THE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY DEGREE
Methodist Theological School in Ohio
Specialization: Leadership for Transformational Change 
Director:  Rev. Lisa Withrow, PhD
Contact information: lwithrow@mtso.edu  or 740.362.3343

Students should apply by April 20 for Summer matriculation

The Doctor of Ministry degree is designed to provide ministering professionals with an advanced educational experience, which in turn serves the church by promoting leaders with advanced professional development.  The degree integrates resources from classical and practical disciplines; this integration expands and enhances the ability of ministering professionals to analyze and conceptualize issues emerging from changing contexts within a framework of theological understanding.
The Doctor of Ministry degree is especially designed with the student in mind.  Collaborative study with peer groups, small class sizes, core courses designed to integrate theory and practice and projects designed to change the church based on class work and peer input make the MTSO program unique.  Regular, full-time faculty will be available not only to teach but to guide students throughout their involvement with the program. Communication amongst peers and with faculty and the D.Min. Director will continue between academic terms.

Overview of the program

      The degree requires 31 semester credit hours, a portfolio and a thesis project, all to be completed within 3.5 years (minimum) and 6 years (maximum).

Phases of the D.Min. program include:

• Core courses

Core courses provide opportunities to update degree candidates on developments in various fields of study, further develop theological reflection and provide a shared theological context and vocabulary for each matriculating class.  Each course addresses a significant tension/dialectic facing both academic disciplines and ministry contexts. Emphasis on praxis in each course will accompany any research required.

DMIN901:  Continuity and Change.

DMIN902:  Particularity and Diversity

DMIN903:  Communities and Society. 

DMIN904:  Research Methods

• Specialization courses

A specialization consists of 4 specifically designated courses of 3 semester credits each. 

DMIN910:  Spirituality and Change

DMIN911:  Transforming Mission 

DMIN912:  Individual and Systems Change

DMIN913:  Preaching for Change

·         Peer Groups  (DMIN905, 906, 907)

These learning communities are designed to provide focused attention to overall learning objectives, issues of praxis and integration and spiritual maturity.  In addition, support and critique of the project phase will occur here.  Normally, the peer group will form at the beginning of the program and remain together throughout. 

·         Portfolio Review

At the conclusion of course work and prior to the Project Proposal, students submit a portfolio that is representative of their work throughout the program thus far. 

·         Formulation of Project Proposal

The Project Proposal must be prepared toward the completion of coursework and the portfolio review.

ADMISSION TO THE D.MIN. PROGRAM

1.     Applicants for admission should hold an ATS-approved M.Div. degree or its educational equivalent; have spent three years in professional ministry following graduation from theological school; and currently be engaged in some form of ministry. Applicants who do not hold an M.Div degree must submit evidence of their professional degree/advanced training, and experience in ministry at time of application.

2.      Application involves completion of the application form and submission of a $50 non-refundable application fee.

3.      Applicants must give evidence of their ability to undertake advanced professional study by (a) submitting official transcripts of all coursework completed at the college level or higher; (b) obtaining references from a judicatory supervisor, a person with leadership responsibility in the ministry setting, and a professional colleague; (c) submitting an essay of 4-6 double spaced pages tracing professional growth through continuing education since graduation, and identifying areas of professional strength and weakness; (d) including a statement of the initial goals for D.Min. study.

4.      Students applying for admission to the Doctor of Ministry degree program should normally have at least a 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale) in all of their graduate work. Students with less than a 3.0 may apply to the program with the understanding that their application will be evaluated by the entire DMin Committee and the Academic Dean. Additional materials may be required of applicants in this situation. MTSO will not consider DMin applicants whose graduate GPA is lower than 2.7 cumulative.

Matriculating classes
    New cohorts of 7-15 students begin each July.  Application due date for July matriculation is April 20.  Courses run the last week of July/first week of August and one week in January.
          

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition:  The total tuition for the D.Min. currently is $12,000, if the degree is completed in 4 years.  A project fee of $500 will be paid when the Project Proposal is submitted. Technology fees, project fees, continuation fees and other such costs are subject to annual change.  The tuition charge will be reviewed annually and also is subject to change.

Costs such as books, course materials, travel, housing and meals are not covered by tuition.  Some courses may be offered off-site, requiring additional expense to the student for housing and lodging.

Financial Aid:

MTSO does not provide direct financial aid for D.Min. students but may advise students on the pursuit of funding from various sources.  Students are encouraged to pursue continuing education funds, grants or support from local congregations.