Apr 29, 2026  
2026-2027 Working Bulletin 
    
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2026-2027 Working Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Ministry DMin

E-mail: dmin@andrews.edu

The Doctor of Ministry program is a professional doctoral degree for those who seek advanced competencies in specific areas of ministry (see Concentration Options below). The standard time limit to complete the degree requirements is six years (four years for on-campus students taking the Global Mission Leadership and Discipleship concentration).

Delivery

The program is delivered in a cohort-based format. Students join specific concentrations and journey together through the program. In order to make the program accessible to ministry professionals, the professor contact portions of the course modules are offered as intensives at various North American and international sites. For information on where courses are offered, see the Program Planner on the program website. Cohorts with less than 12 course credits delivered in residency are offered as an approved exception to the Association of Theological Schools’ larger residency expectation stated in Standard E, section E.3.1.1.

Course modules are taught by select seminary faculty and guest presenters who are effective practitioners and experienced professionals in the field. Teaching methodology combines appropriate methods and technology with collegial dialogue to encourage a creative learning environment.

NOTES: The Global Mission Leadership concentration is designed to be completed online. In contrast, the Global Mission Leadership and Discipleship concentration is offered only in the face-to-face format on the main campus.

Concentration Options

Chaplaincy (with ACPE Certified Educator option), Discipleship (English/Spanish), Equipping Women for Effective Leadership, Family Ministry (English/Spanish), Global Mission Leadership (can be completed via interactive online synchronous delivery - see Global Campus  definitions), Global Mission Leadership and Discipleship (on-campus only), Growing and Multiplying Churches, Intergenerational Church, Leadership (English/Spanish), Leading for Growth and Church Multiplication, Mass Media for Ministry, Multiethnic/Multicultural Mission and Ministry, Preaching, and Urban Ministry (English/Spanish).

Mission

The Doctor of Ministry program develops spiritually transformed ministers with advanced professional competencies for worldwide church leadership.

Vision

Changing the people who change the world.

Total Credits - 32

Core - 15

Concentration Modules - 17

 Complete one of the following Concentration Modules.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the requirements listed in Academic Policies Applying to all Programs, students must fulfill the following requirements for the DMin degree:

DMin Professional Dissertation and Defense Requirements. Students are required to complete a professional dissertation and pass a professional dissertation defense. An exception is that those who take Chaplaincy for ACPE will complete a portfolio in place of a dissertation. Registration is required for the following courses according to cohort curriculum schedule:GSEM 788, 790, and 793. For a detailed outline of the DMin professional dissertation and defense process, see Guidelines for Professional Dissertation and Professional Portfolio on program website. The Doctor of Ministry program’s Advancement to Candidacy document lists the steps required of participants to continue on the track toward professional dissertation completion and graduation.

Time Limits. DMin students must complete all courses and modules and pass a professional dissertation defense within six years from the time they begin course work. In special circumstances and upon written request, an extension may be granted for one year. There is a minimum threshold of dissertation work that must be completed before a request for an extension will be considered. A higher tuition amount will be charged per semester in an extension year: see http://www.andrews.edu/sem/dmin/about/costs/#feesfor the current rates.

Transferred and Earned Credit Term Limits. All course credits applied towards degree requirements should be earned within 10 years of the awarding of the degree.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Ministry program, applicants must meet the following requirements.  

  • Hold the Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent, along with significant ministry experience.
  • Have a GPA of at least 3.25.
  • Demonstrate high professional and personal potential for the gospel ministry.
  • Have an equivalent of at least three years of experience in ministry subsequent to the first graduate theological or ministry degree.
  • Supply satisfactory recommendations.
  • Submit an academic paper of at least 10 pages either from a master’s class, a publication, or newly created.
  • Applicants from other faiths may be accepted into the program, provided they meet admission requirements and represent high moral integrity with a character, lifestyle, and spiritual commitment reflective of the ideals of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
  • Applicants for the Chaplaincy-ACPE Certified Educator concentration must satisfy admission requirements for both the Andrews University DMin program and the ACPE Certified Educator Candidate Process at an ACPE Accredited Center. These admission processes are separate.

Admission Procedure. Applicants must submit those items specified in the Graduate Academic Policies  and in the Admission and Evaluation Policies for Seminary admission requirements.

Additional Information

Student Financial Plans

See the DMin website (http://www.andrews.edu/sem/dmin/about/costs/) or contact the DMin office for further information.

Student Learning Outcomes

The Doctor of Ministry program seeks to develop the person, knowledge, and practice of its students. While the program is structured around certain areas of concentration, there are learning outcomes and educational objectives we expect for all students.

DMin Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  • Critically reflect on, articulate, and apply biblically based principles and values for excellence in mission and ministry.
  • Conduct research and implement an intervention in response to ministry challenges and trends in a glocal context, related to the primary field of service.
  • Integrate knowledge and skills acquired into an effective ministry practice and evaluate the resultant impact on one’s personal experience and ministry.

Primary Educational Objectives

Being

  • Seek deeper Christ-like biblical spirituality.
  • Experience enrichment of personal and family life.
  • Intensify commitment to ministry.
  • Develop an Adventist perspective of discipleship, evangelism, mission, and ministry.

Knowing

  • Acquire exceptional theoretical knowledge that contributes to advanced ministry.
  • Foster a holistic view of society and its needs.
  • Articulate theological and theoretical understandings that advance global ministry.
  • Understand the biblical model of servant leadership.

Doing

  • Enhance the ability to evaluate ministerial practices through theological reflection.
  • Use appropriate tools to analyze the needs of churches and communities.
  • Refine skills that facilitate more effective ministry.
  • Reinforce habits of study that contribute to lifelong learning.