DMin Program Structure

The Doctor of Ministry program  at Houston Theological Seminary  is designed to be a formative experience for Christian leaders. The core program can be completed in as few as three years. Most courses are semester-long and hybrid in format, focused on one-week residential intensives. Some students may require leveling work before starting doctoral classes.

Core Program Structure (30 hours)

Core Courses (x3)            9 hours
Seminars                            8 hours
Track Courses (x3)          9 hours
Project/Thesis                  4 hours
Total:                                    30 hours

Interested in what a semester will look like?

DMin Core – 9 hours (Any 3 courses)

The goal of the DMin Core is to establish foundational competencies and skills that undergird the program tracks and that capture our distinctive approach to theology and the Kingdom of God. These core classes are:

  • Kingdom Theology – focusing on biblical theology as climaxing in the Kingdom of God
  • Kingdom Ministry – focusing on ministry as embodying the Kingdom of God
  • Theology and Culture – focusing on Kingdom approaches to contemporary culture
  • Strategic Leadership and Communication – focusing on Kingdom-shaped leadership

Research Seminars – 8 hours (2 hours each semester)

With research seminars students will join with the faculty to share in cutting-edge research and discussion for the first two years of study. Students will also be progressively guided in the development of their individual research projects, so they can begin the final stage with a substantial portion already completed. These seminars run about 1.5 hours twice a month. Local students can participate in person, but all can participate remotely through video conferencing.

Track Courses – 9 hours (3 Courses)

Students will pursue specialization through one of the program tracks—New Testament Studies or Faith & Culture.

New Testament Studies Track

This track allows leaders to achieve doctoral-level biblical competency by engaging cutting-edge research in New Testament Studies so they can better communicate the reality of God’s word. HTS is particularly suited for this track since our faculty is active in international-level research, and we have one of the largest New Testament faculties in the world: Ben Blackwell, Tim Brookins, Craig Evans, Robert Gagnon, Chris Kugler, Michael Licona, Jason Maston, and Paul Sloan.

Faith & Culture Track

This track allows leaders to engage the challenges facing the church with substance and conviction. The complex challenges demand the nuance of HTS’s interdisciplinary approach that engages culture through the arts, humanities, and philosophy. Our international and ecumenical faculty provides opportunities for holistic formation. Come study with one of the largest apologetics faculties in the world, including William Lane Craig, David Baggett, Michael Licona, Holly Ordway, Chris Sneller, Phil Tallon, Melissa Travis, and Michael Ward, along with Nancy Pearcey, Mary Jo Sharp, and Kristen Davis.

Research Project – 4 hours

The climax of the program is an individual project which demonstrates applied consideration of theology and ministry. Students may choose 1) to prepare a traditional DMin research dissertation, or 2) a substantial project based on discussion with and pre-approval by the department and the supervisor. We work with a dual supervision process, so you’ll have two supervisors that provide individualized support and encouragement.

Sample Progression – 3 years

Check out the Semester at a Glance to see how the 5 hours each semester will look.

YEAR 1 (10 hours)

Semester 1
Research Seminar (2 hrs)
Core 1 (3 hrs)
Semester 2
Research Seminar (2 hrs)
Core 2 (3 hrs)

YEAR 2 (10 hours)

Semester 1
Research Seminar (2 hrs)
Core 3 (3 hrs)
Semester 2
Research Seminar (2 hrs)
Track 1 (3 hrs)

YEAR 3 (10 hours)

Semester 1
Track 2 (3 hrs)
Project (2 hrs)
Semester 2
Track 3 (2 hrs)
Project (2 hrs)

More Information

Explore more detailed information about the DMin program:

Feel free to contact Richard Olds, the administrator of the DMin program, directly so he can help shape a program that fits your interests, oldsrd@hbu.edu, or call the DMin office at 281-649-3383.

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