Overview

Welcome to Talbot's Doctor of Ministry Program!

As a pastor, I know how difficult ministry can be. The world is changing and expectations are rising. Yesterday's solutions don't seem to be working and it is tough to know what to do next. Don't panic. Talbot can help. We want to help you refresh, renew and retool for where God is calling you in ministry. Our goal is not to press you into our mold, but to help you be all that God has called and gifted you to be. Talbot's Doctor of Ministry degree is not intended as a research or academic degree, but is designed to help participants develop their skills and understanding to the fullest extent in parish, parachurch, or missionary service. The D.Min. degree is similar to a J.D. or M.D. in that it provides students with a practical education for working with people, rather than a purely research-oriented approach. The D.Min. degree is designed for those working in a full time ministry capacity. The residency portion of the program is designed to be completed in three years. You will be in the classroom for two consecutive weeks every year for three years. People come from all over the world to participate in this program. Our proximity to Los Angeles makes us accessible from anywhere. The cost of the program is reasonable and designed to fit into your budget. We want to help you make your maximum impact in ministry. If this is what you want. . .read on.

J. Kent Edwards
Director, Doctor of Ministry Program

Tracks

Current Tracks

Distinctives

Strategy

We don’t offer a traditional DMin. program. This is not a ‘warmed over’ MDiv program. It is the first-class, ministry oriented education you have always wanted. How does this program stand apart? Talbot’s Doctor of Ministry program is:

Cohort Based

Instead of studying with strangers, you will embark on an academic pilgrimage with classmates who share your passion. Although you may come from different geographic and ministry backgrounds, you will form friendships that will last a lifetime.

Faculty-Mentor Led

Learning occurs within relationships. Our professors do not merely drop ‘information bombs’ on you. The faculty are recognized experts in their fields who want to share their lives, as well as their insights. From start to finish, and beyond, our faculty-mentors care about you as a person. Even when you have completed your degree, they will take the time to offer you what they can from the resources of their experience.

Practitioner Sensitive

You will have the opportunity to focus on a specific aspect of ministry. Talbot offers numerous specialty tracks, not a generic “one size fits all” program, to help you develop deep expertise in the area of ministry that you are passionate about. We won’t waste your time with academic busy work. Your assignments will be integrated into and designed to assist your ministry. This program is intensely practical.

Spiritual Formation Oriented

Many Christian leaders don’t develop the mind and spiritual character necessary for effective ministry. Your faculty-mentor and Talbot’s Institute for Spiritual Formation will help you in the areas of spiritual growth and soul care.

Admissions Requirements

Are you an international student? Please view the international admissions requirements

Qualified applicants will have a Master of Divinity degree (or its academic equivalent) with a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited school as well as three years of full–time ministry experience since graduation.

Tuition & Fees

The total tuition cost for the Doctor of Ministry degree is approximately $13,000. Tuition can be paid by semester or by month (a small finance charge is incurred on monthly payments). Taking into consideration miscellaneous fees, the overall cost is a little over $17,000 (thesis-project proofing, printing and copyrighting expenses vary from student to student). A typical breakdown of fixed and approximate expenses is below. Please note this cost breakdown does not include the cost of books, housing, transportation, and meals.

Breakdown of Expenses

Residency Phase
- Application Fee: $55 (fixed cost, paid once at submission of application)
- D.Min. Fee: $500 (fixed cost, paid once at start of program)
- Tuition: $13,000 (approximate cost, paid incrementally over three years)

Thesis-Project Phase
- Thesis Project Continuation Fee: $500 per semester (fixed cost, paid at start of each semester of thesis-project phase)
- Thesis Fee: $1,000 (fixed cost, paid once at submission of finalized Thesis Project Proposal)
- Proofing/Binding: $600 (approximate cost, paid as needed)

Note: There is a $100 enrollment deposit required by Biola University in order to register for classes. This deposit is returned to the student upon completion of the degree and/or departure from the university assuming there is no outstanding balance on the student's account.

Financial Aid

Instead of making financial assistance available for some, we have chosen to make the program affordable for all. Unfortunately, that means no financial assistance is available at this time.

Yearly Overview

Year One

• Course Preparation (complete reading and assignments prior to residency)
• Two-Week Residency Coursework
  • Personal Learning Covenant
  • Spiritual Formation Retreat
• Post Residency Project

Year Two

• Course Preparation (complete reading and assignments prior to residency)
• Two-Week Residency Coursework
  • Qualifying Oral Exam (Admission to Candidacy Status)
• Post Residency Project

Year Three

• Course Preparation (complete reading and assignments prior to residency)
• Two-Week Residency Coursework
• Post Residency Project

Years Four, Five and Six

• Submit an Acceptable Thesis-Project Proposal
• Write Thesis-Project
• Oral Defense of Thesis-Project
• Submit Final Acceptable Copy of Approved Thesis-Project

Questions & Details

The D.Min. degree is a "professional" degree, what do you mean by that?
The Doctor of Ministry degree is not intended as a research or academic degree, but is designed to help participants develop their skills and understanding to the fullest extent in parish, parachurch, or missionary service. The D.Min. degree is similar to a J.D. or M.D. in that it provides students with a practical education for working with people, rather than a purely research-oriented approach. The D.Min. degree is designed for those working in a full time ministry capacity.

Why should I get a D.Min. from Talbot?
Talbot's Doctor of Ministry program has five distinctives: it is cohort-based, faculty-mentor led, specialty focused, practioner sensitive and spiritual formation oriented.

What if I don't have an M.Div?
M.Div. equivalency can be granted to those students who have completed 72 semester units from an ATS accredited school. To see if you qualify, you may contact our Doctor of Ministry office and request a preliminary evaluation.

What if I don't have three years of ministry experience post graduation?
The Doctor of Ministry program is an advanced theological degree designed for those ministering professionally. The D.Min. is the highest professional degree available for clergy. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of competence in the practice of ministry. Applicants will need to demonstrate their practical ministerial knowledge by meeting this minimum three year ministry requirement.

How long will it take to get my D.Min. degree?
Successful completion of the Doctor of Ministry program includes three years of residency work and the completion of a thesis-project, which may take an additional two years. Most students complete their degree in five years. However, students have a maximum time frame of six years from the start date of their first residency to complete the program.

I'm in ministry and have a family, can I still find time to complete the D.Min. program?
The Doctor of Ministry program is designed for adult learners, serving in full time ministry. Most spend about one day a week on program assignments. We promise not to bog you down with academic busy work. What you do in the classroom will be directly and immediately related to your ministry. You will need to utilize your time management skills to balance ministry, family,and study. Be sure to plan ahead using a five-year calendar to block out dates and keep track of deadlines.

How much time do I need to spend on campus?
D.Min. students are required to be on campus for their two week residency during the first three years of the program. In addition, students may need to set aside time to come to campus to meet with their faculty mentor as they work on their thesis-project. Students are required to be present for their Oral Defense of the thesis-project and Graduation Ceremony. Several local hotels are available with a reduced rate for those needing housing.

What is a "residency"? How many are there?
A "residency" refers to the two week time period in which students receive classroom instruction - usually on campus. Students will meet for 8 hours Monday through Friday of each week. This time will be used to interact with the pre-residency readings and course assignments as well as learn new material and embark on new projects.

What is a faculty mentor?
Your faculty mentor will be a Talbot professor and professional colleague who teaches a specialty track and oversees and approves required work by every student within the cohort group.

Do I have to write a thesis?
The writing of the thesis-project is the culmination of the participant's work in the program and is a requirement to obtaining your D.Min. degree. Rather than a research document, your thesis-project will address a practical ministry issue relevant to you or your local church.

What is the thesis-project defense?
The thesis-project defense is the final requirement for degree completion. This oral defense is conducted by the thesis committee, a student's mentor and assigned reader.

Read here for more program details.

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