Coursework
- Course Requirements
- Written Project
- Transfer Credit
- Additional Degree Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
Course Requirements
| Core Courses | 20 units | |
|---|---|---|
| GDMN 704 | Research and Design | 4 |
| GDMN 710 | History of Christian Spirituality | 4 |
| GDMN 720 | Theology for Spiritual Formation | 4 |
| GDMN 730 | Church Renewal | 4 |
| GDMN 740 | Spiritual Leadership | 4 |
| Electives | 12 units | |
| GDMN 750 | Civic Spirituality | 4 |
| GDMN 760 | Christian Spirituality and Modern Technology | 3 |
| GDMN 762 | Spiritual Practices in the Church | 4 |
| GDMN 764 | History and Theology of Worship | 3 |
| GDMN 766 | Empowering the Laity | 3 |
| GDMN 768 | Urban Immersion | 3 |
| GDMN 770 | Church Growth and Church Planting | 3 |
| GDMN 772 | Contemplative Spirituality | 4 |
| GDMN 782 | Scripture: Its Spirituality and Proclamation | 4 |
| GDMN 799 | Readings in Doctoral Ministry | 1-4 |
| Project | 4 units | |
| GDMN 790 | Ministry Project | 4 |
| Total | 36 units | |
| GDMN 792 | Project Continuation | |
| Students who do not complete their D.Min. project during the semester they are enrolled in GDMN 790, must enroll for subsequent semesters in this course. | ||
Written Project
Students will demonstrate academic and practical learning through completion of a major written project. They will conduct research and develop and write their project in a ministry practice field of interest. Ordinarily the project will be a minimum of 100 pages and a maximum of 250 pages in length. Complete information on the doctoral project process and standards is available from the Office of the Doctor of Ministry.
Transfer Credit
Because of the specialized nature of the program, transfer credit must be evaluated by the director of the D.Min. Program. A maximum of six semester units of doctoral-level work which have been completed within the past eight years will be allowed as transfer credit.
Additional Degree Requirements
Full-time Status
Full-time status in the D.Min. Program is 8 units per term. Students who enroll in at least 4 units are considered to be half time.
Time Limit
A maximum of 16 units of coursework may be completed during one calendar year, requiring a minimum of two years for completion of all required coursework. The written doctoral project may be completed in the third year. The minimum time required for completing the program is three years, and the maximum time allowed is seven years from the time of enrollment.
Advancement to Candidacy
Students will be considered for candidacy for the Doctor of Ministry after satisfactory completion of 16 units of coursework (minimum of 3.0 GPA in all coursework with no grade less than B-, satisfactory completion of two doctoral project seminars, approval of the student’s doctoral project proposal by the director and the D.Min. committee, and an interview with the director. Final approval for candidacy is granted by the D.Min. committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many units do I take each quarter/semester?
While there are no minimum or maximum unit requirements, 9 units is considered a full-time schedule.
How long is a semester?
Semesters generally run for 15 weeks.
How many hours does each class session require?
Both once a week classes, which last for 4 hours and 15 minutes, and twice a week classes, which run for 2 hours each, are available.
How many students will there be in my classes?
Most classes will average between 15-18 students.
How many evenings per week do I attend classes?
Classes usually meet once a week, but some are offered twice a week.
Does this program require a thesis, dissertation, or capstone project?
A student’s philosophy of ministry will serve as their master’s thesis.
