area of focus for your studies? If so, what is it?
    • Describe a thesis/dissertation project you might potentially pursue.
  • Writing Sample – Applicants should submit a writing sample of 1,000 words addressing the following prompt: How do you, informed by your church tradition, understand one of the following doctrines: trinity, soteriology, or Christology? Include a brief (100–200 word) reflection about how this doctrine informs your ministry.
  • Official Transcripts – Official transcripts should be sent directly from the college or university that awarded your master’s degree to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
  • Résumé/CV – Applicants should provide a current résumé or CV to The Graduate School at verification@HC.edu.
  • References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. One of these MUST be a pastoral reference or from a commanding officer (for military chaplains). The other reference must be a professional or academic contact. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
  • Processing fee – Applicants will be required to submit a $35.00 processing fee, payable online at HC.edu/DMinAppFee, or by check or money order.
  • International Requirements — International students will be asked to demonstrate their English proficiency during the admissions process as well as provide other documentation. For a full list of requirements for international applicants, please visit https://hc.edu/admissions/international/.
  • Other items, including an admission interview, may be requested.

Bridging Courses

Admitted applicants will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may be required to complete up to 24 hours of graduate coursework (8 classes)—referred to as Bridging Courses—prior to beginning the core 7000-level courses (this will be indicated in the formal acceptance letter). Admitted students who undergo Bridging are normally required to take courses not covered in their master’s degree, including Hermeneutics, Systematic Theology, Church History, New Testament Theology, and Old Testament Theology. Students in Bridging Courses are considered admitted doctoral students whose degree plan includes up to 24 hours in addition to the core, 30-hour course of study (7,000-level courses). Bridging Courses may be taken online/remotely through Houston Theological Seminary.

Note regarding fees for Bridging Courses: HCU charges an additional $80/hr “online” fee for Bridging Courses.

More Information

Explore more detailed information about the DMin program:

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.

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