Welcome to Hood Theological Seminary. Hood’s campus is where faith in Jesus Christ and scholarship meet to reimagine the work of ministry for the times we live in. Its curriculum, distinguished faculty, online learning experience, and specializations provide an unparalleled learning experience. Click to see why others chose to enroll.
Thank you for your interest in the Doctor of Ministry Program. The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) is the highest degree awarded by the Seminary. The purpose of Hood‘s Doctor of Ministry Program is to provide a post-MDiv educational experience in which Christian maturity and ministerial preparation take place together and to prepare for the church people committed to the witness of the gospel in whatever sphere of ministry or service God calls them.
Students have the option of pursuing a general Doctor of Ministry degree or specializing in Pastoral Theology and Care, Leadership Ministry, or Community Advocacy, Social Justice Ministry, Homiletics and Preaching, and CPE SUpervision. All options require completion of thirty-three (33) credit hours. There are three (3) key components - Core Seminars (3), Electives (6), and a Professional Ministry Project / Paper (1). The DMin degree is designed to be completed in a minimum of three years and a maximum of six years.
If you would like to talk to someone at Hood about the Doctor of Ministry program, feel free to contact Dr. Vincent W. Howell, Associate Dean, and Director of the DMin Program at vhowell@hoodseminary.edu
Hood’s DMin provides the necessary skills to analyze ministry practices through sustained biblical and theological reflection, and to discern, develop and implement new practices in the service of the gospel in these changing times. The program is designed for working ministry leaders (clergy and lay) who have received an MDiv (or another master’s degree) and have at least three years of experience. There are six specializations: Leadership Ministry, Pastoral Theology and Care, Homiletics and Preaching, Community Advocacy and Social Justice, General, and CEP Supervision.
Thus, the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree empowers leaders to serve more effectively in a rapidly changing world, making it a valuable asset in today’s ministry landscape. With the significant changes in our society and church, your earning a DMin at Hood holds significant importance today for several reasons:
- Advanced Leadership Skills: Based on the Word of God, it equips clergy and ministry leaders with advanced skills to navigate complex church dynamics and community needs.
- Practical Application: Unlike some academic theological degrees, the D.Min. focuses on practical ministry, enabling leaders to apply Bible concepts directly to their work.
- Cultural Relevance: As society evolves, the D.Min. helps leaders theologically address contemporary issues, fostering a more relevant and effective ministry.
- Enhanced Credibility: This degree can enhance a leader’s credibility within their community and among peers, often leading to greater influence and respect.
- Networking Opportunities: Through your coursework in the D.Min. program, students have the opportunity to connect with a network of like-minded church leaders, providing support and collaboration opportunities.
- Personal Growth: The program encourages deep personal reflection and spiritual growth, which can be transformative for both leaders and their congregations.
- Focus on Community Impact for Christ: A church connecting with its community is important because it allows the church to fulfill its mission of serving others, providing support, demonstrating love, and reaching people where they are in life. The DMin program will underpin your ministry, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more cohesive community reflecting the teachings of faith in Christ Jesus.
The DMin degree outcomes will allow students to:
- Develop an enhanced understanding of the nature and purposes of Christian ministry, including a deeper foundation in the core disciplines of biblical studies, church history, and theology.
- Create new practical strategies for conducting Christian ministry in light of the students’ specific cultural setting.
- Self-assess their effectiveness and capacities as ministers as part of their continued spiritual development; and
- Evaluate the theological and ethical soundness and the effectiveness of their current ministerial practices, to reformulate those practices as necessary, and to implement new practices when appropriate.
Students Will Receive:
- Highly engaged, hands-on virtual online classes (classes held on Zoom).
- Caring, scholarly, and experienced faculty who are scholar practitioners of the subjects they teach and who can provide both expert academic support and individualized spiritual guidance.
- Intentional integration of Bible knowledge, spiritual formation, and ministry skill development.
- Course advisement throughout the program
- An Advisor and Mentor who will work with each student during their profession project and professional paper writing phase.
- Access to the Hood Theological Seminary Library, a vital resource for students and faculty. The library provides expert research support and resources and a welcoming study space. The Writing Center is also part of the library and offers student writing assistance.
Thank you for your interest in pursuing your doctoral studies at the historic Hood Theological Seminary. The flagship degree that the HTS offers is the DMin. The curriculum is designed to be an advanced, practical ministry degree intended to prepare students for excellence in ministry writing, and scholarship, as well as for leadership opportunities within the church, ministry focused non-profits, social service agencies, roles related to community advocacy.
The D.Min. degree equips ministry leaders to serve their communities more effectively and respond to the challenges of modern ministry with confidence and skill. Your decision to purse the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) indicates that you as a church leader (ordained or not) means that you are an experienced minister who want to strengthen the connection between theology and practice in orders to live out the scripture found in Ephesians 4:12 – to equip the people of God for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain the unity of the faith and of the knowledge.
Hood’s DMin is 100% online so you can stay connected in your place of ministry. The program is designed to fit into your schedule at a pace that is sensitive to balance church, family, and community life while earning your degree.
Students have the option of pursuing a general Doctor of Ministry degree or specializing in Pastoral Theology and Care, Leadership Ministry, or Community Advocacy and Social Justice Ministry, Homiletics and Preaching, and CPE Supervison. All options are a thirty-three hour program comprised of three major components: seminars (3), electives (6), and a ministry project and professional paper. Of the six electives, student take three or four courses related to their specialization. The remaining two electives required for all specializations - one elective in either the area of Biblical Studies / Theology and Social Ethics, and the course in research methodology. Students can enter the program in either the Fall or Spring semesters. The DMin degree is designed to be completed in a minimum of three years and a maximum of six years.
Click the image below to find out more about each of our six ministry doctoral specializations:
Application Requirements
At Hood Theological Seminary, we welcome your application to the DMin program. If at any time you have questions, please contact the Associate Dean, Dr. Howell or the Admissions Director (see Contact Us tab).
To apply, applicants must have completed a Master of Divinity degree or an equivalent master’s degree from an accredited institution. A minimum GPA of 2.75 in the master's degree is required. In addition, official transcript(s) of all undergraduate and graduate studies should be sent to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment at admissions@hoodseminary.edu Transcripts are not official if they are not sent by the registrar of the institution in a sealed envelope or electronically through the clearing house of their choice. The application can be found here - Apply Online. A PDF version of the application can be found here. Completed applications (along with transcripts, and references) for the Fall semester need to be received by December 1. For Spring Admissions, your completed application should be received by July 1.
The following are also required in support of your application:
- Statement of Purpose Essay: Write a five-page introspective paper detailing your Christian and ministerial journey, as well as your vocational journey if you are not a full-time pastor. Within your paper, include why you have decided to pursue doctoral studies, and how a Doctor of Ministry education will impact your ministry going forward.
- Letters of Reference: Two letters of recommendation are required. Note: Family members cannot be used as references. References should be from your denominational leadership and from someone who can provide an assessment of your academic ability. The link can forwarded to your references for completion electronically.
- A $50 non-refundable application fee (due no later than July 1 for fall semester or December 1 for spring semester) made payable to Hood Theological Seminary.
Once your completed application is received, the Admissions Director will review your application and forward it the Admissions Committee. All potential students for acceptance into the program must complete an interview with the Admissions Committee and the Associate Dean of the program before acceptance.
Tuition Cost and Financial Aid
For information regarding tuition and fees, click the following link: https://hoodseminary.edu/future-students/funding-your-education/tuition--fees
Applications for Financial Assistance must be completed and submitted to the Financial Aid Office. Contact Angela Davis-Baxter, Director of Financial Aid &Title IX Coordinator: adavisbaxter@hoodseminary.edu 704-636-6023.
(Please click links for financial aid information):
https://studentaid.gov/
https://www.hoodseminary.edu/future-students/funding-your-education/financial-aid
FAQs for Doctor of Ministry Program
- What is a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)?
- The D.Min. is a professional doctoral degree designed for experienced ministry practitioners. It is practical ministry-oriented vs research oriented like a PhD or ThD. The degree focuses on advanced leadership skills and practical application of theological concepts in your ministry setting.
- Who should consider a D.Min. program?
- The D.Min. is ideal for pastors, church leaders, and ministry professionals looking to deepen their knowledge, enhance their congregational or community leadership capabilities, and engage in scholarly research and practical theology relevant to their ministry.
- What are the prerequisites for admission?
- Applicants typically need a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or an equivalent degree, along with ministry experience.
- What if I am a pastor or other church leader, but do not have a Master of Divinity Degree. Can I be considered for admissions?
- Yes. If you have another Master’s degree, ministry experience, had bible classes or completed your denominational studies required for licensing or ordination, included those details in your application and the admissions committee will consider your application.
- How long does it take to complete the program?
- The Hood DMin program is designed to be completed in 3 –6 years. If you need additional time, students can apply for a one (1) year extension.
- Is the program offered online or in-person?
- The Hood D.Min. programs is offered in a virtual format. This means all classes are offered on Zoom. There is no requirement to be on-campus. This format seeks to accommodate busy ministry schedules, as well as students who service in bi-vocational ministry.
- What types of projects are required?
- Students typically complete a significant ministry project, along with writing a professional paper that applies their learning to a real-world ministry context. This project involves research and practical implementation. Student projects and professional papers are related to their specialization.
- Can I balance the D.Min. with my ministry work?
- Yes, the D.Min. is designed for working professionals. Flexible scheduling and virtual option make it feasible to balance coursework with ministry, work, and family responsibilities.
- What are the costs associated with the program?
- What area of ministry can I specialize with my DMin.?
- Students have the option of pursuing a general Doctor of Ministry degree or specializing in Pastoral Theology and Care, Leadership Ministry, Homiletics and Preaching, or Community Advocacy and Social Justice Ministry
- How do I choose the right program for me?
- Consider factors such as your calling in ministry and your passion. Another consideration is the needs of the congregation and community where you serve. It's also helpful to reach out to current students or alumni for insights.
- What kind of support can I expect during the program?
- The Hood DMin program offers academic advising, access to library resources, a writing center, an advisor and mentor who will work with you during your profession project and paper, and a supportive community of peers, staff and faculty.
If you have any other pecific questions or need further information, feel free to contact Dr. Vincent W. Howell, Associate Dean, Doctor of Ministry Program, at vhowell@hoodseminary.edu.
