As a theology enthusiast interested in acquiring professional knowledge in theology, online Doctor of Ministry (Dmin) programs can help you build more knowledge, better experiences, and skills.
Online Doctor of Ministry (DMin) programs can help you advance and sharpen your ministry skills. It affords you in-depth knowledge of theological principles. Most importantly, it affords you the ease of study worldwide.
Thus, it would be advantageous to your career in theology to take the online Dmin program.
In this article, we shall identify the available online Dmin programs in 2023; their requirements, and Cost.
Table of contents
- What Is Doctor of Ministry?
- Why an Online D.Min.?
- What are the advantages of Obtaining a DMin?
- What jobs are available for a graduate of an Online Doctorate in Ministry?
- Can I teach with an Online Dmin Degree?
- How long does an Online Doctorate take in the ministry?
- What is the difference between a DMin and a PhD in the Ministry?
- How much can I earn with an online Dmin?
- Luther Rice College and Seminary, Lithonia, Georgia
- Piedmont International University, Winston Salem, North Carolina
- Apex School of Theology, Durham, North Carolina
- North Greenville University, Tigerville, South Carolina
- Grace School of Theology, Conroe, Texas
- Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia
- Lexington Theological Seminary, Lexington, Kentucky
- Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Indiana
- Bethel University, Saint Paul, Minnesota
- George Fox University, Newberg, Oregon
- Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Drew University, Madison, New Jersey
- Amridge University, Montgomery, Alabama
- Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina
- Phoenix Seminary, Scottsdale, Arizona
- Online Dmin Programs – FAQs
- Conclusion
Online doctorate in ministry (DMin) programs allow those with religious interests to earn the advanced degrees needed to take on leadership positions within their churches.
Though most assume that they must attend a seminary or religious institution, some private and public colleges offer these programs too. This gives students a choice between studying at a school with the same religious beliefs or attending a more secular university.
What Is Doctor of Ministry?
A Doctor of Ministry degree is a specialized professional (rather than academic) doctorate; the difference is the purpose. Traditional academic doctoral degrees, like the PhD, are more focused on scholarly research; they’re primarily for people who intend to be teachers, writers, and researchers.
On the other hand, professional doctorates are for practitioners – people who intend to be in the field rather than an academic setting.
So, the DMin, as a professional degree, is focused on the actual work of ministry – pastoral, missionary, and evangelistic service. Most often, in the US, the prerequisite for a DMin is a Master of Divinity.
The top schools offer different concentrations and specializations students can use to customize their degrees. They will also need to do a dissertation, one of the final steps required to get one of these degrees.
For many pastors and missionaries, the call to serve Christ comes unexpectedly, often without warning, much less a plan to earn a Doctor of Ministry or any other degree.
But it also happens that after some time working, serving, and studying on your own, it becomes clear that further education is a must to be the best pastor you can be.
Many pastors stop at the Master of Divinity degree. Still, for the highest level of professional development and education, the Doctor of Ministry degree is the standard for church executives and ministry leaders.
Why an Online D.Min.?
Students most often enter the Doctor of Ministry program after they have started their service – the call comes first, and then the realization that they need more training and guidance to meet the needs of their communities.
That makes an online DMin a natural choice. Online or low-residency programs allow a working pastor to earn his doctorate without leaving his church, moving family, or otherwise interrupting his life and ministry to move or study full-time.
Many online DMin programs are offered in a hybrid or modular format so that students can interact with teachers and classmates in a short, intensive stay or retreat, but the courses are conducted online.
Some require a formal, traditional dissertation, while others require a hands-on research project directly related to the ongoing student service. There are several options so busy pastors, and missionaries can choose the programs that suit their needs and the needs of their family and community.
Online PhD Programs has searched the internet for hybrid, fully online doctoral programs from seminars, colleges, and universities in the United States.
Read more: 10 Free Online Bible Courses with Certificates
What are the advantages of Obtaining a DMin?
Doctoral degrees help open doors to new opportunities and strengthen your credibility. When you earn your DMin degree online, you will join ministry professionals trained to research and implement practical service skills based on firm biblical principles.
With our DMin program, you can combine the theological basis defined in your master’s course with the current working atmosphere in your field to address a specific service problem.
With our online degree as a Doctor of the Ministry, you can:
- Get the highest and most prestigious service-based degree you can earn at the School of Divinity
- Prepare for church leadership roles, such as: B. as a senior pastor
- Depending on the institution, meet the requirements to teach at college level
- Earn more employment opportunities in the Ministry area
What jobs are available for a graduate of an Online Doctorate in Ministry?
Doctoral students enrolled in ministerial programs may not want to work as advisors, but these students will find various other jobs open to them upon graduation.
Many of these students want to work as pastors in their churches. Older pastors are responsible for more daily tasks of running this church.
They are the ones who advise church members and offer support to people in difficult times, ensure that the church works within its annual budget, hire new staff if necessary to fill rooms in the church and deliver sermons every week.
The top 10 percent of these men and women earn more than $ 67,000 annually, and some senior pastors earn up to six figures annually. Of all the professionals working in this area, the highest registered earners live in the Washington, DC, region.
Students also find work as traveling and motivating speakers. These are speakers who travel across the country and speak to large groups.
They often travel between churches and give speeches to motivate parishioners, help more, and volunteer for the church and the community.
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Can I teach with an Online Dmin Degree?
After completing an online doctorate, a student can also find a job as a professor or dean at a college/seminar, work as an author and writer, or become a director of a non-profit organization. Some will also take on teaching roles.
In fact, there are a large number of teaching jobs that are open to those with a degree. Parish and private schools need teachers to work with younger and older students.
Future teachers can gain more experience working with students as substitute teachers at school. Students can also work in church-sponsored day-care centers and pre-schools.
The need for teachers is increasing due to the opening of new private and charter schools nationwide. These schools offer parents more options for their children’s education.
How long does an Online Doctorate take in the ministry?
How long it takes for a ministry doctorate to be completed largely depends on the university program, and you decide whether you need to submit a dissertation.
Some universities offer accelerated programs that only take a year to complete. Others follow the traditional 3-year path.
Programs without a doctoral thesis grant you the degree as soon as you have completed the required academic achievements. It may take another 1-3 years after writing your dissertation.
What is the difference between a DMin and a PhD in the Ministry?
If you’re wondering the difference between a DMin and a PhD in the Ministry, the answer is what you plan to do after you graduate.
Graduate students often remain in the college environment as full-time professors and department administrators. In contrast, DMin graduates can either follow this path or try to apply their knowledge to the real world as chaplains, senior pastors and other practical positions.
How much can I earn with an online Dmin?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), you can expect to earn up to $112,751 as a pastor or other church official.
On the academic side, undergraduate and graduate students who become professors can earn annual remuneration between $62,300 and $95,000.
Obtaining a doctorate can cost a lot more than many students can afford. Those who work for churches may spend money out of their pockets to pay for the mission trips and supplies needed by the church, which means they have less money for school.
Here is the list of the best online ministry programs for ministry doctors available to you.
- Luther Rice College and Seminary
- Piedmont International University
- Apex School of Theology
- North Greenville University
- Grace School of Theology
- Liberty University
- Lexington Theological Seminary
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- Bethel University
- George Fox University
- Regent University
- Drew University, Madison
- Amridge University
- Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Phoenix Seminary, Scottsdale
Luther Rice College and Seminary, Lithonia, Georgia
Online Doctor of Ministry
Luther Rice College and Seminary distributes an online D.Min degree that requires four one-week intensive courses on campus. It is a 30-credit hour program with all other courses 100% online.
Luther Rice College and Seminary tuition fees are $ 316 per loan for the ministry’s online doctor. The program requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all graduate courses and a 10-15-page paper for admission.
The program’s courses include on-duty ethics and counseling issues. No M.Div is required for the program.
Tuition: $4,806
Piedmont International University, Winston Salem, North Carolina
Online Doctor of Ministry
Piedmont International University is a 30-hour program with an online DMin program with seven focus areas: Pastoral Leadership; Bible exhibition; Biblical advice; Missions; Followers; Christian education; and interdisciplinary. Training to become a ministry online doctor at Piedmont International University costs $ 340 per academic unit.
Admission requirements include the ministry’s current involvement, past experience in the ministry, a call for proposals to the minister, and a writing sample, which may be a book review or a graded academic paper written for a previous seminar course.
Tuition: $5,850
Apex School of Theology, Durham, North Carolina
Online Doctor of Ministry
The online DMin program at the Apex School of Theology is a 42 credit hour program comprising online work combined with two intensive courses per year and peer group sessions in the fall and spring.
The doctoral program comprises four areas of competence: Biblical Studies, Christian counseling; Development of effective series, and pioneers for change in the congregation.
The school is asking for current employees in the ministry, three years of employment in the ministry, a fee of $50, three letters of recommendation, and a five-page personal essay as admission requirements. Apex University charges an online hourly fee of $358.33.
Tuition: $4,200
North Greenville University, Tigerville, South Carolina
Online Doctor of Ministry
The online D.Min degree from North Greenville University is a 32 credit degree that can take up to three years. The final project of this effort involves an aspect of the Grand Commission that has been examined in your personal service.
The program looks for applicants with at least two years of professional experience for MDiv, preferably. A current MAT assessment and five-digit reference forms are also required for approval.
North Greenville University charges $395 per lesson with the ministry’s online doctor.
Tuition: $10,800
Grace School of Theology, Conroe, Texas
Online Doctor of Ministry
Grace School of Theology’s online D.Min is a 30 credit hour degree. Effective biblical guidance and topical theological issues are two courses required in this program.
The school requests applicants to submit a written agreement with the Grace Doctrinal Statement, three years of ministry experience after completing the master’s degree, demonstrable academic skills, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The $400 tuition fee at the Grace School of Theology for the ministry’s online doctorate is $400.
Tuition: $3,600
Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia
Online Doctor of Divinity
Liberty University’s Online Doctor of Divinity is a 30 credit hour program that includes ten specializations to choose from: Bible Studies; Pastoral care; Revival of the church; Followers; Evangelism and church planting; Expository preaching and teaching; Pastoral care; Management of the ministry; Theological apologetics; and worship.
Liberty University offers online tuition fees of $ 458.33 per class. The program can be completed in just two years and allows the transfer of up to six credits.
Tuition: $8,051
Lexington Theological Seminary, Lexington, Kentucky
Online Doctor of Ministry
The 36-hour online D.Min degree at Lexington Theological Seminary provides an intensive session on campus for two core courses, 12 hours in electives and 6 hours in a ministerial doctorate.
Admission requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the thesis and three years of professional experience after the master’s degree. The degree uses a cohort model in which the same group of students is moved through the classes every semester.
Tuition for the Lexington Theological Seminary online doctor is $ 480 per credit.
Tuition: $9,120
Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Indiana
Online Doctor of Ministry
Indiana Wesleyan is a 48-hour credit program and offers an online D.Min program with two weeks of intensive dormitory courses that are held each year. The remaining courses are completed online.
A three-year cohort group examines the concepts of transformative leadership and spiritual education. Indiana Wesleyan requires three years of service, a resume, three referrals, a spiritual trip, a calling essay, and an artifact that demonstrates academic research skills for consideration for admission.
Indiana Wesleyan University offers a tuition rate of $515 per unit for the online doctor of ministry.
Tuition: $13,000
Bethel University, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Online Doctor of Ministry
Bethel University prescribes 1-2 weeks of intensive courses each year (from the three years) in St. Paul, MN, or San Diego, CA, and has an online D.Min, a 48 credit hour program with six specializations.
The specialization options include biblical and theological engagement, church leadership, mission effectiveness, and community and family care.
Bethel University offers an online tuition fee per hour of credit of $382 for the intensive options in St. Paul and $550 for the intensive options in San Diego.
Tuition: $9,630
George Fox University, Newberg, Oregon
Online Doctor of
Ministry
The online D.Min at George Fox University is a 36-hour credit, a three-year,
cohort-based program whose course work is customized by the student and a
faculty advisor.
One annual academic retreat occurs in Cannon Beach, Oregon, and the rest of the coursework is completed online.
Hourly tuition at George Fox University is $560 for the Department’s online doctor. Applicants are expected to have an M.Div or 72 hours of equivalent credit.
Tuition: $13,015
Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Online Doctor of Ministry
Offers four concentrations: church leadership and renewal; Clinical pastoral education; Ministry of Military Affairs; and Ministry Leadership Coaching; the online D.Min program at Regent University has completed 36 credit hours.
Regent University charges a tuition fee of $650 per credit for its online doctoral program. The program requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 for theses, current employment in the ministry, at least three years of professional experience in the ministry, a recommendation from a current minister, and understanding and acceptance of the university’s declaration of faith.
Tuition: $12,726
Drew University, Madison, New Jersey
Online Doctor of Ministry
Drew University’s online D.Min degree is an online 30-hour loan, a cohort-based program of online courses combined with mandatory residential intensive courses.
Offering four concentrations: public theology; Pastoral identity and prophetic fire; Courageous leadership in a changing culture; For Bible, theology, and leadership in the Korean context, the program requires three years of ministerial work experience, current employment as a minister, a resume with a writing sample, two letters of reference, certificates, and a $40 application fee for admission.
Hourly graduate tuition charges at Drew University are $931.
Tuition: $23,688
Amridge University, Montgomery, Alabama
Online Doctor of Ministry
The Doctor of Ministry hybrid program, offered through Amridge University, is a 30-credit program. Students receive nine credits for research that they perform while working on their dissertations and three credits for passing an aptitude test.
The university requires that all students take this exam after completing a year of study. It tests their knowledge and determines whether the students should stay on the program.
The program includes two courses on research methods and ministry. Students must take 12 elective credits but can choose from various courses such as the minister and leadership, the ministry, and controversial subjects, as well as the psychology of grief, death, and death.
Tuition: $7,180 per year
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina
Online Doctor of Ministry
Although the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary offers an online Dmin program, it does not contain as many residence components as other programs.
Students of this program only need to attend campus for four sessions to graduate. The program comprises 31 credits, and most students follow the same schedule.
The courses in this program include basics for preaching in the expository, nurturing spiritual education through disciplines, biblical counseling on marriage and family issues, and developing a strategy for great commission mobilization.
Students spend their third year, which is their last year, working on the final project to complete a dissertation. The Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary uses a cohort system in which incoming.
Tuition: $10,500 per year
Phoenix Seminary, Scottsdale, Arizona
Online Doctor of Ministry
The Phoenix Seminary created its ministry doctorate as a hybrid because it understands that many students have commitments preventing them from attending a more traditional school.
Although the program includes some residence components, students only need to spend five days on campus to complete these components, and some residence modules only last four days.
This program does not offer concentration because it contains courses that give students a comprehensive overview of several subjects and topics. Students take courses in counseling dysfunctional families, growing and expanding mission churches, counseling in contemporary cultures, and renewing and revitalizing the static church.
Though the seminary requires that students do a dissertation, students only need to complete 30 credits to graduate.
Tuition: $8,640 per year
Online Dmin Programs – FAQs
The ATS requires students to complete at least one year of coursework followed by the completion of the doctoral dissertation or research project. Normally, the degree requires between three and six years to complete.
Most online ministry programs require students to complete a dissertation or research project to earn their doctoral degree. Typically, students take a workshop or series of courses in which they choose a topic to investigate and develop a proposal.
Most people with a PhD (especially in the humanities) are pursuing a full-time career in an academic setting focused on teaching, research, and writing. A DMin is concerned with identifying the problems and challenges in ministry settings and applying existing research to create fresh solutions.
Thus, the DMin is the highest professional degree for those in the field of ministry – the terminal degree for ministerial studies – to increase the minister’s effectiveness in their area of the church. The DMin is a degree in action, whereas a PhD is a degree in intellectual rigor.
Conclusion
Having gotten acquainted with the above information, you can now take advantage of it. If you are thinking of boosting your ministry’s advancement, an online Dmin program is a professional degree that can assist you achieve that.
Reference
- thebestschools.org › rankings › best-online-doctorate-ministry-dmin
- www.bestvalueschools.com › cheap › online › dmin-ministry
- www.liberty.edu › … › Doctoral Degrees
- www.gradschoolhub.com › affordable › online › doctorate › ministry
- www.fuller.edu › dmin
- www.online-phd-programs.org › most-affordable-online-doctor-minis.
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