In the self-directed Doctor of Ministry program, we produce transformed leaders, ready to serve in a range of settings—from church leadership, to global missions, to family ministry.

Students enrolled in the self-directed program have the flexibility to tailor their degree to their passions and ministry contexts. We offer 2 program tracks, each with individual concentrations:

Church Leadership track with concentrations in:

• Organizational Systems
• Evangelism/Discipleship
• Faith Communication

Congregation and Family Care track with concentrations in:

• Spiritual Formation
• Pastoral Care
• Marriage and Family Studies

Within each concentration, students take 3 required courses, select elective courses, and complete a thesis project focused in their area of study. Students finish their course work over 3 years, with the thesis project typically extending through an additional year.

The self-directed model blends distance course work and on-campus intensives, giving students opportunities for both independent study and face-to-face interaction. Courses begin with preparatory assignments carried out online, followed by a weeklong intensive held at the St. Paul campus in both July and January. All courses then culminate with a ministry application experience carried out over the next few months.