Doctor of Ministry
Are you a church leader looking to develop an advanced understanding of ministry through rigorous academic life? The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree at Saint Paul School of Theology may be the ideal program for you.
A Doctor of Ministry (DMin degree) is the highest degree in professional ministry and seeks to provide advanced-level leadership skills. Through study, reflection, engagement and field research, the DMin program at Saint Paul allows ministry leaders an opportunity to reflect more deeply on their theology, identity and practice while developing a model of ministry that can be commended to other leaders.
We encourage students who have not completed a theology-based master's degree to review our other offerings, like the Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Christian Ministry programs. We are happy to answer any questions about which program is the right fit — please contact our Office of Admissions.
- Offered in partnership with Resurrection, A United Methodist Church and Oklahoma City University.
- Adaptable learning formats: Complete your DMin online or in a hybrid format (online and on campus for one week each fall and spring semester). The Flexible Learning EXperience (FLEX) program allows you to deepen your faith and leadership skills and prepare for the next step in your career while allowing you to uphold your work and life commitments.
- Integrative curriculum: The Doctor of Ministry program reflects the best of the seminary’s approach to a flexible learning experience by integrating theory with practice, peer interaction and a blend of online courses with on-campus intensives.
- Designed for modern ministry: What concerns do you have about your ministry context? How might you create a new model to help address those concerns? Saint Paul’s DMin degree helps you answer these questions and more with its focus on spirituality, innovation and adaptive leadership.
- Advance your career: The program enables you to focus on developing practices of contemplative spirituality that lead to being change-agents in the church and society — valuable skills that help you excel in your vocation.
DMin Courses and Degree Completion Plan
The Doctor of Ministry program takes an integrated approach that incorporates focused learning experiences representing Saint Paul’s long-standing commitment to a theological action-reflection model. Structured with a common core, the curriculum includes:
- An Orienting Seminar to prepare you for the work ahead
- Required courses in Theology, Spiritual Traditions and Prophetic Ministry
- Four foci-specific courses including Incarnational Leadership, Sustaining Spirituality for Leaders and Leading Innovation
- Praxis Thesis
Students admitted to the degree program take their coursework in an established order with no electives. Saint Paul offers classes in various formats, including asynchronous online, synchronous online, hybrid and on-campus, but not every course is available in every format.
Careers in Ministry Leadership
Doctor of Ministry students enhance their practice of ministry and engage in substantial ministerial leadership, enabling them to grow in their vocation and seek advanced roles in church leadership positions. Saint Paul DMin graduates are well-prepared for careers as:
- Chaplains
- Church administrators
- Interfaith and intercultural workers
- Mentors or faith coaches
- Pastor or ministerial leaders
- Seminary educators
