Doctoral Divinity

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Doctoral Programs and Requirements

The Beeson School of Divinity offers the doctor of ministry (D.Min.) degree. The D.Min. program prepares students who are serving in pastoral leadership roles for excellence in the practice of Christian ministry. See the Beeson School of Divinity Bulletin for further information on all curricular listings.

Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)

Admission to the doctor of ministry (D.Min.) program requires a master of divinity (M.Div.) degree or its equivalent from an ATS-accredited school. As an advanced professional degree, admission requires a GPA of 3.00. Probationary admission is possible in some cases with a slightly lower average. Applicants must be currently engaged in vocational Christian ministry, with a minimum of three years of ministry experience since completing the M.Div. degree. Applicants must also have regular responsibilities and opportunities for preaching and teaching the Bible. The D.Min. degree requires completion of 36 credits.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the doctor of ministry (D.Min.) degree must meet the following minimum criteria (Deadline: February 1):

1. Master of divinity (M.Div.) degree or its equivalent from an institution(s) accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).
2. Grade point average of 3.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) in previous graduate-level studies. (Probationary admission possible with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.)
3. Currently engaged in vocational Christian ministry, with a minimum of three years of full-time ministry experience following completion of the M.Div. degree.
4. Regular responsibilities and opportunities for preaching and teaching the Scriptures.

Application Requirements

1. Completed online application (https://graduateadmission.samford.edu/apply/) and payment of non-refundable $50 application fee by check or money order (please include social security number on the memo line).
2. Official transcripts from all educational institutions attended since high school.
3. Current résumé.
4. Philosophy of ministry essay.*
5. Personal interview with the director of D.Min. studies. The interview may be conducted by videoconference for persons who live a great distance from the school. To schedule an interview, please call (205) 726-2374. Please schedule interviews several weeks prior to the application deadline.
6. Recommendation forms completed by the following:
   1. A minister who knows the applicant well.
   2. A professor who knows the applicant well.
   3. A layperson who is familiar with the applicant’s ministry.
   4. A professional person who has observed the applicant’s ministry.

NOTE: Recommendation forms are automatically generated through the online application once required information is input.

Applicants for whom English is not their first language and/or who completed their master’s degree in a language other than English must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). A minimum score of 550 is required for admission.

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*See the D.Min. Admission Process webpage (https://www.beesondivinity.com/application-process) for guidelines on the Philosophy of Ministry Essay.

For additional information, please contact the divinity school admissions office:

Director of Admissions
Beeson School of Divinity
Samford University
Birmingham, Alabama 35229
Phone: (205) 726-2066 or 1-877-575-0595
Website: https://www.beesondivinity.com/ 

Programs

• Ministry (D.Min.)

Courses

• DVDM 801 - Preaching and the Pastoral Identity (3)
• DVDM 805 - Ministry Context Studies I (3)
• DVDM 811 - Preaching the Whole Counsel of God (3)
• DVDM 815 - Ministry Context Studies II (3)
• DVDM 821 - Preaching and Culture (3)
• DVDM 825 - Ministry Context Studies III (3)
• DVDM 831 - Moving from Text to Sermon (3)
• DVDM 835 - Ministry Context Studies IV (3)
• DVDM 841 - Special Topics I (3)
• DVDM 842 - Special Topics II (3)
• DVDM 843 - Special Topics III (3)
• DVDM 844 - Special Topics IV (3)
• DVDM 860 - Project Proposal Writing (3)
• DVDM 871 - Ministry Research Project I (3)
• DVDM 872 - Ministry Research Project II (3)
• DVDM 873 - Ministry Research Project 3 (3)