Doctor of Ministry in Family Therapy I

The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Family Therapy I is an advanced professional degree for community organizations and church-related vocations.  This program infuses academics and practice to prepare students for family therapy and counseling ministry.

The purposes of this program include: (1) Developing advanced knowledge and professional skills in Family Therapy;  (2) Understanding and interpreting ministry in relation to the context of Family Therapy; (3) Acquainting the student with literature, materials, and methodologies which develop leadership, teaching, and counseling skills to be used in helping relationships; (4) Guiding the student in personal reflection and growth.

Students who are deficient in content courses, as identified through the Academic Plan, may be required to take leveling courses in addition to the required coursework for this program.

Upon completion of the Doctor of Ministry in Family Therapy I Program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Customize a comprehensive plan to appropriately address academic, research, and professional goals.
2. Critically evaluate and synthesize existing scholarly research.
3. Make ethical decisions when conducting research with human subjects.
4. Create a research plan that demonstrates the ability to (1) apply advanced knowledge of Marriage and Family Therapy theories and techniques within a church/professional setting to address a need, (2) conduct scholarly research, and (3) present findings in accordance with the American Psychology Association (APA) guidelines.

A student may demonstrate achievement of these outcomes by receiving a passing grade in the Dissertation Module IV.

Time Normally Required to Complete the Program

The Doctor of Ministry in Family Therapy I may be completed in four years by attending full-time.  A student may take the courses on a part-time or full-time basis.  Full-time is six credit hours per semester.  With the approval of the Dean, a student may take more than six credit hours in a semester.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY IN FAMILY THERAPY I

Before being graduated with a Doctor of Ministry in Family Therapy I, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Complete a minimum of 66 graduate semester hours of the required course work;
2. A minimum of 51 graduate semester hours must be from Amridge University;
3. Successfully complete all required coursework for the degree;
4. Submit and gain faculty approval of dissertation proposal appropriate to the student’s area of specialization and research competency;
5. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0;
6. Dissertation Module IV serves as the Program Exit Examination.  The student must receive a passing grade in the Dissertation Module IV in order to graduate; and
7. Complete an Amridge University Degree Completion Application. The properly completed and signed application must be submitted no later than the first day of classes of the semester prior to the semester the student plans to graduate. Following this schedule permits the University to conduct a full audit of the respective student’s records to make sure that all courses, programs, and respective graduation requirements have been met. Students having any questions regarding the Degree Completion Application should contact the Registrar’s Office.