Skip to main content

The Doctor of Ministry Program

Description: 

The Doctor of Ministry Program is designed for persons who hold the M.Div. degree or its equivalent and who have  significant experience in pastoral or cross-cultural ministry. You will build on previous studies and ministry experiences to attain higher levels of competency.

This degree program is designed to advance your knowledge of the foundations of and current developments in ministry, to deepen your understanding of your philosophy of ministry, to enhance your ability to function professionally, to increase  your capacity to think and act purposefully in ministry, and to strengthen your spiritual and moral integrity. Demonstration of significant progress in these areas is an essential ingredient of the program. Progress is observed through a constant mentoring relationship with an assigned member of the CIU SSM faculty.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

  • A Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree with a minimum B average (3.0 GPA). An applicant who does not hold the M.Div. degree, but who has completed another graduate theological degree and believes he or she has theological training equivalent to an M.Div., may submit evidence of work completed to the Office of Admissions for assessment.
  • At least three years of active involvement in ministry subsequent to completion of M.Div. studies. Applicants to the Missions concentration are required to meet this requirement in active crosscultural ministry unless their primary assignment is North American missions administration.
  • A completed Doctor of Ministry application, including forms and instructions available through the Admissions Office.
  • International students must demonstrate proficiency in the use of the English language.
  • Any additional requirements set by the CIU SSM faculty or the Admissions Office.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION:

While CIU’s D.Min. program is noted for its flexibility, the individualized program of studies must be appropriate to the concentration. With the exception of the Military Chaplaincy concentration which allows a maximum if twelve semester hours of transfer credit from chaplaincy training, twenty-four semester hours of study (including the dissertation-project) must be taken at CIU at the 9000 level. No more than six semester hours may be transferred in or taken, with permission, at the 6000 or 7000 level. All degree requirements must be completed within six years of initial enrollment in the Doctor of Ministry program unless an extension is requested and granted.

CANDIDACY:

Advancement to candidacy occurs when the student has successfully completed all course work and whose dissertation-project proposal has been accepted by the dissertation committee.

Upcoming courses and manuals are available here.

Get started today.

Course requirements and suggested program of study

Frequently Asked Questions

Request more information

Apply Now

 

Opportunities: 

You will be able to:

  • Use ministry skills at an advanced level of professional competency and will exhibit the personal qualities normally considered essential to this level of ability;
  • Demonstrate increased sensitivity in interpersonal relationships and development of the skills needed to enhance these relationships;
  • Think, plan, and act creatively in transcending traditional approaches to ministry by the use of innovative concepts and methods;
  • Domonstrate a steadily maturing relationship with God in an understanding of the concept of servanthood, especially as related to servant leadership.

What our graduates say

"Education at its best is motivational and even fun when it's done by those who are experts at their craft. As I look back over my courses, I'm amazed at God's timing and direction in my life and ministry. The D.Min. program at CIU has delivered on all fronts; I hold it in highest regard." - Jack Bartlett (D.Min. Class of 2002)

"CIU's D.Min. program is enriching my life in a number of ways. The godly character of my professors, the fellowship with other D.Min. students, and the spiritual ethos of the school enrich me spiritually. The academic challenges of the D.Min. program stimulate me intellectually and teach me to think in new and exciting ways. The material that I learn is practical, making me a more competent pastor. Furthermore, I appreciate the flexibility to tailor my program to meet my needs, and the personal care that my mentor shows to me. I'm glad that the Lord led me to CIU for my D.Min. studies." - Christopher A. Johnson (D.Min. Class of 2001)

"While I served on the mission field in the former Soviet Union, I enrolled in the CIU SSM D.Min. program. The classes were practical and very helpful to me in my work in a cross-cultural setting. The interaction with fellow students who were going through similar challenges in ministry was invaluable. The professors were very competent and in most cases had been doing what we were doing for many years themselves. I really appreciated the healthy balance of practical ministry focus, academic study and peer interaction. I highly recommend this program to anyone who wishes to sharpen and advance their skills in ministry." - Robert McAlister (D.Min. Class of 2007)

"I have joy and gratitude when I think of CIU SSM. Studying there, in more depth, I met with God, understood God's plan, experienced God's love, and learned more accurately God's truths in the Bible. And I came to know how to live a life pleasing to God. I spent 6 years in my M.Div. and D. Min program of CIU. Through spiritually, theologically and missiologically well balanced professors, I learned how to evangelize, preach, serve and nurture people, and plant churches for God's glory and the extension of God's Kingdom. For the last four years, our family and fellow workers have shared the gospel with more than 500 people, planting 10 churches. CIU SSM is a very special school for people who have the burden of world mission." - Wah Rang Shin (D.Min. Class of 2004)