THE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY
DEGREE
Methodist Theological
School in Ohio
Specialization:
Leadership for Transformational Change
Contact information:
lwithrow@mtso.edu
or 740.362.3343
Students should apply by
April 20 for Summer matriculation
Click for reference letter form
Why a D.Min. degree at MTSO?
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).
Requirement
|
Hours
|
|
Three (3) core courses @ 3 credits each |
9 |
|
Four (4) courses in specialization @ 3 credits each |
12 |
|
Three (3) peer group courses @ 1 credit each |
3 |
|
One (1) research methods course @ 3 credits |
3 |
|
One (1) project group course @ 1 credit |
1 |
|
One (1) D.Min. project @ 3 credits |
3 |
|
Total Credits |
31 |
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.
