Catalogue 2008 Book - Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

�THE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY PROGRAM�
GOALS
The Doctor of Ministry program is designed for persons who hold the MDiv
degree or its equivalent and who are actively engaged in the practice of ministry.
The program provides ministers the opportunity to increase signifi cantly their
competence in areas of their professional interests. In the course of this program
students will be expected to:
� demonstrate functional integration of self-understanding, practice of
ministry, and theological knowledge;
� demonstrate theological understanding of particular acts of ministry;
� demonstrate a high level of competency in the practice of ministry;
� acquire new skills and develop new resources for the practice of ministry;
and
� identify areas of personal growth in spiritual awareness and moral
sensitivity.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY DEGREE
1. Have on fi le with the registrar complete and offi cial academic transcripts showing
graduation with baccalaureate and master’s of divinity degrees from accredited
colleges, universities, or theological schools.
2. Complete satisfactorily 84 credits of required and elective work in the Doctor
of Ministry program, 72 of which must be completed at Austin Seminary.
3. Clear all indebtedness to the Seminary prior to commencement.
STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM
The Doctor of Ministry program is composed of four phases, which together are
designed to fulfi ll the goals of the program. Phase I is comprised of two courses
and advancement to candidacy. The courses are designed to enhance and increase
knowledge in biblical and theological refl ection as these pertain to the work of
ministry and to the student’s particular ministry setting. In Phase II candidates enroll
in The Doctoral Seminar, a methodology course designed to introduce research tools
and methods necessary for undertaking and completing the three elective courses in
Phase III and to prepare students to develop a sound, clear, and workable proposal
for the doctoral project in Phase IV. In Phase III candidates select a specifi c area of
concentration for in-depth study through courses and course-related projects. The
projects are undertaken in the ministry setting and designed to increase competence
for ministry. During Phase III, candidates also begin working on the proposal for
a fi nal doctoral project. Phase IV is the designing and completion of the Doctoral
Project which builds upon the work previously done in the program and which
integrates the candidate’s self-understanding, practice of ministry, and theological
knowledge.
Doctor of Ministry courses are held on campus in January and June. Students
may enroll in one course each term. At the end of each Phase III course participants
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