Doctor of Ministry Program
Students may seek admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program at any time during the academic year. The on-campus intensive seminars will normally be taught in March and October. Application must be approved prior to the beginning of a seminar to participate in that course.
Admission Criteria
Graduates of accredited colleges and universities who have also earned a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent (54 graduate semester hours) from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting agency or the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and have otherwise demonstrated aptitude for academic work on the doctoral level, may apply for admission to the program of studies leading to the Doctor of Ministry degree. A minimum cumulative master’s level grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for consideration for this program. Applicants with a lower grade point average may be admitted on academic probation if they successfully complete all other requirements including any additional required standardized testing and assignments as determined by the Dean.
The Doctor of Ministry Program is most effective when the students bring to it a period of experience in ministry that follows the attainment of the first professional degree. In most cases, applicants must have three years of full-time post-Master of Divinity ministry experience prior to beginning the Doctor of Ministry Program and must be continuously engaged in some type of Christian ministry during enrollment.
The program of study required for the Doctor of Ministry degree will be no fewer than three academic years and no greater than six. Entering students must understand the high level of commitment that is expected and required to actively participate in this degree program year-round for this period of time. Admission to the Doctor of Ministry Program is determined by an evaluation of the applicant’s academic ability and potential for excellence in ministry. Decisions on admission to the program are made by the dean in conjunction with the Doctor of Ministry Committee.
Academic ability is assessed based on transcripts of all college, seminary, and graduate work, performance on the Miller Analogies Test, and other tests or assignments the dean considers appropriate. Potential for excellence in ministry is assessed based on a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s church, on references from at least five specified persons acquainted with the applicant’s ministry, and on a goals and ministry essay involving one’s Christian experience, calling, ministry service, and response to an actual ministry case study. In addition, assessment is based upon an interview with the dean by phone or in person.
Application Process
1. Complete all items on the Full Application for Admission form. Attach a recent passport style photograph of the applicant in the space provided.
2. Submission of official transcripts of all academic work reflecting credit hours the applicant has completed beyond the secondary school level.
3. Applicants are required to take the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). The applicant is advised to secure information about the MAT from the Psychological Corporation, 555 Academic Court, San Antonio, TX 78204 (1-800-228- 0752), website: mathome.htm. The MAT must be taken in time for the score report to be available to the dean when he evaluates the application. The MAT may be taken on select college campuses in each state. An MAT taken within the past five years will be accepted.
4. The Program Director will interview the applicant to determine the prospect’s potential for acceptance into the program. The interview may be held, by telephone or in person, after receipt of a completed application packet and all required, official transcripts.
5. Applicants are required to secure five character references for admission forms from individuals qualified to judge the applicant’s potential for ministry and capacity for growth through an advanced study program. References should include a former professor in master’s level studies, a colleague in ministry outside of one’s church or agency, a denominational leader, a lay leader in one’s church or agency, and a community leader outside one’s church or agency. Ask the individual to mail the form directly to the Doctor of Ministry office.
6. Request that the current place of ministry employment complete the Employer Recommendation form.
7. Applicants are required to write and submit an Autobiographical Essay, Ministry Goals Essay, and a Case Study. The three-part essay consists of: (1) A description of the applicant’s salvation experience, call into ministry, experience in Christian discipleship, and experience in ministry, both voluntary and professional; (2) A summary of the applicant’s professional and educational goals and expectations as they relate to the Doctor of Ministry Program; and (3) A response to a provided case study concerning an actual ministry scenario or problem. This essay will determine the applicant’s quality and style of writing. This essay should be ten pages, typewritten, and double- spaced. An instruction sheet with the case study will be provided by the Doctor of Ministry office.
8. Enclose the $35 non-refundable application fee.
If you have earned a master’s degree from an accredited university and maintained an overall GPA of at least 3.0 on a four-point scale in your graduate coursework, then you can be considered for admission to NGU’s DMin program.