Pastoral Degrees
Description
The goal of the various pastoral degrees is to prepare students for ordination in the Catholic Church or for lay ecclesial ministry through a coordinated program of courses in academic subjects, pastoral skills, and supervised ministry or internships. These degrees fall within three academic areas in the School of Theology and Religious Studies (STRS).
Degrees Offered:
Master of Catechesis (M.Cat.) in the following areas of concentration:
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in the following areas of concentration:
• Catholic Theology
• Hispanic Ministry sub-concentration
• Divinity
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in the following areas of concentration:
• Ministry
• Evangelization sub-concentration
• Liturgical Catechesis sub-concentration
• Seminary Formation sub-concentration
• Spirituality sub-concentration
Master of Catechesis (M.Cat.)
The Master of Catechesis degree (M.Cat.) is a professional degree. The purpose of the M.Cat. is to prepare students to be practitioners in the field of catechesis, for "handing on" the Christian tradition. The M.Cat. has two tracks: on campus and blended online.
1. Admission Requirements:
a. An appropriate B.A. degree. For more details, see the Catechetics Academic Area.
b. A completed online application through the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA).
c. A Statement of Purpose: In an essay of 500-700 words, the applicant should write an essay on his/her call to pastoral ministry.
d. Official Transcripts: Applicants should contact the registrar of every post-secondary school previously attended and request an official transcript be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Transcripts marked "Student Copy" or "Issued to the Student" cannot be accepted. Official transcripts must be sent in sealed envelopes with an official university stamp or signature across the seal to ensure confidentiality. Transcripts should show: (a) receipt of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; (b) the courses completed toward the degree; (c) the grade in each course; and (d) the basis for grading in effect at the institution.
e. Admission to University graduate courses for applicants completing their final year of undergraduate or graduate degree study is contingent upon the receipt of the final transcript showing the conferral of the degree.
Note: All transcripts issued from outside the United must be certified by a recognized evaluator of international education records (such as WES or AACRAO), even if in the English language. Education completed at institutions outside of the United States, as shown by official documents, may be accepted as equivalent to educational experience in the United States.
f. Three Letters of Recommendation: Submit three confidential letters of recommendation. One recommendation must come from someone who knows the applicant's ability to be a pastoral minister and at least one recommendation must come from former instructors who can address the applicant's ability to complete graduate level coursework.
g. Applicants to the degree programs of the School of Theology and Religious Studies (STRS) who are priests, deacons or members of religious communities are required to submit a letter of endorsement from their Bishop or Religious Superior (in addition to their three letters of recommendation) with their application. All applicants who will be funded for their studies by a diocese or religious community are required to submit a separate letter from their superior attesting to this financial support.
h. Nonrefundable Application Fee.
i. International Students: Applicants from non-English speaking nations and some from nations where English is one of the official languages whose previous education has not been at institutions of higher education in the United States are required to certify their proficiency in English by submitting scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum score on the TOEFL of 80 (Internet - based) is required. On the IELTS an overall band score of 6.5 or higher is required.
2. Coursework Requirements:
a. 30 graduate credit hours of coursework and 6 credit hours of a supervised internship/ministry project guidance.
b. Students must maintain a 3.0 or above GPA. Students who incur a failing grade in formal online coursework which places their GPA below 3.0 are subject to academic dismissal. Students who incur two or more failing grades in campus program are subject to academic dismissal.
c. Students will design a ministry project after 18 hours of coursework and write a 20-25 page report on the project to be placed in the student's file.
d. Students will prepare a professional portfolio.
e. Students must maintain continuous enrollment.
f. Please refer to the Catechetics academic area "Coursework: Master of Catechesis (M.Cat.)" for more information on the On Campus and Online Tracks offered
3. Foreign Language Requirements:
There are no foreign language requirements for this degree
4. Comprehensive Examinations:
No comprehensive examinations are required for this degree.
Master of Divinity (M.Div) in Catholic Theology: 90-Credit Ordination Track
Since the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a first professional degree, the purpose of this program is to foster basic theological understanding and to develop initial pastoral competence on the part of students preparing for ministry. The M.Div. curriculum involves an in-depth study of the Christian, especially the Roman Catholic, theological tradition, pastoral skills, and a supervised practice of ministry. This track is designed to meet most additional ordination requirements for seminarians preparing for the Roman Catholic priesthood. Those not preparing for ordained ministry in the Catholic Church may also enroll in this degree.
1. Admission Requirements:
a. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
b. An undergraduate foundation in philosophy consisting of a minimum of 12 credit hours drawn from among the following areas: History of Philosophy, Logic, Metaphysics, Ethics, Philosophy of God, and Philosophical Anthropology.
c. An undergraduate introduction to Old Testament and an Introduction to New Testament literature.
d. A reading knowledge of Latin (see below for further information).
e. A completed online application through the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA).
f. Statement of Purpose: in an essay of 500 to 700 words, applicants state their purpose in undertaking graduate study in theology and religious studies. The essay also includes the applicant's academic objectives, research interests, and career plans as well as related qualifications, including: collegiate, professional and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form.
g. Official Transcripts: Applicants should contact the registrar of every post-secondary school previously attended and request an official transcript be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Transcripts marked "Student Copy" or "Issued to a Student" cannot be accepted. Official transcripts must be sent in sealed envelopes with an official university stamp or signature across the seal to ensure confidentiality. Transcripts should show: (a) receipt of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; (b) the courses completed toward the degree; (c) the grade in each course; and (d) the basis for grading in effect at the institution. Admission to University graduate courses for applicants completing their final year of undergraduate or graduate degree study is contingent upon the receipt of the final transcript showing the conferral of the degree.
Note: All transcripts issued from outside the United must be certified by a recognized evaluator of international education records (such as WES or AACRAO), even if in the English language. Education completed at institutions outside of the United States, as shown by official documents, may be accepted as equivalent to educational experience in the United States.
h. Three letters of recommendation: Submit three confidential letters of recommendation using the electronic form sent from the Office of Graduate Admission. Along with the form, it is highly recommended to include a letter from the recommender. Recommendations should come from former or present college or university instructors, and/or employers or supervisors and give evidence of the applicant's personal aptitude for, as well as interest in and motivation for, the field of theology and pastoral studies.
i. Applicants to the degree programs of the School of Theology and Religious Studies (STRS) who are priests, deacons, seminarians, or members of religious communities are required to submit a letter of endorsement from their Bishop or Religious Superior (in addition to their three letters of recommendation) with their application. All applicants who will be funded for their studies by a diocese or religious community are required to submit a separate letter from their superior attesting to this financial support.
Mature candidates with evidence of significant professional, military, academic, or continuing education may be admitted at the discretion of the Dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies. Prerequisite coursework may be waived based on the judgment that this evidence indicates an ability to actively pursue and complete the degree.
j. Nonrefundable Application Fee.
k. International Students: Applicants from non-English speaking nations and some from nations where English is one of the official languages whose previous education has not been at institutions of higher education in the United States are required to certify their proficiency in English by submitting scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum score on TOEFL of 80 (Internet- based) is required. On the IELTS an overall band score of 6.5 or higher is required. Another option is Duolingo with a minimum score of 105.
l. Writing Sample: For those applicants applying to the M.Div. program, it is highly recommended although NOT required to submit a writing sample with the application.
2. Coursework Requirements:
a. The M.Div. ordination track degree requires a minimum of 90 credit hours of graduate courses.
b. Credit hours are distributed as follows: Systematic Theology (18), Moral Theology (12), Biblical Studies (12), 3 credits each in Canon Law, Church History, Liturgical Studies, and Spirituality (12) as well as academic electives (12), Pastoral Studies (18), and two ministry capstone seminars (6). All M.Div. students are ordinarily required to take six credits of Basic Supervised Ministry as part of their pastoral studies courses. In lieu of Basic Supervised Ministry, students may complete a certified C.P.E. unit and take Advanced Supervised Ministry.
c. Foundational credit hours (18): Introduction to Theology (3), Foundations of Christian Moral Life (3), Foundations of Liturgy and Sacramental Theology (3), Pastoral Theology (3), Introduction to the History of Christian Spirituality (3), Basic Principles of Canon Law (3). Introduction to Theology, Foundations of Liturgy and Sacramental Theology, Foundations of Christian Moral Life, and Pastoral Theology must be taken by M.Div. students during their first year in the program.
d. Beyond the required pastoral studies courses, Pastoral Theology (TRS 656), Basic Supervised Ministry I (TRS 652A) and Basic Supervised Ministry II (TRS 652B), (or C.P.E. and Advanced Supervised Ministry), seminarians fulfill their remaining pastoral studies electives from among the following courses: one preaching course (i.e., Introduction to Liturgical Preaching) and two specialized ministry courses (e.g., catechetics, pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, Hispanic ministry, mystagogical preaching, etc.).
While not a requirement, lay students are encouraged to gain experience either through a paid or unpaid position in a parish or faith based organization. Assistance with a ministry placement is available through the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Ministerial Studies.
e. The two capstone seminars. The Art of Pastoral Leadership (TRS 657A) and Pastoral Leadership: Reflection, Evaluation, and Integration (TRS 657B), are required.
f. The following courses do not count towards the required courses in pastoral studies in STRS: CPE, (unless it is affiliated with Advanced Supervised Ministry (TRS 652G) to fulfill the Basic Supervised Ministry requirement), Extended Pastoral Supervision (TRS 652C), Supervised Ministry for Religious (TRS 652D), Carmelite Supervised Ministry Internship, Part I (TRS 652E), and Carmelite Supervised Ministry Internship, Part II (TRS 652F).
g. At least one course must be taken in a non-Roman Catholic ecclesial tradition through the offerings of the Washington Theological Consortium by all M.Div. students who are candidates for the Catholic priesthood.
h. All students entering the program must take the following courses in their first fall semester: TRS 699A: Proseminar for New Graduate Ministerial Students, TRS 660A: Introduction to Theology, TRS 630A: Foundations of Christian Moral Life, and LAT 501 or LAT 501X-Y: Elementary Latin for Graduate Students (unless fulfilled as a prerequisite or by passing an examination at the beginning of the semester). Students matriculating without an undergraduate course in both the Old and New Testament must take TRS 504A: Introduction to the Old Testament and TRS 504B: Introduction to the New Testament in the first year of studies. The Synoptic Gospels (TRS 607) is a prerequisite for the introductory course in homiletics and is recommended in the first year of or the second year of studies for those who need to fulfill prerequisite scripture courses in their first year.
i. According to University regulations, the normal course load for graduate students is 12 credit hours per semester; the minimum load for full-time graduate students is eight credit hours. To facilitate fulfillment of prerequisites for the M.Div. program, a student is permitted to enroll for a maximum of 15 credit hours if he or she has a grade point average of 3.0 or higher or receives permission from the Associate Dean for Graduate Ministerial Studies.
j. Students entering with the requisite background can complete the M.Div. program within three years.
k. The ministry seminars are designed to be the primary aid in achieving an integration of the theoretical and practical aspects of the program. Because the nature of the seminar is to integrate pastorally what the student has learned academically, the seminars should be taken during the student's last three semesters in the program.
l. Students must maintain a grade point average of at least 2.75 in their coursework to be eligible for the M.Div. degree.
m. Students who incur two or more failing grades in formal coursework are subject to academic dismissal.
3. Language Requirements:
a. Students are expected to have a reading knowledge of Latin. Since Latin is considered a prerequisite, the requirement must be satisfied by the end of the first fall semester in the program. Students may be exempted from this requirement by passing a proficiency test administered online through the Greek and Latin Department. The student should contact the department to arrange for the test between the time of matriculation and the first day of the fall semester. Students with insufficient Latin are required to take one of three options in their first year of studies: 1) LAT 501 (Introduction to Elementary Latin) in the fall semester for three credits; or 2) LAT 501X-LAT 501Y (Introduction to Elementary Latin) in the fall and spring semesters for two credits per semester; or 3) LAT 509 in the summer semester for six credits in either an online or on-campus format.
b. No other foreign language requirements are required for this degree unless the student opts for the Hispanic Ministry specialization (see here).
4. Comprehensive Examinations
No comprehensive examinations are required for this degree.
5. Residency Requirements
Six semesters of full-time enrollment or the equivalent.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.): 72 Credit Non-Ordination Track
Since the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a first professional degree, the purpose of this program is to foster basic theological understanding and to develop initial pastoral competence on the part of students preparing for ministry. The M.Div. curriculum involves an in-depth study of the Christian, especially the Roman Catholic, theological tradition, pastoral skills, and a supervised practice of ministry. This track is designed to prepare lay students and members of religious communities who are not on an ordination track for pastoral ministry.
1. Admission Requirements:
a. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
b. An undergraduate foundation in philosophy consisting of a minimum of 12 credit hours drawn from among the following areas: History of Philosophy, Logic, Metaphysics, Ethics, Philosophy of God, and Philosophical Anthropology.
c. An undergraduate introduction to Old Testament and an Introduction to New Testament literature.
d. A reading knowledge of Latin (see below for further information).
e. A completed online application through the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA).
f. Statement of Purpose: in an essay of 500 to 700 words, applicants state their purpose in undertaking graduate study in theology and religious studies. The essay also includes the applicant's academic objectives, research interests, and career plans as well as related qualifications, including: collegiate, professional and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form.
g. Official Transcripts: Applicants should contact the registrar of every post-secondary school previously attended and request an official transcript be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Transcripts marked "Student Copy" or "Issued to a Student" cannot be accepted. Official transcripts must be sent in sealed envelopes with an official university stamp or signature across the seal to ensure confidentiality. Transcripts should show: (a) receipt of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; (b) the courses completed toward the degree; (c) the grade in each course; and (d) the basis for grading in effect at the institution. Admission to University graduate courses for applicants completing their final year of undergraduate or graduate degree study is contingent upon the receipt of the final transcript showing the conferral of the degree.
Note: All transcripts issued from outside the United must be certified by a recognized evaluator of international education records (such as WES or AACRAO), even if in the English language. Education completed at institutions outside of the United States, as shown by official documents, may be accepted as equivalent to educational experience in the United States.
h. Three letters of recommendation: Submit three confidential letters of recommendation using the electronic form sent from the Office of Graduate Admission. Along with the form, it is highly recommended to include a letter from the recommender. Recommendations should come from former or present college or university instructors, and/or employers or supervisors and give evidence of the applicant's personal aptitude for, as well as interest in and motivation for, the field of theology and pastoral studies.
i. Applicants to the degree programs of the School of Theology and Religious Studies (STRS) who are priests, deacons, seminarians, or members of religious communities are required to submit a letter of endorsement from their Bishop or Religious Superior (in addition to their three letters of recommendation) with their application. All applicants who will be funded for their studies by a diocese or religious community are required to submit a separate letter from their superior attesting to this financial support.
j. Nonrefundable Application Fee.
k. International Students: Applicants from non-English speaking nations and some from nations where English is one of the official languages whose previous education has not been at institutions of higher education in the United States are required to certify their proficiency in English by submitting scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum score on TOEFL of 80 (Internet- based) is required. On the IELTS an overall band score of 6.5 or higher is required.
l. Writing Sample: For those applicants applying to the M.Div. program, it is highly recommended although NOT required to submit a writing sample with the application.
2. Coursework Requirements:
a. This option of the M.Div. degree requires a minimum of 72 credit hours of graduate courses.
b. Credit hours are distributed as follows: Systematic Theology (12), Moral Theology (9), Biblical Studies (9), Church History (6), Liturgical/Sacramental Theology (6), Canon Law (3), Spirituality (3), Pastoral Studies (18), and two ministry capstone seminars (6). All M.Div. students are ordinarily required to take six credits of Basic Supervised Ministry as part of their pastoral studies courses. In lieu of Basic Supervised Ministry, students may complete a certified C.P.E. unit and take Advanced Supervised Ministry.
c. Foundational credit hours (18): Introduction to Theology (3), Foundations of Christian Moral Life (3), Foundations of Liturgy and Sacramental Theology (3), Pastoral Theology (3), Introduction to the History of Christian Spirituality (3), Basic Principles of Canon Law (3). Introduction to Theology, Foundations of Liturgy and Sacramental Theology, Foundations of Christian Moral Life, and Pastoral Theology must be taken by M.Div. students during their first year in the program.
d. Beyond the required pastoral studies courses, Pastoral Theology (TRS 656), Basic Supervised Ministry I (TRS 652A) and Basic Supervised Ministry II (TRS 652B), (or C.P.E. and Advanced Supervised Ministry), students fulfill their remaining pastoral studies electives from among the offerings in STRS.
While not a requirement, lay students are encouraged to gain experience either through a paid or unpaid position in a parish or faith based organization. Assistance with a ministry placement is available through the office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Ministerial Studies
e. The two capstone seminars. The Art of Pastoral Leadership (TRS 657A) and Pastoral Leadership: Reflection, Evaluation, and Integration (TRS 657B), are required.
f. The following courses do not count towards the required courses in pastoral studies in STRS: CPE, (unless it is affiliated with Advanced Supervised Ministry (TRS 652G) to fulfill the Basic Supervised Ministry requirement), Extended Pastoral Supervision (TRS 652C), Supervised Ministry for Religious (TRS 652D), Carmelite Supervised Ministry Internship, Part I
g. All students entering the program must take the following courses in their first fall semester: TRS 699A: Proseminar for New Graduate Ministerial Students, TRS 660A: Introduction to Theology, TRS 630A: Foundations of Christian Moral Life, and LAT 501: Elementary Latin for Graduate Students (unless fulfilled as a prerequisite or by passing an examination at the beginning of the semester). Students matriculating without an undergraduate course in both the Old and New Testament must take TRS 504A: Introduction to the Old Testament and TRS 504B: Introduction to the New Testament in the first year of studies.
h. According to University regulations, the normal course load for graduate students is 12 credit hours per semester; the minimum load for full-time graduate students is eight credit hours. To facilitate fulfillment of prerequisites for the M.Div. program, a student is permitted to enroll for a maximum of 15 credit hours if he or she has a grade point average of 3.0 or higher or receives permission from the Associate Dean for Graduate Ministerial Studies.
i. Students entering with the requisite background can complete the M.Div. program within three years.
j. The ministry seminars are designed to be the primary aid in achieving an integration of the theoretical and practical aspects of the program. Because the nature of the seminar is to integrate pastorally what the student has learned academically, the seminars should be taken during the student's last three semesters in the program.
k. Students must maintain a grade point average of at least 2.75 in their coursework to be eligible for the M.Div. degree.
l. Students who incur two or more failing grades in formal coursework are subject to academic dismissal
3. Language Requirements:
There are no language requirements for this degree.
4. Comprehensive Examinations:
No comprehensive examinations are required for this degree.
5. Residency Requirements:
Six semesters of full-time enrollment or the equivalent.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Catholic Theology - Hispanic Ministry sub-concentration
This is a specialization within the Master of Divinity program. Please see the previous M.Div. sections for credit requirements and course distribution. The goal of the concentration in Hispanic Ministry is to prepare M.Div. students to play an active role in the life of the Hispanic Catholic community in North America. The program is designed so that students can learn not only about the Latin American background of Hispanics/Latinos, but also about the identity and contributions of the Hispanic/Latino population in the United States. Students have the opportunity to engage in historical, social, pastoral, and theological reflection on this increasingly significant population of the North American Catholic Church.
1. Admission Requirements:
(See requirements for Master of Divinity (M. Div.) above)
2. Coursework Requirements:
The M.Div. concentration in Hispanic Ministry supplements the standard M.Div. degree through three types of courses at the graduate level:
a. Language proficiency
b. Hispanic Theology and Culture
c. Pastoral Theology (three credits in Hispanic Ministry plus field placement and competency in sacramental ministry)
3. Language Requirements:
Students are expected to have a reading knowledge of Latin. Since Latin is considered a prerequisite, the requirement must be satisfied by the end of the first fall semester in the program.
Students must possess an intermediate proficiency level in reading and spoken Spanish which is verified through a proficiency test before taking courses in this specialization.
4. Comprehensive Examinations:
No comprehensive examinations are required for this degree.
5. Residency Requirements:
Six semesters of full-time enrollment or the equivalent. Summer courses in Hispanic ministry may be taken outside the University with the approval of the Hispanic Ministry director.
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
The Doctor of Ministry degree offers advanced theological education and pastoral skills for experienced pastoral ministers. The program is designed for lay, religious, and ordained ministers, and welcomes students from all Christian communities. In service to the New Evangelization and in continuity with Catholic tradition, it gives special attention to the interlocking ministries of catechesis, spiritual formation, and evangelization. In addition, a concentration in seminary formation is available, All students participate in a basic curriculum that serves as a foundation for enhanced pastoral ministry.
Students choose one of four concentration areas according to their ministerial interests: Evangelization, Liturgical
Catechesis, Spirituality, or Seminary Formation.
Learning is experienced through a combination of on-line education and a two- week summer residency at Catholic University over three consecutive summers. Upon completion of coursework, students prepare a ministerial project that makes a significant contribution to the development of pastoral ministry in their area of concentration. The degree is awarded after successful completion of the project, a written treatise, and a concluding oral presentation. Students matriculating in the Summer 2024 term will begin a year-round course of study with a mandatory summer residency.
1. Admission Requirements:
a. Possession of the M.Div. degree or its educational equivalent of approximately 72 graduate level credits in theology and its related fields or comparable graduate credits in other systems that represent broad-based work in theology and its related fields and that include a master's degree and significant ministerial leadership with a cumulative average of 3.0 or better. (GREs are not required).
b. A minimum of three years of full-time service in pastoral ministry.
c. Prerequisites: Please refer to the sections describing prerequisites in individual academic area degree programs for more information.
d. A completed online application through the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA).
e. Completion of the Statement of Purpose: In an essay of 1,000 to 2,000 words, the applicant presents a brief history of their academic, pastoral and vocational background, their present ministerial responsibilities, their purpose for undertaking doctoral studies of pastoral ministry and their ministerial goals.
f. Official Transcripts: Applicants should contact the registrar of every post-secondary school previously attended and request an official transcript be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Transcripts marked "Student Copy" or "Issued to a Student" cannot be accepted. Official transcripts must be sent in sealed envelopes with an official university stamp or signature across the seal to ensure confidentiality. Transcripts should show the following: (a) receipt of a M.Div. or equivalent from an accredited institution; (b) the courses completed toward the degree; (c) the grade in each course; and (d) the basis for grading in effect at the institution. Admission to University graduate courses for students completing their final year of undergraduate or graduate degree study is contingent upon the receipt of the final transcript showing the conferral of the degree.
Note: All transcripts issued from outside the United States must be certified by a recognized evaluator of international educational records (such as WES or AACRAO), even if in the English language. Education completed at institutions outside the United States, as shown by official documents, may be accepted as equivalent to educational experiences in the United States.
g. Three Letters of Recommendation: Submit three confidential letters of recommendation using the electronic form sent from the Office of Graduate Admission. Along with the form, it is highly recommended to include a letter from the recommender. One letter testifying to the applicant's personal aptitude for, as well as interest in and motivation for, the field of theology and pastoral studies is required. The other two letters must specifically attest to the applicant's ability to complete doctoral studies.
h. Recommendations should come from former or present college or university instructors, and/or employers or supervisors giving evidence of the applicant's personal aptitude for, as well as interest in and motivation for, the field of theology and pastoral studies.
i. Applicants to the degree programs of the School of Theology and Religious Studies (STRS) who are priests, deacons or members of religious communities are required to submit a letter of endorsement from their Bishop or Religious Superior (in addition to their three letters of recommendation) with their application. All applicants who will be funded for their studies by a diocese or religious community are required to submit a separate letter from their superior attesting to this financial support.
j. Nonrefundable Application Fee.
k. International Students: Applicants from non-English speaking nations and some from nations where English is one of the official languages whose previous education has not been at institutions of higher education in the United States are required to certify their proficiency in English by submitting scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum score on TOEFL of 92 (Internet- based) is required. On the IELTS an overall band score of 6.5 or higher is required.
Because the program is online with an annual two-week summer residency, students will be issued an I-20 only for the period of the summer residency requirement. Students will need to terminate the I-20 at the end of each summer semester and reactivate a new I-20 when returning for the next summer session. Please contact the Office for International Students and Scholar Services for further information.
l. Writing Sample: Applicants must submit a graduate level writing sample with their application.
2. Coursework Requirements:
a. A minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework beyond the M.Div. or its equivalent is required and at least two semesters of doctoral project guidance.
b. A maximum of 6 graduate level credit hours in theology or its related fields from an accredited university may be transferred for work completed elsewhere. This will be determined by the student's Academic Area Director in consultation with the Associate Dean for Graduate Ministerial Studies.
c. Continuous enrollment each fall and spring semester after the completion of coursework is required until graduation.
d. Students are required to maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 in their coursework to be eligible for the degree.
e. Program Formats:
i. Blended Learning Model: A total of nine courses are taught over three consecutive summers. Students begin each semester online approximately five weeks before the residency. This is followed by a two-week residency and concludes with four more weeks of online work. Students may elect to take fewer courses each summer but should always take the concentration course since they are offered only every third year. For students matriculating in Summer 2024 or later the program format consists of nine courses offered online over a three-year period. Two courses will be offered in summer terms with a mandatory two-week residency. and one core course in each of the fall and spring terms.
ii. The Doctor of Ministry Seminar is taught entirely online and is usually taken in the fall semester following the second summer of coursework (after 18 credit hours of coursework is completed).
f. There are no foreign language requirements for this degree.
g. There are no comprehensive examinations required for this degree.
3. Candidacy, Project Proposal, Treatise, and Oral Presentation:
a. Admission to Candidacy: Admission to Candidacy may be requested after the completion of 21 credit hours of coursework inclusive of the Doctor of Ministry Seminar. Admission to Candidacy is defined as permission to submit a D.Min. Project in Ministry proposal. Details for this process are found in the D.Min. Handbook. Candidacy must be achieved by the completion of coursework.
b. Preparation of the Proposal: After completing the Doctor of Ministry Seminar (fall semester after the second summer semester of the student's coursework) an initial proposal is to be submitted to the director of the academic area. Please refer to the D.Min. Handbook for more details. A proposal must be submitted for review to the D. Min. Proposal Committee within two years of the date of Candidacy.
c. Project Director and Committee: The Project director is determined in collaboration with the area director and the student. The student in consultation with the project director will identify an additional faculty member to serve as a reader.
d. Presentation of the Proposal to the D.Min. Proposal Committee: The Project director is to send one electronic copy of the proposal packet (as detailed in the D.Min. Handbook) to the D.Min. Proposal Committee Chair. For details on the contents of the proposal packet and submission procedures and deadlines see the D.Min. Handbook.
e. Completion of the Project/Treatise Approval Process: Upon approval by the D.Min. Proposal Committee, the D.Min. Project proposals will be forwarded to the appropriate offices for signatures. Upon approval by both the Dean and IRB, the student will receive a letter from STRS approving the student to begin the Project. The letter will specify the expected date of completion, normally three years, for the finished Project and Treatise. Projects may not begin prior to the receipt of this letter.
f. Project and Treatise Presentation: The D.Min. Project in Ministry, completion of the Treatise, and Oral Presentation conclude the program. The Project and Treatise are intended to assess the student's ability to identify a problem or pressing pastoral need in ministry and to discover appropriate interdisciplinary resources and theologically and pastorally relevant methods for its resolution. The process for this component of the degree is detailed in the D.Min. Handbook.
g. Once the Project and Treatise are complete, the director and reader will give their approval and the School will establish a date for the Oral Presentation (which always includes some type of visual presentation) in accordance with University regulations. The Dean of STRS will appoint a delegate to review the Treatise and facilitate the presentation. This process requires that the approval take place at least six weeks before the presentation. The student has three years from the authorization date established by the Dean of STRS to begin the Project in Ministry to complete and present his/her Project and Treatise. The Associate Dean for Graduate Ministerial Studies of STRS may grant an extension of up to one year with cause.