2009 - 2010 Academic Catalog - Westminster Theological Seminary

{Degree Programs}
Doctor of Ministry
Requirements and Time Limits
To be awarded a D.Min. degree, a student must complete six weeklong
modules of course work, successfully sustain two examinations,
and complete the Applied Research Project.
The total program for the D.Min. degree requires no fewer than
three years to complete and can commence in either January or
August. The six modules should be completed in the first two years
with the examinations completed by the end of the third year. The
research project should be submitted no later than December 15
of the fifth year of the program.
NOTE: Students whose programs go into a fourth year will
be charged a continuation fee for that year and any additional
approved years.
By June 1 of each year, the Doctor of Ministry Office shall inform
the Registrar’s Office, the Business Office, and students of the
progress and program status of each student.
Course Work
The D.Min. modules are designed to accommodate the schedules
of those who are active practitioners in ministry. Therefore, the
modules will require no more than six weeks of residence.
Each module normally contains 36 hours of classroom instruction,
including the following elements: theoretical issues, skills, and
practicum. Students will be required to complete an assignment
before attending the module, as well as a post-modular assignment.
Post-modular work must be returned to the Doctor of Ministry
Office according to the following schedule:
November 15 following August modules
April 15 following January modules
No credit will be given until all assignments are completed successfully.
All work will be graded by the course instructor. Students
may not enroll in new modules until work in the previous course has
been completed. A minimum grade-point average of 3.00 must be
maintained for the student to graduate.
Required Modules:
PM 1: Nurture
PM 2: Gospel Communication (Preaching)
PM 3: Missions and Evangelism
PM 4: Leadership
Required modules are offered in consecutive weeks at the end
of August each year. Modules PM 1 and PM 2 are offered in oddnumbered
years (2009, 2011, etc.) and Modules PM 3 and PM 4
are offered in even-numbered years (2010, 2012, etc.). Notification
of upcoming modules will be provided well in advance, including
course descriptions and pre-module assignments.
Elective modules may be offered during other summer weeks or
in January. The schedule of upcoming electives will be distributed
well in advance. One elective may be taken through the D.Min.
program at another approved institution. This must be endorsed by
the student’s adviser and by the Director of the D.Min. Program.
Registration Procedure
Students must pre-register for modules they intend to attend
according to the deadlines prescribed on course description
sheets. There will be a late fee for all registrations received after
the registration deadline.
Course Offerings
The modules offered for the D.Min. program are listed in the
Practical Theology course description section, beginning on page
122.
Examinations
Two examinations must be sustained to complete the Pastoral
Ministry program:
1. The Reformed Theology Exam is designed to determine the
student’s knowledge of the theological position at Westminster
and not necessarily his personal commitment to that position.
2. The Pastoral Theology Exam is designed to be a comprehensive
evaluation of the student’s knowledge in the field of Pastoral
Theology.
These examinations should be sustained any time after the completion
of two modules, but before the submission of the Applied
Research Project.
The Pastoral Track Manual contains instructions to guide students
in preparing for these examinations. The exams must be
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