The Doctor of Ministry Program (D.Min.)
The Doctor of Ministry degree is the highest professional degree offered by a theological school. It presupposes the Master of Divinity degree, which, according to the written standards of the Association of Theological Schools (A.T.S.), "represents the acquisition of the knowledge and proficiencies required for effective ministries of church and synagogue" and constitutes an advanced professional degree at the doctoral level available to those seeking to enhance their ministry. "Thus, it is the purpose of the D.Min. degree to provide that level of knowledge, theoretical clarity, and competence of practice commensurate with the highest earned degree for the profession and practice of ministry" (Standards for Individual Degrees, A.T.S.).
It is offered at Drew University in several program concentrations, utilizing a mobile core and adjunct faculty prepared to teach practical theology and organize contextualized learning. The focus is on the practical issues of ministry in the church and community setting. The program relies on the traditional disciplines of academic research as well as on fresh theological reflection. All concentrations rely on computer technology and require students to use e-mail and web based classroom applications. The online concentration further utilizes video conferencing software.
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General Admission Requirements
1 . M.Div. or M.Div. equivalence totaling approximately 84 semester credits of graduate theological education. The Doctor of Ministry Committee typically determines an M.Div. equivalency by calculating total graduate credits and assessing their distribution across the theoretical and practical fields of study (e.g., three years of graduate theological education or two-year master's in a professional field related to ministry, plus at least 24 credits of Basic Graduate Theological Studies with a distribution in New Testament, Old Testament, Church History, Theology, Mission of the Church in the World, Worship and Liturgy, and Denominational History and Polity).
2. At least three years of full-time ministry experience after one's first theological degree.
3. Recognized ministry assignment at time of admission.
4. Evidence of advanced competence in the practice of ministry program is recommended.
5. Evidence of academic ability (a 3.2 G.P.A. in a graduate degree program is recommended).
6. Capacity for critical theological reflection and writing.
7. TOEFL scores must be submitted by those for whom English is not their first language (see Language Requirements below).
8. For Pastoral Care and Counseling Program-an entrance interview.
9. For Global/Online Leadership Program-demonstration of competence with online technology in English.
Applications are considered monthly by the Doctor of Ministry Committee. The application deadlines are April 1 for summer and July 15 for fall.
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Language Requirements
For Regional and Specialty Programs: All non-native speakers of English are required to submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) minimum composite computer-based score of 230 or internet-based score of 88 for admission. The University of Cambridge language examinations may be submitted as an alternative to the TOEFL examination. In such instances, a passing grade in the Cambridge CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) is required, or a grade of 6 is required on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) examination.
For Bilingual D.Min. Program (Spanish): All applicants are required to submit composite TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores for purposes of language assessment. On Test 3 (Reading Comprehension) a score of 55 (213 computer-based form) is expected.
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Program Requirements
Programs require the successful completion of 18 credits of multidisciplinary study prior to advancing to the project phase (12 credits). See the individual program descriptions for the required courses.
Upon completion of course work, candidates in all concentrations work with their assigned faculty advisers to develop a project proposal, design and execute their approved project, have it independently evaluated, and then integrate the results, learnings, and contributions in a doctoral thesis or professional paper.
Beyond group concentration, individual specialties are determined by professional project and doctoral thesis in that phase of the program.
Most programs begin in the fall, come together after the first year for the summer intensive, and culminate in a professional project and publishable paper of one's findings. The project phase consists of four semesters of project development and thesis writing in Colloquium groups (12 credits). The purpose of this phase is to support the two-year team process of proposing, designing, implementing, evaluating, and reporting on a professional project. There are no letter grades for the project colloquia, simply "pass" or "not pass" based on attendance, participation, and progress. The project proposal must be approved by the faculty adviser and assigned reader before the execution of the project and final write-up as a doctoral thesis. Doctoral candidacy is conferred upon those who have maintained a G.P.A. of 3.2 or above in course work and have an approved prospectus on file in the D.Min. office, signed and dated by their faculty adviser.
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Length of Program
The degree requires at least six semesters for completion. After three years, continuing students may maintain their matriculation for an additional four semesters before being withdrawn from the program.
Drew Doctor of Ministry study is considered the equivalent of a half-time, in-ministry, advanced professional degree program.
The Drew D.Min. program is designed to be completed within three years and all degrees must be completed within five years of starting. For demonstrated reasons students may petition for a Leave of Absence, which is granted for one term (semester) at a time for up to one academic year. (If there is a need to extend the leave for a second semester, the student must fill out an additional Leave of Absence form.) Time on leave will not be subtracted from the five-year limit for completing the program. Students may apply for a Leave of Absence at any time during their matriculation in the program. To obtain a leave of absence from the program without penalty-whether for medical, financial, or personal reasons-students must request a "Leave of Absence form" from the D.Min. office, fill it out, and return it to the D.Min. office in a timely manner. The information will then also be recorded with the Registrar, Financial Aid office, and the Business office. Any notice of leave of absence becomes official as of the date it is received by the D.Min. office, regardless of the date on the form. Students who opt to take the leave during a semester should be guided by the grading and refund policies of the University.
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Concentrations and Curricula
All programs require at least 12 admitted participants to the concentration in order for the group to start. Currently, five program concentrations are offered.
Congregational and Community Development Concentration. A biblically-based and theologically-informed praxis for congregational growth and development with integrity. Carefully designed to assist pastors in strategic thinking and planning for growth and development in their congregations by grounding their theology in biblical and historical models for church growth, gaining skills in using a systems approach to leadership, conducting an in-depth analysis of their community and congregation, and then creating a plan for growth and development with the leadership of their congregations. Requires classroom attendance at six courses in various formats. The three first year core courses focus on: Developing a theological and systems approach to congregational growth; Analyzing your community and congregation to prepare for congregational growth; and Creating a strategic plan for your congregation's growth and development. Course work is completed by a Theological Methods for Ministry seminar DMIN 980, an elective from among those offered at the Summer Instensive in biblical studies, theology, or church history (listed in the summer catalog as DMIN 93x, 94x, 95x, or 96x or LOGON 930) and a themes in ministry seminar such as DMIN 971 or DMIN 972, for a total of 18 credits. Four semesters of project development and thesis writing in Colloquium groups complete the degree concentration: DMIN 990, 991, 992, 993 (12 credits).
Global/Online Concentration in Ministerial Leadership. Open to ministerial leaders anywhere in the world who meet qualifications for admission, have access to the Internet, and are proficient in online work. Consists of 30 credit hours of multi-disciplinary study. A futurist-oriented concentration designed for ministerial leaders with a distinguished record of innovative ministry, the online curriculum includes re-imaging faith and ministry, ministerial leadership in postmodern culture, Christian futuring, and models of a future church. Requires three online courses, a three-week summer session at Drew, and a one week practical theology intensive at a Drew extension site. The first year of this concentration consists of 6 courses: LOGON 901 or 902, LOGON 911 or 912, LOGON 921 or 922, a Theological Methods for Ministry seminar LOGON 980, an elective from among those offered at the Summer Instensive in biblical studies, theology, or church history (listed in the summer catalog as DMIN 93x, 94x, 95x, or 96x or LOGON 930) and a themes in ministry seminar such as DMIN 971 or DMIN 972, for a total of 18 credits. Four semesters of project development and thesis writing in Colloquium groups complete the degree concentration: LOGON 990, 991, 992, 993 (12 credits). Offered annually.
Environmental Ministries and Ecological Spirituality is a three-year, 30 credit hour, multi-disciplinary, concentration in the doctoral program of Drew Theological School intended for those involved in church or interfaith ministry, camp/retreat programs, outdoor/ecological ministries, and ecological and economic sustainability dialogue and action. Open to interfaith and ministerial leaders from any denomination or faith tradition who have an interest in the area.The program is team-taught and requires preparatory reading, travel-study, a practical project and doctoral thesis. The courses will be held as intensive classes at Drew and at other sites. Students who have taken courses in the Common Ground program may transfer up to nine credits into the program upon approval of the Doctor of Ministry committee. The next group is scheduled to start in fall 2010.
Worship, Spirituality and Preaching Concentration. The Worship, Spirituality and Preaching DMIN concentration is offered to those specializing in ministries of liturgy, music, preaching and spiritual formation, and who are sensitive to the spirituality of geography, sacred space and seasonal emphasis. It features team-teaching, travel-study, intensive sessions and active learning. The curriculum consists of thirty (30) semester credits of multi-disciplinary studies, a three-week summer term on the Drew campus, followed by an additional one-week practical theology intensive at an extension site. During the second and third years of the program concentration, candidates work with their faculty advisers to develop a project proposal, design and execute their approved project, have it independently evaluated, and then compile the results, learnings, and contributions in a project thesis. Offered to those specializing in ministries of music, liturgy, preaching, spiritual formation and spiritual direction. The first year of this concentration consists of three foundational courses (WSP 900, 910, and 920. Course work is completed by a Theological Methods for Ministry seminar DMIN 980, an elective from among those offered at the Summer Intensive in biblical studies, theology, or church history (listed in the summer catalog as DMIN 93x, 94x, 95x, or 96x or LOGON 930) and a themes in ministry seminar such as DMIN 971 or DMIN 972, for a total of 18 credits. Four semesters of project development and thesis writing in Colloquium groups complete the degree concentration: DMIN 990, 991, 992, 993 (12 credits). Initiated in 2002, groups form periodically. The next group is scheduled to start in Fall 2009.
Pastoral Care and Counseling Concentration.
Supervision Requirement. Students are required to complete 52 hours of professional clinical supervision of their pastoral care and counseling work, spread over twenty months of the second and third years of the program. This is to be contracted for independently by the student and chosen supervisor. Supervisors must be qualified and approved by the Pastoral Care and Counseling Subcommittee. (They must be supervisory level counseling or psychotherapy professionals who have held appropriate licenses and/or certifications for a minimum of three years. Professionals with equivalent credentials will be considered on a case-to-case basis.)
The costs of supervision are borne by the student and any professional liability issues remain with the student and supervisor and not with Drew University Return to Top
Tuition and Refund Policy
The current tuition for the D.Min. program is $12,000 over the three-year term ($14,400 for the Pastoral Care and Counseling concentration), billable by the credit hour ($400/credit hour) and payable upon registration. A candidate who continues in the program after six semesters must maintain matriculation, requiring an additional $250 per semester charge. A student unable to complete the project and thesis with his or her group and who requires a new, individual adviser is charged an additional one-time fee of $500. Maintaining matriculation fees must be paid at the beginning of each semester: September 1 and February 1. The new adviser fee must be paid before work with the new adviser begins.
In addition to tuition, periodic venue fees are charged to each student to cover any regional costs for educational facilities. Students may also incur travel costs to scheduled Advances and to summer term.
Failure to make timely tuition payments results in a business hold on the student's account. Balances exceeding $300 owed preclude the student from registering for the next term and, after two semesters, result in the student being withdrawn from the program.
To review the refund policy click here.
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Financing the Program
A percentage of the projected tuition in the program is set aside to award limited financial aid to students in great financial need. To apply, contact the Drew University Office of Financial Aid, request and complete the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for determination of need. A new FAFSA form must be completed for each year of financial need. For further information, please contact Drew's Office of Financial Aid (973/408-3112).
Military Financial Assistance and Veterans Educational Benefits may be available to some. For eligibility, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-442-4551.
Since the D.Min. degree requires lay participation in the ministry project, directly benefits the church congregation or community agency, and has intrinsic programmatic value, many church or organizational boards support their ministerial leader financially and professionally. Be sure to explore congregational and denominational resources. Some denominational boards and agencies provide special scholarships and loans for continuing education.
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Registration
Students are required to register for courses prior to attending them. Those who are not properly registered are not permitted to attend classes and will not receive a grade.
Students who wish to transfer or substitute an alternative course in the program must petition the D.Min. committee in advance for approval.
Online registration is the preferred way of program registration. Regular tuition payments are due at the beginning of each unit of learning. Forms received after the Registrar's deadlines are subject to a $200 late registration fee. To register online go to www.drew.edu/depts/registrar.aspx?id=1811.
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Attendance Requirements and Extension Policy
Students are expected to attend all class sessions and complete the course assignments within the specified time. A full day's absence amounts to a significant loss of the contact hours. A student should not expect to pass the course with an "A" grade if absent from a scheduled class. In extenuating circumstances, a student may request and be granted an extension of time in which to complete an assignment. Such extensions must be negotiated with, and approved by, the instructor of the course. When an extension is granted, a new date for the submission of the assignment must be specified by the student and approved by the instructor and the D.Min. director.
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Academic Performance Policy
Doctoral students are expected to do excellent work ("B" level). Exceptional work ("A" level) is achieved by only a small percentage of candidates and represents superior work. The successful D.Min. candidate should complete the course work with an overall average grade of B (3.20 G.P.A. or better), and a professional doctoral project approved by his or her faculty adviser and assigned reader. The director of the program reviews each student's academic performance after each semester of the first year of course work, following the Summer Term, and again before graduation.
Students admitted or placed on academic probation are cleared from probation if they achieve an overall 3.2 G.P.A. or better at the time of review.
Students who achieve less than a B (3.2 G.P.A.) at the end of the first year are not permitted to proceed into the second year of the program. Depending on the circumstances that caused someone to perform inadequately and the perceived capability of that student, the committee may recommend and grant opportunity to the student to improve his or her performance by retaking a particular course on probation.
Semester grades are forwarded to all students by the Registrar's office as soon as they are received from the faculty, usually after the end of the semester.
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Writing Style and Annotations
Because written work in a strong doctoral program must be of the highest standard, the judicial use of the following is recommended:
1. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations , latest edition, by Kate L. Turabian. Your written work should be in conformity with this manual, unless decided otherwise with an instructor;
2. The Elements of Style , by William Strunk and E.B. White. If you assess yourself as needing help with your writing style, this book may suffice.
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Inclusive Language Policy
It is Drew's policy to require in term papers and doctoral theses the fair use of inclusive language in reference to human gender and divinity. Any theological or cultural objection to the use of inclusive language related to divinity must be justified by the author in text or footnote. A copy of the D.Min. program's inclusive language guidelines are found in the D.Min. Student Handbook.
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D.Min. Required Courses
See page 119 for course descriptions.
Congregational and Community Development Concentration
Required courses for Congregational and Community Development Concentration: Regional Groups
(12 credits core courses, 6 credits electives, 12 credits project colloquium)
CONCD 900/Pastoral Leadership in Historical and Theological Perspective (3)
CONCD 902/Spiritual Formation for Congregational Vitality (3)
CONCD 910/Ministerial Leadership and Congregational Dynamics (3)
CONCD 913/Change Leadership an d Congregational Growth (3)
CONCD 920/The Church in Social Context (3)
CONCD 921/A Systems Approach to Leading Congregations: Understanding the Congregation and Context (3)
CONCD 980/Theological Methods for Ministry (3)
The 21st Century Leadership Global/Online Concentration
Required core courses for 21st Century Global/Online Concentration
(12 credits core courses, 6 credits electives, 12 credits project colloquium) . The courses in this concentration are offered in cycles. Students take the course offered in each unit.
Re-imagining Faith and Ministry
A study of historical and theological foundations of ministry by means of particular interpretative frameworks.
LOGON 900/Topics in Re-imagining Faith and Ministry (3)
LOGON 901/Apocalyptic Theology and New Millennialism (3)
LOGON 902/American Jesus: Representing Christ in U.S. Cultures (3)
LOGON 903/Sound Theology: Music as a Marker of Congregational Identity (3)
Ministerial Leadership in Postmodern Culture
Exploration of new means of envisioning, planning and carrying out ministry in the contemporary setting.
LOGON 910/Ministerial Leadership in Postmodern Culture (3)
LOGON 911/Christian Futuring: An Operator's Manual for the Future (3)
LOGON 912/Preaching in a Postmodern Culture: Communicating with Contemporary Audiences (3)
Models of a Future Church
A study of contemporary issues in theology, ecclesiology and ministry.
LOGON 920/Models of a Future Church (3)
LOGON 921/Readings in Postmodern Ecclesiology (3)
LOGON 922/The Next Church: Ministry in the New World (3)
LOGON 980/Theological Methods and Practice (3)
Elective Courses for Global Online Concentration
LOGON 930/Topics in Practical Theology and Postmodern Ministry (3)
LOGON 931/Practical Theology: Virtual Faith and Postmodern Ministry (3)
LOGON 932/Thriving in a Digital Age through Collaborative Leadership (3)
Worship and Spirituality Concentration
Required core courses for Worship and Spirituality Concentration
(12 credits core courses, 6 credits electives, 12 credits project colloquium)
WSP 900/Foundations in Worship and Spirituality (3)
WSP 901/Theology of Sacrament and Story (3)
WSP 902/The Preaching Life (3)
WSP 910/Leading in Worship and Spiritual Formation (3)
WSP 912/Writing for Worship (3)
WSP 920/Spirituality and Community (3)
WSP 980/Theological Methods and Practice (2)
Elective Courses for Worship and Spirituality Concentration
DMIN 960/Topics in Spirituality
WSP 961/The Varieties of Spiritual Experience (3)
WSP 962/Figures in Contemporary Spirituality: The Life and Work of Henri J. M. Nouwen (3)
WSP 972/Pilgrimage: Exploring Celtic Sites with Christian Faith (3)
Environmental Ministries and Ecological Spirituality Concentration
Required courses for Environmental Ministries and Ecological Spirituality Concentration
(12 credits core courses, 6 credits electives, 12 credits project colloquium)
GRC 900/The Theology and Ecology of Common Ground (3)
GRC 910/Ministerial Leadership and Faith Formation (3)
GRC 920/Greening the Church: Christianity and Ecology (3)
GRC 930/Biblical Foundations of Camp/Retreat Ministry (2)
GRC 950/Practical Theology: Ministry of Camp/Retreat Center Management (2)
GRC 980/Theological Methods for Ministry (3)
Pastoral Care and Counseling Concentration
General Electives
DMIN 930/Topics in Biblical Studies (3)
DMIN 931/Preaching with the Old Testament (3)
DMIN 932/Priest, Prophet, Sage (3)
DMIN 940/Topics in Theological Studies (3)
DMIN 950/Topics in Pastoral Theology (3)
DMIN 960/Topics on Spirituality (3)
DMIN 961/The Varieties of Spiritual Experience (3)
DMIN 962/Figures in Spirituality (3)
DMIN 970/Themes in Ministry Intensive Options (3)
DMIN 972/Drew@St. Deiniol's (Wales) Pilgrimage (3)
DMIN 973/Drew@Lake Junaluska Seminar (3)
DMIN 981/Topics in the Mission of the Church in the World (3)
Project Colloquia
(12 credit hours total)
DMIN 990/Project Colloquium (3)
DMIN 991/D.Min. Professional Project (3)
DMIN 992/Project and Thesis Research and Writing (3)
DMIN 993/Project Thesis Completion and Exit Interview (3)
LOGON 990/Project Colloquium (3)
LOGON 991/D.Min. Professional Project (3)
LOGON 992/Project Thesis Research and Writing (3)
LOGON 993/Project Thesis Completion and Exit Interview (3)
Maintaining Matriculation
Students may register for Maintaining Matriculation at any time during the course of the program, but each semester of Maintaining Matriculation will be counted in the total time allowed for the completion of the program. Students who are not taking courses must be Maintaining Matriculation or must have officially filed the Leave of Absence form. A Maintaining Matriculation fee of $250 per semester is charged for the following:
DMIN MD1H/Maintaining Matriculation Prior to Completion of Course Work
DMIN MD2H/Maintaining Matriculation, Course Work Complete
DMIN MD3H/Maintaining Matriculation During Professional Project
DMIN MD4H/Maintaining Matriculation, After Professional Project
DMIN MD5L/Maintaining Matriculation (less than half time)
