Common Questions

Doctor of Ministry Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree?

You don't. The only reason to enroll in this program is if it will help you achieve maximum ministry effectiveness. If we can help you make your maximum impact for God we will tell you.

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 much like 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 to assist 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. Read more about Talbot's D.Min. Distinctives.

Who is the Director of Talbot's D.Min. program?

Dr. J. Kent Edwards is the Director of Talbot's Doctor of Ministry Program, as well as the Professor of Preaching & Leadership at Talbot School of Theology. For additional information, please visit Dr. J. Kent Edwards' Faculty Profile.

What if I don't have an M.Div?

M.Div. equivalency can be granted to those students who have completed 70 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 professional ministerial studies. 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.

Are Doctor of Ministry students considered full time students?

Doctor of Ministry students are considered one-third time students. For the purpose of deferring educational loans, the Doctor of Ministry student is considered full time. Deferment begins at the beginning of the student's first fall or spring semester.

What are the major program components?

View Program Overview.

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 in addition to the completion of a thesis-project, which may take up to 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.

  • 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 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.

How much does the D.Min. program cost?

The total tuition cost for the Doctor of Ministry degree is approximately $10,500. You will be billed in small increments over a three year period, ending with your final residency. Please note that this cost does not reflect fees incurred for transportation to and from residency, residency housing, or additional classroom or textbook expenses for which you are also responsible.

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 a 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.

What happens if I need to leave the D.Min. program?

Due to the cohort nature of the D.Min. program, students are required to complete their three year residency with their cohort group. Permission to break residence continuity (leave of absence) will only be granted in extreme circumstances such as medical, ministry or personal crisis. In these cases, you will request a leave of absence and follow instructions on how to re-enter the program at a future date.

How do I apply?

You may request an application through Talbot's Graduate Admissions Office or Doctor of Ministry department. Or, you may download the necessary application forms online.

We recommend that international students living overseas allow at least six months for the necessary visas to be processed.