Doctor of Ministry Degree

What is a DMin?

The Doctor of Ministry Degree (often called a D.Min.) is a professional doctoral degree providing space for renewal, growth, companionship among peers, and rich dialogue with faculty.

Apply now to one of our upcoming cohorts!

• Creative Writing and Public Theology – June 2021
• Eastern Christian Focus – Spring 2021
• Intergenerational Black Church Studies – June 2021
• Parish Focus Risking Faithfully – January 2021
• Reformed Focus – June 2021

The purpose of the Doctor of Ministry Degree Program at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is to engage the challenges, opportunities, and vocation of ministry through a systematic and sustained curriculum involving disciplined study and reflection over a period of three to four years. Students undertaking the degree are to develop a habit of reading and study, conversation and reflection, writing and rewriting that provides a pattern of deep theological engagement and invites renewed imagination for work in the student’s ministry setting. The program is based on a cohort model that facilitates peer relationships and shared learning throughout the D.Min. journey. Classes meet in two-week blocks twice per year for 2.5 years.

A distinctive feature of the Doctor of Ministry Degree Program is the emphasis on integrating academic study and research methodology with the practice of ministry.

This emphasis on combining academic study and the practice of ministry is carried out through interactive teaching-learning styles in seminars and courses. The doctoral project at the end of coursework is undertaken under the supervision of carefully selected faculty. The project provides an opportunity for candidates to explore in-depth an aspect of their ministry to which they seek to bring new insight, knowledge, and imagination.

About the Doctor of Ministry Project

The D.Min. degree culminates in a final doctoral project consistent with the Association of Theological School’s standards. This project is different than other doctorate degrees which culminate in dissertations. In the Doctor of Ministry final project, each candidate demonstrates her or his ability to identify a specific theological topic in ministry, organize an effective research model, use appropriate resources, and evaluate the results, reflecting the candidate’s depth of theological insight in relation to ministry. The key distinctive of a D.Min. project is that it is contextual – it engages a specific context.

Because cohort groups fill quickly, we recommend you complete an application expressing your interest, and we will keep you informed of start dates and other details. Learn more about the application process.

We hope you’ll join us on this journey! If you have questions, please let us know. We’re happy to help you discern this next step in your ministry.