2009 - 2010 Academic Catalog - Westminster Theological Seminary

{Degree Programs}
Doctor of Ministry
2009–2010
Applied Research Project
The project will develop some aspect of pastoral counseling ministry
which both enhances personal skill and contributes to the
church’s understanding in a field of ministry.
During modules PC 1 and PC 3, the student will be introduced to
project design and will be expected to develop a project proposal in
consultation with his or her academic adviser. The project proposal
must be approved within three months after completion of the
student’s last module.
The project proposal describes the project the student will
complete during the latter portions of the program. Although it will
involve research and writing, it is not a book written on a subject,
but rather is a project completed with people. The project is a vital
part of the D.Min. program, and the student is advised to be in
close contact with his or her academic adviser during the time of
its formation, perhaps planning to be on campus for brief periods of
time. Approval of the project proposal requires the signatures of the
student’s academic adviser, the Director of the D.Min. Program, and
the student. Copies of the proposal are retained by the Registrar,
the academic adviser, and the student.
Whether students reside near Philadelphia or outside the area,
they are encouraged to submit their projects by chapters or sections
so that changes can be made before the final copy deadline.
Students residing overseas should take into account delays in mail
service and should at all times keep a copy of their work.
The project must conform to the format and bibliographic style
requirements in “Westminster Thesis and Dissertation Format
Guidelines,” available from the Librarian. Three copies of the
project, along with the external reader fee, must be submitted to
the Registrar no later than December 15 for the following May
graduation. See the above section regarding time limits. Further
guidelines for the project are available from the student’s adviser
and from the Registrar’s Office.
The project will be submitted for review to an individual who is
unaffiliated with Westminster but is actively engaged in a ministry
related to that covered by the project. Taking into account the evaluation
provided by this individual, the Practical Theology department
will make a final decision regarding acceptance of the project by
April 1 for the May graduation. If approved, some minor corrections
may be required.
The student must submit the final project to the Registrar by May
1. The original manuscript must be on 20-weight 50 percent or 100
percent cotton content paper, and the two duplicates must be clear
photocopies. No holes should be punched in the pages, and the
three copies of the project should be submitted flat in a box which
is well protected so that the pages do not bend.
The project will not be accepted for review unless both qualifying
examinations have been sustained. The student must be present
on campus for a defense of the project before the department
of Practical Theology. Successful completion of the program will
be determined by the Practical Theology department and will be
announced to the student by April 15, but degrees will not be
awarded until commencement. The degree may be received in
absentia only with the permission of the faculty. See the procedure
for requesting permission to graduate in absentia on page 45.
Urban Mission Emphasis
This degree program seeks to develop skills for leadership and disciplined
self-analysis in ministry in urban settings in North America
and overseas. The student will learn to interact theologically with
insights drawn from the behavioral and social sciences for a better
understanding of urban cultures and urban ministries. A constant
effort will be made to coordinate all the phases of the program
with the concrete particular needs arising out of each student’s
particular place of ministry.
The total program for the D.Min. - Urban Mission requires no
fewer than three years of work, carried out in five phases. Students
are responsible to report to the Registrar when actions have been
taken to meet deadlines in their program. Work in the program can
begin immediately after the admission process and the June orientation
are completed. The official beginning date of the program is
the date the Registrar receives the student’s first tuition payment.
All work must be completed within five years of the beginning date
of the student’s program.
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