Doctor of Ministry (choose one concentration)
The Doctor of Ministry degree consists of 36 credit hours which includes a 6-unit ministry project that will give the student the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a practical ministry context. This course of study is a professional program designed for distance learners in full-time Christian ministry. Though the program may be completed in as little as two (2-3) years of full-time study, students will have up to five (5) years to finish. Students will have the opportunity for academic, personal, and professional growth while completing the degree entirely through distance education without residency requirement. The program’s goal is to equip pastors, Christian educators, missionaries, counselors, and other ministry leaders to be more effective in their ministries through advanced study and training in the theory and practice of a biblically grounded ministry.
The degree offers a choice of four distinct concentrations:
- Pastoral Studies
- Christian Education
- Ministry Administration and Leadership
- Interdisciplinary Ministry and Leadership
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Articulate and apply theological truth in a variety of ministry contexts.
- Demonstrate leadership in their own ministry setting or career field.
- Develop and implement a practical ministry project to address a specific ministry need.
Admission Requirements
- VIU graduates holding an MDiv degree or an MA of at least 48 units will receive advanced standing for direct admission into the program with no further requirements.
- Non-VIU applicants holding an MDiv degree or a Masters degree in a related field of at least 48 units are encouraged to apply for admission. The MA applicant may be required to complete additional graduate level courses (up to 12 units) to address any curricular deficiencies as determined by the Registrar/Academic Dean. The MA applicant may be admitted to the DMin program while simultaneously fulfilling these additional graduate level courses, and concurrently may fulfill up to 15 units of DMin core requirements.
- All applicants should have a minimum of 3 years ministry experience.
| Doctor of Ministry Program Overview (D.Min.) |
| Required Core Courses (21 units) |
| PM900 Cultivating a Christian Mind (3) |
| RP900 Research Practicum I (3) |
| TH901 Practical Theology for Ministry (3) |
| RP901 Research Practicum II (3) |
| PH900 Principles of Truth, Unity, Beauty and Goodness (3) |
| MP900 Ministry Project & Defense (6) |
| Choose a Program Concentration (15 units) |
| Pastoral Studies |
| PM910 Reaching the Post-Christian Culture (3) |
| PM940 Principles of Expository Preach/Teach (3) |
| PM930 Principles of Family Ministry (3) |
| PM920 Advanced Pastoral Counseling (3) |
| PM950 Pastoral Self Care (3) |
| Christian Education |
| CE901 Education in the Church (3) |
| CE902 Curriculum Development (3) |
| CE903 Assessing Student Learning (3) |
| CE904 Learning Theories (3) |
| CE905 Teaching Children and Youth (3) |
| Ministry Administration and Leadership |
| CL910 Advancing Transformational Leadership (3) |
| CL920 Building Team Leadership (3) |
| CL930 Managing Organizational Conflict (3) |
| CL940 Change Theory (3) |
| CL950 Christian Business Ethics (3) |
| Interdisciplinary Ministry & Leadership |
| Choose 5 courses from the concentrations above. No more than two courses may be chosen from one concentration. |
| Total Semester Hours: 36 |
Ministry Project and Defense – 6 semester credit hours
The Ministry Project and Defense (MP900) offers an opportunity for the student to make a unique and practical contribution related to ministry. The contribution and presentation are unique to the student’s ministry gifting and practical ministry goals that will benefit the body of Christ. The actual presentation and defense of the Ministry Project is fulfilled either online or on campus and scheduled by appointment with your supervisor. PREREQUISITE: The DMin project can be approved and begun once a minimum of 18 units of DMin course work has been completed.
| Program Schedule | ||
| Year 1 (12 units) | ||
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| 2 Courses – 6 units | 2 Course – 6 units | Optional |
| Year 2 (12 units) | ||
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| 2 Courses – 6 units | 2 Course – 6 units | Optional |
| Year 3 (12 units) | ||
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| 2 Courses – 6 units | 2 Courses – 6 units | Optional |
| Ministry Project Research, Presentation, and Defense – 6 units | ||
| Total Semester Hours: 36 |