Doctor of Ministry
School of Theology
Effective ministry today looks different than it did 10 years ago, and it will only continue to change. Fuller’s practice-oriented Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program encourages ministry leaders to think creatively, cultivate new skills, and nurture their hearts to pursue their calling with excellence and passion in an ever changing world. Prepare to move into new seasons of ministry as you are stretched theologically and challenged philosophically with Fuller’s DMin program.
Flexible
Customizable Emphasis and Schedule
Practical
Theological and Practical Foundation
Distance Learning
Stay in Your Context
Study with faculty like these:
VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OF LEADERSHIP FORMATION & ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF LEADERSHIP FORMATION
PROFESSOR AND CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY AT ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Explore other members of our renowned School of Theology faculty.
Choose the Path that’s Right for You
Choose either the Personalized or the Cohort Track.
Personalized Track
The Personalized Track provides an individualized “learning path” that takes into account our students’ differing ministry needs. It combines online learning with on-campus, one-week intensive seminars. Students study with a variety of professors and ministry peers in a program personalized to meet ministry goals.
PT Structure
- DM711: 10-week, online, required introductory course (4-unit)
- CF704: two-year ministry mentoring component by phone (4-unit)
- Electives: from Course Schedule (32 units)
- Doctoral Project: DM710 & DM706 (8 units)
Application Deadlines
The Personalized Track is open for incoming students twice a year.
- Spring Qtr: February 1
- Fall Qtr: August 1
Military Chaplaincy PT Track (Please contact the DMin office regarding information on Advanced Standing.)
Cohort Track
Cohorts specialize in a specific area of ministry under the guidance of one professor in a uniform community. Cohorts meet once a year for one on-campus seminar. Below is a list of upcoming and previous cohorts.
Cohort Structure:
- Cohort On-Campus Seminar: 36 units
- Elective: 4-unit elective from Course Schedule
- Doctoral Project: DM710 & DM706 (8 units)
Upcoming Cohorts
- Leading for Healthy Church Growth Cohort
Application Deadline: October 1, 2021 - Congregational Leadership & Formation for Missional Witness
Application Deadline: February 1, 2022 - Youth, Family, and Culture Cohort (Year 3)
Application Deadline: January 2, 2022 - El Espiritu Santo como agente de transformación individual y comunitaria
Fecha Final De Inscripción: 1 de marzo de 2022
Program Structure
Fuller’s DMin offers three unit ranges. Depending on the candidate’s master’s degree, applicants qualify for the 48-unit, 60-unit, or 64-unit DMin program. Learn more about the Doctor of Ministry Program Learning Objectives.
48-unit DMin Structure
Students holding an accredited MDiv degree qualify for the 48-unit program:
- Coursework: 40 units
- Doctoral Project Phase: Online (8 units)
60-unit DMin Structure
Students holding an accredited theological MA of at least 80 quarter units (or 54-semester credit-hours*) will complete the following in addition to the 48-units:
- 8-unit Missional Ecclesiology
- 4-unit NT Greek
64-unit DMin Structure
Students holding an accredited theological MA of at least 72 quarter units (or 48-semester credit-hours*) will complete the following in addition to the 48-units:
- 8-unit Missional Ecclesiology
- 8-unit Elective
- 4-unit NT Greek
“Fuller's DMin program was just what I needed to help me go deeper in ministry; everything I learned was applicable to my work as a pastor. Getting to know and learn from professors, practitioners, and other fellow pastors was invaluable. I am so grateful for my time.”
– Justin Fung (DMin ’19)
Admission Requirements
- A conferred M.Div degree or its equivalent qualifies for the 48-unit program, or a theological Master's degree of at least 80 units qualifies for the 60-unit program, or a theological Master's degree of at least 72 units qualifies for the 64-unit program.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Three years of post-master's degree ministry experience. Please contact the DMin office regarding exceptions.
- Currently serve in a ministry leadership position.
- One course in either NT Greek or OT Hebrew at the graduate or undergraduate level.
- International students: earn a TOEFL Score of 600 (paper), 250 (computer), or 100 (internet). This applies to applicants for whom English is a second language and/or who have not earned a master’s degree in English from the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. Please visit the TOEFL website for more information.
- A GRE score is not required.
- Advanced Standing as available to applicants who have completed one of the following programs: 1) military chaplaincy training, 2) Renovare, or 3) the Potter’s Inn. Please contact the DMin office for Advanced Standing information.
Application Components
Get started on your path to becoming a Fuller DMin student:
- Begin the online application and complete required questions.
- Three References: 1) Pastoral, 2) Academic, and 3) Ministry Peer
- Four Required Essays: 1) Religious Autobiography, 2) Statement of Experience, 3) Statement of Purpose, 4) 5-page writing sample base on the Darrell Guder article, downloadable from the online application.
- $75 Application fee
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions
Tuition and Scholarships
Visit the Paying for Grad School page to learn more about the estimated tuition for this program.
Walt Gerber Need-Based Scholarship
Honoring the late distinguished pastor Walt Gerber and sustained through the generosity of an anonymous donor, limited funding is available as part of the Walt Gerber Need-Based Scholarship to all students. Accepted students will need to complete the following to apply for the scholarship:
- 2020-2021 FAFSA form
- DMin Scholarship Application
- Currently, we are unable to offer full scholarships.
Lifelong Learning Options
We promote lifelong learning at Fuller by providing ministry leaders with the following opportunities for continued education.
Recognition of Advanced Ministry Leadership Training (RAMLT)
Complete five DMin classes as a non-credit student for $2,500 (or $500 per course). RAMLT students complete 1,500 pages of reading and submit a 15–20 page paper due within four months of the on-campus course.
Who Can Audit a DMin Course?
To audit a DMin course at Fuller, you must:
- Hold a theological master's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0
- Have been involved in ministry for three or more years
- Be currently serving in a ministry context
- Begin a DMin Non-Credit Application
DMin Audit Fees
- DMin Alumni: $230/course
- Qualified Auditor Fee: $580/course
- Fuller DMin Spouse: $25/course
- Ministry colleague: Current Fuller DMin students may bring a colleague to join one course at a reduced fee of $230.
- Fuller Master’s Alumni: $130 for one course
Richard Peace Lifelong Learner Program (RPLL)
Fuller DMin graduates may audit DMin courses for $230. As part of the Richard Peace Lifelong Learner Program, following five audits, all future classes are free for life.
Upcoming Events
Payton Lectures
Fuller's annual Payton Lectures bring in the top scholars from around the world to interact with the Fuller academic community.
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