Program Format

Course Structure

Each course is structured to include several components that incorporate the theoretical, practical, and collegial aspects of the learning experience:

• Preliminary Reading
  Assigned reading that must be completed prior to the classroom experience, fulfilling a requirement of 1,800-2,000 pages of reading for a three-unit course and 2,400-2,500 pages for a four-unit course. The reading provides the theoretical basis for the analysis of practical situations in ministry.
• Classroom Experience (English and Hispanic programs)
  Classroom experience for the D.Min. is in concentrated sessions during two-week residency periods held each spring and summer. The residency periods involve significant interaction with a faculty instructor in a peer-learning, seminar format. The faculty instructor serves as a facilitator of discussion in a collegial atmosphere, using his or her academic and practical experience to bring in-depth analysis, critical thinking, integration, and application to the topic.
• Classroom Experience (Korean program)
  The Doctor of Ministry Korean program follows APU’s academic calendar. Each class meets multiple times during the semester in one-day intensive sessions utilizing lecture and discussion formats. In this way, courses provide opportunity for critical reflection and application of content over a period of several months.
• Grading
  Students must achieve a minimum grade of B- in order to receive credit for work in a course. If a student receives a grade of C+ or lower in a course, the course may be repeated, and the new grade, if higher, will replace the former grade in the computation of the grade-point average.
• Course Project
  An extensive course project provides an opportunity to synthesize the reading and the classroom discussions and apply them to a ministerial situation. The results of this reflection are then submitted in the form of a paper with a minimum length of 5,000 words (20 pages).

Experiential Learning

Azusa Pacific Seminary utilizes an experiential learning model. The D.Min. program intentionally integrates biblical, theological, and ministerial studies with ministerial practice.

Written Project

Students demonstrate academic and practical learning through completion of a major written project. They conduct research and develop and write their project in a ministry practice field of interest. Ordinarily the project is approximately 100 pages long. Complete information on the doctoral project process and standards is available from the office of the D.Min. director.

Class Schedule

Azusa Pacific Seminary conducts a year-round schedule, with programs adhering to 16-week terms.

Classroom experience is in concentrated sessions during two-week residency periods held each January and June. Students benefit from personal attention and opportunities to build meaningful relationships with professors and peers who have diversified ministerial experience.

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 6 semester units of doctoral-level work that have been completed within the past 8 years will be allowed as transfer credit.

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 eight 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 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.

Visiting Student Status

Azusa Pacific Seminary has visiting student agreements with Fuller Theological Seminary and Claremont School of Theology. Students may contact Azusa Pacific Seminary for additional information at (626) 815-6000, Ext. 5654.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many units do I take each term?

You may take up to 8 units each term, which is full-time.

How many students will there be in my classes?

Most classes average 7-15 students.