Prerequisites for admission

At least three years' experience in Christian ministry and a suitable graduate degree in theology or Christian ministry:

• Coursework Master of Divinity with Grade Point Average of at least 3.0 (or its equivalent)
• Coursework Master of Arts in Biblical Ministry with Grade Point Average of at least 3.0 (or its equivalent)

Requirements

The relevant course work units:

Specialized research seminar 1 (RES901) Three semester hours

Students will explore a major topic in their area of special interest that will normally be related to their intended dissertation topic. It will normally include a critical review of current relevant research literature and describe the current state of professional practice or research on the topic. The topic must be:

• preparatory to the student's project proposal for their dissertation.
• suited to the student’s educational and ministry background and their particular interests
• approved by the student’s supervisor.

Specialized research seminar 2 (RES902) Three semester hours

Students will explore a major topic in their area of special interest that will normally be related to their intended dissertation topic. It will normally include a critical review of current relevant research literature and describe the current state of professional practice or research on the topic. The topic must be:

• preparatory to the student's project proposal for their dissertation.
• suited to the student’s educational and ministry background and their particular interests
• separate from that of specialized research seminar 1, and
• approved by the student’s supervisor.

Research Methods (RES903) Three semester hours

This unit explores the logic, epistemology, design, ethics, and execution of ministry research methods. Methodologies must be preparatory to the student's project proposal for their dissertation.

Dissertation writing (RES904) Three semester hours

This unit explores the process of writing a major dissertation. This includes choosing a topic, assessing feasibility and significance, allocating time, anticipating problems, and developing a major research proposal.

Dissertation

Students are required to submit a full dissertation proposal.

• It must demonstrate that the student has sufficiently broad understanding of his/her specialist area.
• It must demonstrate that the student has done sufficient preparation and planning to begin a dissertation project.
• It may incorporate documents or content from course work units.

A Doctor of Ministry dissertation must:

• include a critical appreciation of the literature on a professional topic
• comprise mainly of a project that evidences initiative, independent thought, and competent professional practice in the field
• contribute significantly to the scholarly discussion in its field of knowledge
• use scholarly style and presentation appropriate to a publishable manuscript
• demonstrate proficiency in the methods and techniques of applied research and professional practice
• not exceed 60,000 words, including all footnotes and appendices.