Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)

The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) offers a solution to pastors who need the advanced tools that will help them exert a radical, redemptive influence upon a world of increasing migration and urbanization. This in-service, professional degree is designed for ministers who are already proven in ministry and seek to enhance their leadership by training with the foremost Christian leaders and thinkers from around the world. Interactive class sessions are partnered with extensive reading and research to produce a dissertation that explores the elevation of ministry practice within an area of the student’s choice. All this combines for the most advanced degree in pastoral training.

What makes the Western Seminary Doctor of Ministry unique?

• An emphasis in core pastoral disciplines—leadership, preaching, pastoral care, spirituality
• Renowned practitioners like Alan Hirsch, Mark DeYmaz, Andy Crouch, D.A. Carson, and Gordon MacDonald provide a diverse, relevant, and intellectually stimulating environment
• Students may also choose from intercultural studies courses taught in the Doctor of Missiology program
• Working with a director who understands the pastoral role—who is both a professor of pastoral theology and a lead pastor
• A partnership with Phoenix Seminary allows students to enroll in D.Min. courses offered at both schools with just one application for admission

Doctor of Ministry Curriculum

View program curriculum and course descriptions

Accessible Scheduling

The Doctor of Ministry program may be completed in three years’ time by enrolling in week-long intensive seminars offered at the Portland campuses. This unique scheduling design means students can complete their studies without leaving family, career, or ministry behind. This level of academic research will require that students have ready access to a theological library in their region.

Admission Requirements

• A Master of Divinity degree or a two year Master of Arts degree in Ministry Leadership consisting of at least 72 semester credits from an ATS-accredited seminary
• A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 higher in graduate studies
• At least three years of full-time experience in a significant ministry leadership role after seminary graduation
• Continuing significant leadership role during period of doctoral studies
• A completed application for admission and all admission materials by the deadline

If an applicant does not meet one of these requirements, we invite them to contact an enrollment counselor to explore alternative admission options.