The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) programme is intended for people who are engaged in part- or full-time vocational Christian ministry and exhibit Christian leadership skills. Students maintain their ministry involvement and work while pursuing this in-ministry programme. As such, it is non-residential. DMin is the highest professional degree for those engaged in local church and parachurch ministries, world missions, and applied training, but it is terminal and does not lead to PhD. The programme is accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA).
- Overview
Entry Requirements
- A three-year MA (TS) (Advanced), or MDiv, BD, MTh, or the equivalent from a recognized institution, done in residence with a minimum B+ grade average (55 percent) or equivalent from a college accredited by the ATA.
- A pass in the introductory level of a biblical language.
- At least five years of full-time ministry experience after BD/MDiv or equivalent.
- Completion of SAIACS application requirements, interview, and examinations.
- A letter affirming that their organization supports their study, will decrease their workload during the study, and allow the candidate time to work on their thesis project.
- The capacity for self-motivation and independent study.
- The discipline of working within set timeframes.
- If the applicant has an MA in Theological Studies along with significant ministry experience, the applicant may gain MDiv equivalency (30 credits) through the following bridge:
-
- Ministry experience, with a minimum of 10 years of ministry experience following the last degree, along with a 20-page reflection paper on past ministry: 15 credits
- Three qualifying exams at the MDiv level: 6 credits
- Three select courses taken online or otherwise at the MDiv level: 9 credits
- Significant publication: 3 credits, which can replace one module (above)
-
- Period of Study
DMin normally takes three years, but the candidate is allowed up to five years with extension fees. If a student takes beyond these five years, the registration expires and the student has to re-register for the course.
- Completion Requirements
- The programme requires completion of nine modules. The first and last modules are in research methods and are delivered in the classroom. The intermediate seven are delivered online.
- To obtain candidacy, that is, permission to continue and write a thesis, students need an average of at least B+ in the nine modules, and must pass in the defence of a thesis proposal.
- The thesis writing begins in Year 3. It includes up to a month of residence and should be completed by the end of Year 3. However, students may take up to the end of Year 5.
The DMin Thesis must be 35,000 to 40,000 words in length.