Doctor of Ministry Degree (DMin)

Doctor of Ministry Degree Program Goals

Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology established five institutional outcomes: Christian Discipleship, Formation, Theological Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration that over arch all degree programs. These outcomes define the reflective identity, and vocation as a seminary, and are linked to specific programmatic goals for the Doctor of Ministry Degree program. (See Catalog, p. 35 for the program goals.)

Application and Interview

In addition to the above materials, the applicant completes a four-part application packet that includes all graduate transcripts, biographical information, and synopsis of ministry involvement. (Click on the hyperlink and download a fillable version of the packet.) Upon receipt of all the application materials listed below, along with the letters of recommendation and theological reflection, a personal interview is scheduled with the members of the Admissions Committee which assesses the applicant’s suitability and readiness for the Doctor of Ministry degree program. The Admissions Committee may accept or decline the application for the program; or the committee may determine that additional course work in theology or more experience in ministry is required for admission.

Academic Requirements

A Master’s Degree from an accredited university in theology or a ministry-related area which includes studies in systematic theology, Scripture, historical studies, liturgical-sacramental theology, and pastoral theology.

Additional post-graduate courses in any of the above areas of theology or in a ministry-related field; e.g. lay ecclesial ministry, Catholic education, chaplaincy, etc. Applicants may be required to take additional graduate theology courses as prerequisite to assure sufficiently broad theological background to engage in doctoral studies and the pastoral project.

Official transcripts of all academic work that validates a “B” (3.0) cumulative GPA. Saint Mary Seminary has the right and responsibility to determine if it will accept credits completed at other accredited graduate institutions for admission to the Doctor of Ministry program. Credits must directly relate to theology or a ministry field, have been earned within 10 years of the application to the Doctor of Ministry program, and awarded a minimum of “B” (3.0) grade.

Professional Requirements

The applicant must have completed at least three years of full-time formal ministry in a Catholic parish, school, or institution. Preferably, the applicant should have demonstrated leadership skills and experience. The applicant must currently be assigned to a place of ministry that can serve as a field context throughout the duration of the Doctor of Ministry program.

Ecclesial Requirements

Letters of Recommendation: (At least two of the following)

1. A letter of recommendation from one’s ecclesiastical superior* (e.g. Bishop, Pastor, Religious Superior, etc.) attesting to the applicant’s overall suitability for the academic, ministerial, and leadership expectations of the Doctor of Ministry program. (*required for all priests, religious, and permanent deacons)
2. A letter from one’s immediate ministry supervisor attesting to the applicant’s personal qualities, leadership ability, academic aptitude, and spiritual motivation for doctoral studies.
3. A letter from a former professor regarding the applicant’s ability to complete the Doctor of Ministry program.

Memo of Understanding

The applicant also presents a memo of understanding that informs co-workers of one’s intentions to pursue doctoral studies.

Writing Samples

Theological Reflection Writing Sample

The applicant presents a theological reflection of 1000-2000 words which briefly presents the applicant’s purpose, interest, and motivation to engage in advanced professional doctoral studies. Specifically:

1. Select a Scripture passage which provides a theological foundation for one’s ministry. Interpret the passage in light of one’s theological tradition and pastoral and vocational background.
2. Reflect on the cultural context of one’s ministry and its theological implications.
3. Reflect on one’s personal ministerial identity.
4. Reflect on one’s ministerial history that prepared him/her to engage with peers in doctoral studies
5. Reflect on one’s readiness and motivation to engage in personal and spiritual formation for ministerial leadership.
6. Reflect on one’s purpose and ministerial goals for undertaking the Doctor of Ministry degree program.

Academic Research Writing Sample

The applicant submits a research paper from previous academic work at the graduate level. which includes research citations and bibliography, preferably using Turabian (Chicago Style).

For students who apply to the Doctor of Ministry degree program ten or more years after their MA degree, an alternate writing sample will be substituted for the research paper.

Components of the Doctor of Ministry Program

Saint Mary Seminary serves as a center for advanced theological education. The Doctor of Ministry program is a 30-credit degree program in pastoral theology with a focus on advanced competency in pastoral administration, comprised of the following four areas: (cf. ATS 5.3)

1. Advanced theological integration: to help the student engage their ministerial context with “theological acumen and critical thinking” (ATS 5.3) To this end, the program includes six doctoral level theology courses (12 credits) which integrate areas of spirituality, systematic theology, Scripture and liturgy with applications of pastoral theology in ministry (Peer learning)
2. In-depth contextual competency: to give the student the ability to identify, frame, and respond to a significant ministry issue.
   1. To this end four research and writing courses (12 credits) (self-directed learning) under the direction of a faculty advisor assist the student to articulate a ministry issue, research Catholic both classical and contemporary theological insights, and formulate the theological foundation upon which the ministry issue is grounded.
   2. In addition, the student engages in research-based learning in the formulation of the project design, research methodology, data analysis and interpretation to be used in the study of the ministry context (field-based learning).
   3. Finally, the student completes a written project exploring an area of ministry, utilizing appropriate research methodologies and resources, and resulting in new knowledge in the practice of ministry. The written project, oral presentation, and evaluation reflect mastery of the program outcomes and the rigor of doctoral level theological integration. (6 credits) (ATS 5.4)
3. Leadership capacity: to equip the student to enhance one’s effectiveness as ministry leaders. To this end, the Doctor of Ministry degree program places a special emphasis on ministerial leadership: through theological reflection, in research design, analysis, and interpretation, and in the formation of collaborative relationships with peers to hone one’s capacity for leadership. (Project forum)
4. Personal and spiritual maturity: to enable students to reinvigorate and deepen their vocational calling. To this end, the Doctor of Ministry degree program aims to provide a transformative learning experience that opens the student’s mind and heart to new knowledge about the practice of ministry, hone competencies in pastoral analysis and ministerial skills, and integrate these dimensions into the theological reflective practice of ministry, all of which lead to continued growth in spiritual and personal maturity.To this end, the candidate will maintain an electronic academic portfolio for the duration of his/her Doctor of Ministry studies. The portfolio includes artifacts and theological reflections as follows: 1) Evidence of Advanced Theological Integration, 2) Evidence of Contextual Competency, 3) Evidence of Leadership Capacity, 4) Evidence of Personal Spiritual Integration, 5) the Project Symposium prospectus, 6) the Project Colloquium presentation, and 7) the Final Doctor of Ministry Project. (The artifacts are student-selected and must represent the requirements of ATS Standards 5.3.) The Doctor of Ministry Colloquium is expected to include evidence of the student’s growth in Christian discipleship and formation as well as theological integration resulting from the program of studies.

Class Schedule

The Doctor of Ministry degree program is intended to be completed in three academic years (six semesters, 30 credits). Students attend class on campus on Wednesday afternoons for the first three semesters. (Total: 12 credits.) A project forum is held three times a semester as a cohort to discuss research techniques and design, to develop the theological and bibliographic foundations of the doctoral project, and to create a strategic plan that provides the momentum for the completion of the Doctor of Ministry program.

Following the completion of the academic courses, students work with their advisor and the director of the Project Forum to develop the project.  Theological research and writing credits (8 credits) are designed to direct the student during this student-directed phase of the program. Students work with the Research Director to develop the research project, prepare and submit the plan for review by the Institutional Review Board for approval, and analyze and interpret the research results.

The student implements a research design in their place of ministry. This supervised ministry experience is designed to provide the context for both research, leadership, and theological integration. (4 credits)

Project Continuation

In the first semester of the third year, the student and faculty mentor may determine that an extension will be necessary to complete the project. In this case, the student registers for PAS 992-a, -b, -c, or –d, as a continuance of the academic program, but without additional credit. The student must complete the project in no more than four additional semesters, i.e. three years after the prospectus has been approved.

Project Forum

The Project Forum assists students in developing a solid Doctor of Ministry project. Students will meet three times each semester as cohort groups. These forums discuss techniques in research design, help individual learners develop their theological and bibliographical foundations, hone computer skills, and create a strategic plan for the project’s implementation and evaluation.

Institutional Review Board Compliance Review

All Doctor of Ministry research projects (and in some cases, Master of Arts projects) must be reviewed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology has entered into an agreement with John Carroll University to conduct this compliance review. The IRB assists in a review of Doctor of Ministry or Master of Arts Project proposals along with surveys or instruments that will be used for specific research on human subjects. The John Carroll University IRB will issue a review of the project and forward it to the Academic Dean of Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology. The IRB process must be completed prior to the student’s scheduled prospectus symposium.

The primary goal of Institutional Review is to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects when they participate in surveys, interviews, or focus groups that result in systematized, gener­alizable knowledge intended for but not limited to publication or other public dissemination. The protocol for Institutional Review is based on federal regulation and Christian ethics, as well as informed consent.

The purpose of an informed consent is to help investigators protect research participants by in­forming them about the nature of the research, including the procedures to be followed and any associated risks or benefits to participation. In compliance with federal regulations, the IRB carefully reviews informed consent documents.

Project Review is generally required for the following:

1. Survey, interview, focus group & observational research involving human subjects
2. Evaluation Research, e.g. data is collected on a new course, technique, or pilot study to determine the effectiveness of the material or the manner in which material is collected, etc.
3. Some oral history, especially if it is to be published, e.g. topics that might cause distress or breach of privacy, etc.

Process

1. Faculty and Students must participate in CITI Training (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative) online.
2. Students complete and submit their research proposal to IRB Office at JCU prior to Prospectus Symposium
3. Students will receive a response: Does the project come under IRB jurisdiction or not? a. Exempt b. Expedited c. Full Board Review

The Doctor of Ministry project forum director will guide students through the IRB review pro­cess. Further information regarding IRB policies, procedures, and sample forms may be found at https://sites.jcu.edu/research/pages/irb/