2009 - 2010 Academic Catalog - Westminster Theological Seminary

{Degree Programs}
Doctor of Ministry
2009–2010
Doctor of Ministry
The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) is an advanced, professional degree
program designed for those engaged in the full-time practice of ministry.
It is the highest professional degree offered by Westminster. It
differs from a Ph.D. degree in that its focus is on competence in the
practice of ministry rather than on advanced academic research. In
this sense, it is better compared to other professional doctorates,
such as those awarded in medicine (M.D.) or law (J.D.). This is not
intended to compromise the quality or depth of the work required,
but rather to communicate the emphasis of the degree program.
Therefore, the purpose of the D.Min. program is to develop
reflective practitioners in ministry who will grow not only in ministry
comprehension and competence, but also in character. Because it
is a doctoral degree program, the student is expected to pursue a
high standard of expertise in ministry reflection and practice.
While the D.Min. is built upon the biblical, theological, and professional
foundations of the M.Div. degree, the student benefits
from the integration of the rich practical experiences gained from
years of subsequent ministry.
There are three tracks of study in the D.Min. program: Pastoral
Ministry, Pastoral Counseling, and Urban Mission. Within the
Counseling Track there is also a specialized emphasis on Korean
Studies.
Applicants for the D.Min. in Pastoral Counseling or Urban
Mission emphases who lack the M.Div. degree may meet the
admission requirement if they meet the criteria stated in 4c. under
Credentials below.
In the Pastoral Ministry program, a prerequisite for admission
is at least three years in full-time pastoral ministry, after receiving
an M.Div. or its equivalent. Specific application of theory and methodology
must be demonstrated in an extended period of ministry
subsequent to entry into the program.
In the Pastoral Counseling program, a prerequisite for
admission is at least three years of full-time ministry in which
counseling skills are utilized. This program emphasizes skill and
conceptualizing enhancement for those persons who view counseling
as a significant part of their ministry. Pastoral counseling, as
a distinct counseling discipline, is a helping ministry to troubled
persons, and it recognizes troubles as arising in the context of
concerns about ultimate meaning and value. This ministry is
directed toward the restoring, sustaining, guiding, and reconciling
of such persons by making full use of the resources of the Christian
faith. Although pastoral counseling is frequently done by ordained
persons, it is not necessarily restricted to pastors; even when
conducted by laypersons, counseling characterized by the above
definition is pastoral.
In the Urban Mission program, a prerequisite for admission is
at least three years of full-time ministry in an urban, pastoral, or
missions context. In addition, the candidate at the time of application
must be serving full-time in a gospel ministry or service and
planning to continue that service during his or her D.Min. studies.
All entering students will be required to attend a two-week orientation
to the program in June.
Provisional Admission to the Program
Credentials
An applicant must ordinarily present the following credentials to the
Office of Admissions (see “General Requirements for Admission to
Programs” on pages 37-40):
1. An application on a form provided by the Office of Admissions
(available online at www.wts.edu) including personal statements
and a spouse statement, if applicable, according to the following
deadline:
June entrance for the Urban Mission Program...........March 31
August entrance for the Pastoral Ministry
and the Pastoral Counseling Programs......................March 31
Applicants for the Pastoral Ministry emphasis who begin their study
at times other than those specified above must have their application
materials in the Admissions Office at least two full months
prior to their beginning date.
2. A non-refundable application fee. Late application may be
approved by special action of the appropriate department chairperson
if there are extenuating circumstances. A late fee is
added for applications received after the deadlines indicated
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