Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Tracks

Current Tracks

All tracks in the D.Min. program require 27 semester hours of course work, plus a 3-hour applied research project related to the student's ministry. The program normally requires four or five years of study. Students in all tracks must take the required courses in their track on the main campus in Dallas (except for the Spanish program). Elective courses may be taken at either the Dallas campus or DTS' extension campus in Philadelphia.

Program Overview

Ministry Leadership Track (Basic curriculum) - This is the most flexible track in that, of the 30 hours, only 9 of them are prescribed (or required). The other 21 hours are electives (which may include 3 to 6 hours of independent study courses). Students may choose an emphasis from those listed below if they would like a more prescribed course.

The Christian Education Track -The CE track is designed to enhance ministry competence for those serving in the following areas: (1) church education; (2) ministry to children, youth, or adults; (3) family life education; (4) administration of Christian schools/colleges; (5) camp leadership; and (6) women in ministry (Coming Summer 2008). The curriculum is the same as the Ministry Leadership Track except that the elective courses the student takes must include more CE courses. The exact CE courses will be arranged with the Director of the Christian Education Department, according to the student's ministry needs.

Hispanic Leadership Track - This track mirrors the Ministry Leadership Track and the CE Track, but is taught in Spanish and addresses ministry issues pertinent to a Latin context. The courses are held at DTS' extension campus, SETECA, in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

To confirm that you hold the necessary prerequisite degree to apply for one of these tracks, please contact the D.Min. office.

Newly Added Emphases

Selecting an area of emphasis is not required, but offers the student a chance to follow a more guided curriculum.

For the Ministry Leadership Track:

Large Church Pastors Emphasis - This track will operate as a modified cohort, meaning students will go through a designated part of the program together. It will address issues unique to pastors of large churches.  (More information)

Executive/Associate Pastors Emphasis - This track will operate as a modified cohort, targeting ministry concerns of the executive/associate pastor.  (More information)

Marriage & Family Ministries Emphasis (coming soon) - This track is designed for those involved in marriage and family ministry and/or counseling in all contexts, including but not limited to: private practice, church ministry, lay counseling, and other counseling-intensive or family-focused organizations. Please contact the D.Min. office for more information.

For the Christian Education track:

Women in Ministry Emphasis (Summer 2008) - This track will operate as a modified cohort similar to the two new ones mentioned above. It will be designed for women and will address ministry to women. (More information)