Doctor of Ministry

Amridge University offers the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree program to qualified persons who are currently engaged in ministry. The goal of the DMin program is to develop effective Christian ministers by combining theological reflection with continued spiritual growth which leads to greater competence in ministerial skills. Students can use this degree to increase their general effectiveness in ministry or to tailor their abilities toward a particular specialty. The Amridge University program utilizes the candidate’s own work setting as a primary learning resource. Much of the course work involves in-service projects of direct benefit to the candidate’s ministry. The intent is to integrate these dimensions into a working totality for each minister. Integration at many levels is one of the important features of the program: of religion and contemporary life, of professional work and personal life, and of Scripture and theology all into the practice of ministry.

Class time provides occasions for disciplined study, critical reflection, and evaluation on ministry issues. Group interaction among peers aids this important process. The faculty will cultivate and encourage interaction that will promote openness, caring, and growth in the Christian ministry.

The DMin is distinguished from the MDiv in that it demands a higher level of competence, more extensive analytical skills, and greater ability to do practical and thorough research related to ministry. The DMin is distinguished from a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Doctor of Theology (ThD) in that it focuses specifically on excellence in practical ministry rather than academic research and languages.

Upon completion of the Doctor of Ministry Program the graduates will be able to:

1. Research issues in congregational ministry, provide scholarly analysis of those issues, and propose solutions.
2. Enhance skills to effectively lead ministries that address worship services, family/societal concerns, and church leadership.

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

Time Normally Required to Complete the Program

The Doctor of Ministry may be completed in approximately 3 years.  A student may take courses on a part-time or full-time basis.

Graduation Requirements for the Doctor of Ministry

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

1.    Complete 30 graduate hours of the approved curriculum;

2.    A minimum of 24 graduate semester hours must be from Amridge University;

3.    Complete all required coursework for the degree;

4.    Complete all program residency requirements;

5.    Submit and gain faculty approval of dissertation proposal appropriate to the student’s area of specialization and research competency;

6.    Research Dissertation Module III serves as the Program Exit Examination.  The student must receive a passing grade in the Research Dissertation Module III in order to graduate;

7.    Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0; and

8.    Complete an Amridge University Degree Completion Application available from Amridge University’s web site.  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.