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This innovative doctoral degree is designed for mid-level and senior-level faith leaders serving in various ministries in religious and secular settings. It emphasizes the evolving and emerging nature of spirituality and just leadership practice amidst religious, social, political, and demographic shifts in and across geographic contexts. Developed in collaboration with New York Theological Seminary, this program will equip graduates with the ability to link theory to practice to ground their work in spirituality, justice, and rigorous critical theo-ethical imagination. Graduates will be well-positioned to take on leadership roles in congregational ministry, faith-based and social justice organizations, as well as local and national advocacy, policy, and political action settings. This is a New York Theological Seminary legacy program of Union Theological Seminary.
Review the Application Procedures, Deadlines, Timeline and Components in Admissions before you apply.
Hybrid Program
The Doctor of Ministry Hybrid Program will offer students a chance to attend with flexible online hours and three required in-person residencies for those who may require it. Students will have the opportunity to obtain scholarships to participate in the Hybrid Program.
Scholarship & Financial Aid
All admitted applicants are eligible for up to 50% tuition in scholarship, making this program a highly affordable option for advanced academic study. Need-based federal student aid is also available to applicants who submit the FAFSA.
Program Overview
- Cohort-based, three-year, 33-credit, online program developed with busy professionals in mind; coursework on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings/afternoons (EST) throughout the term
- Combines six semesters of online learning with three required three-day on-campus residencies to help students deepen their theological toolkit and expand their network.
- Curriculum includes coursework in leadership, advocacy, and community action, applied research methods, and social justice theory, theology, and practice.
- Courses taught by world-class faculty, including leading scholars and practitioners
- Culminates with a doctoral project that provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate the ability to apply theological, exegetical, and other analytical methods to a vocational social justice challenge facing local communities.
Ideal Candidates For This Program
- Senior, Assistant, and Staff Pastors
- Lay Congregational Leaders
- Ministers Serving in “Non-Traditional” Leadership Roles
- Nonprofit Leaders
- Social Entrepreneurs and Innovators
- Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Engagement Leaders
- Leaders in local faith-based social justice organizations and movements
- Staff Pastor/Ministor
Admissions Criteria
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) at an ATS-accredited seminary or its equivalent OR a master’s degree in a related field
- Significant ministry experience, consisting of a minimum of three years experience in a lay or ordained ministry position, or a leadership role within a religious community, faith-based organization, or spiritual life setting.
- Those possessing a master’s other than an MDiv (or equivalent) will be considered for admission assuming they meet the professional experience requirement and demonstrate readiness for doctoral-level theological study in the following areas (assessed through a faculty interview and documented professional experience):
- Interpretation of scripture/sacred text and theological traditions
- Understanding of vocational calling
- Readiness for personal and spiritual formation
- Competency in cultural contextualization
Term | Courses | Credits |
Year 1 - In Person Residency (August) | Leadership for Revolutionary Ministry in Diverse Cultural Contexts | |
Year 1 - Fall | Leadership for Revolutionary Ministry in Diverse Cultural Contexts (cont.) Theory, Theology, and the Practice of Research I | 3 3 |
Year 1 - Spring | Interpretation and Methods in/and the Pursuit of Social Justice Spirituality and Social Justice Work | 3 3 |
Year 2 - In Person Residency (August) | Moral Leadership, Public Advocacy, and Local Exegesis | |
Year 2 - Fall | Moral Leadership, Public Advocacy, and Local Exegesis (cont.) Decoding Power and Intersectionality | 3 3 |
Year 2 - Spring | Religion and Social Movements (Then and Now) Theory, Theology, and the Practice of Research II | 3 3 |
Year 3 - In Person Residency (August) | Applied Research/Doctoral Demonstration Project I | |
Year 3 - Fall | Applied Research/Doctoral Demonstration Project I (cont.) Guided Reading/Doctoral Project Writing | 3 3 |
Year 3 - Spring | Applied Research/Doctoral Demonstration Project II | 3 |
6 Terms of Study | 33 |