Doctor of Ministry

The Doctor of Ministry is the highest degree for those in vocational ministry and is the ultimate step for those called to ministry to develop their divine design to serve Christ and the world through Spirit-empowered life, learning, and leadership.

With recent changes by our ATS (our accrediting body), we are excited to be able to consider all accredited seminary or schools of divinity graduate degrees for admission into the Doctor of Ministry program — with potentially no need for additional classes. If you have had a desire to pursue an accredited DMin degree, but do not have an MDiv, now is the time to apply!

The Doctor of Ministry program at Southeastern University provides an accommodating format, relational engagement, ministerial leadership focus, academic excellence, affordable tuition — all within a Spirit-filled environment. One of the most inviting features of the DMin at Southeastern University is that the program is a 36-credit hour program intended to be completed in three years by those in full time ministry. Consider these exciting benefits:

RELATIONAL LEARNING
This program is offered with intensive five-day long cohorts two to three times a year, for a total of six meetings. The program involves significant experiential components and individualized, contextual instruction.

EXPERT MENTORING
A unique highlight of this doctoral program is reflected in each student’s privileged opportunity to work closely with a doctoral mentor to assess goals and challenges in the student’s own ministry. This mentorship extends throughout the student’s journey in the program.

MINISTRY ENHANCING
The program is intended to enhance the competency and understanding in ministry. It is designed to provide leaders actively involved in ministry with advanced, innovative training in the practice of biblically-sound, theologically-based, and spiritually-motivated ministry.

SPIRIT ENCOUNTERING
The program is intended to be holistic in its impact on the student. For this reason, the DMin program contains a unique course, Spiritual Formation and Health of the Leader, structured as a spiritual retreat. This course and retreat provide principles and practices to grow and maintain the spiritual, emotional, physical and relational health of the ministry leader — and provides a string sense of camaraderie within the cohort.

The School of Divinity (graduate programs) within the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology at Southeastern University is fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

A highlight of SEU’s Doctor of Ministry program is the opportunity to work closely with a doctoral mentor to address an opportunity or challenge in your own ministry.

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Program Summary

Southeastern University offers this 36 credit hour Doctor of Ministry degree, designed to enhance the leadership skills, research ability and knowledge of ministry leaders in church and parachurch settings. This three-year program includes intensive sessions twice a year, supplemented by online interaction with fellow students and professors,This three-year program includes intensive sessions twice a year supplemented by online interaction with fellow students and professors. allowing you to study when and where it’s most convenient for you while still maintaining your full-time ministry role. A highlight of SEU’s Doctor of Ministry program is the opportunity to work closely with a doctoral mentor to address an opportunity or challenge in your own ministry. Your mentor will partner with you for two courses to develop a doctoral-level research project, including a site visit at your place of ministry to provide significant input into the research and implementation of the project. Your research efforts may be applied to your doctoral dissertation, which is the culmination of the program.

Program Details

Total credit hours — 36

Cost per credit hour — $500
Estimated total tuition cost — $18,000*
Additional fees not included.

*Note: A Doctoral Education fee of $200 will apply to each semester of the program. This fee will cover the extensive doctoral writing support, the MyFire platform, residencies, intensives, library services, and the extra costs associated with operating and attending an excellent doctoral program. Additional fees may also apply. See our tuition & fees page for details.

Graduate Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We have Financial Aid staff dedicated specifically to graduate students. These staff members can assist you with coordinating employer assistance benefits, church-matching scholarships, federal aid, private loans, and military benefits. Convenient payment plans are also available.

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Sample Core Courses

Theory and Practice of Ministry (PMIN 6013) — This course orients new students to the Doctor of Ministry degree program, underscoring the foundational principles of practical theology. Emphasis is placed on assessment of ministry systems and health, research, theological reflection, praxis and implementation of ministry enhancements. The elements of advanced graduate-level research and writing are highlighted.
Scripture, Theology and Practice (PMIN 6033) — This course engages biblical exegesis and interpretation applied to theological praxis in ministry leadership, using a variety of approaches to interpreting and applying the Scriptures in ministry settings.
Contextual Engagement I (PMIN 8013) — This course incorporates individualized instruction on an issue related to the researcher’s ministry context. The professor and researcher work together to devise a plan based on praxis research to develop a solution for a ministry challenge or dilemma.
The Leader and Organizational Health (PMIN 8133) — This course will address the means of diagnosing the health of churches and other ministry organizations. Scholars will interact with models designed to restore and improve organizational health and shift the culture of an organization to improve ministry effectiveness.

Complete Course List