Claremont School of Theology has designed a Mentoring Doctor of Ministry Program that combines the best of communal and individual forms of study. The communal peer interaction is provided through two special Doctor of Ministry seminars and informal gatherings that meet throughout each semester. The specially designed individual component is provided through the strong faculty mentor relationship.
Each candidate in the program is selected on the basis of an affinity of research interests shared by the candidate and a faculty member. In consultation with the mentor, the candidate chooses six courses (including specially designed directed studies) in the area of interest. It is expected that the D.Min. final project will reflect these research interests, and their impact on ministerial leadership. Every applicant to the program will submit a brief essay outlining the focus he or she would like to pursue in the doctoral program. On the basis of this essay and full qualification for the program, the accepted applicant will be matched with an academic mentor.
The 32-unit program involves one full year of coursework (30 units) and one year to develop the project (2 units), according to the schedule below. The program may be taken on a part-time basis with coursework stretched over two or three years, provided the beginning and ending courses are taken in proper sequence.
Course #1: The Purpose of the Church and its Ministry. 3-unit seminar (3 weeks) in August. An introductory seminar limited to D.Min. students. |
Course #2; Course #3; Course #4: These are to be 4-unit doctoral courses or directed studies chosen or designed in consultation with the mentor. |
Course #5; Course #6; Course #7: As in the fall, these course are taken in consultation with one's mentor. |
Course #8: Project Colloquium. A 3-unit seminar (3 weeks) in May for the purpose of developing one's proposal for the doctoral project. Attention is given to resources and methodology. |
A two-hour Workshop on Academic Writing is given immediately following the course for the purpose of orienting students to doctoral research. |
Peer Group Meetings These are monthly lunch meetings with classmates, Claremont D.Min. alumni/ae mentors, and the Assistant Dean, who supervises the D.Min. program. |
Peer Group Meetings continue on a monthly basis. Candidates will work with their mentors on outlining an appropriate D.Min. project, and preparing a one-page summary. |
Candidates should bring an initial outline and one-page summary of their intended projects to the first day of class.Two field exams will be taken in Aug. or Sept. following the Project Colloquium. |
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In consultation with the mentor, the doctoral candidate develops and implements the project as developed in the Project Colloquium, and submits a written report on this work. The written report includes systematic reflection on the theoretical resources supporting the project, analysis of the project, and evaluation of its impact on ministry.
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All students entering the program must begin with the August seminar, and participate in the monthly Peer Meetings during all semesters in residence. The May colloquium is only taken after the completion of all other coursework.
Field Exams cover the area of expertise, including its theoretical elements and its application to ministry. The format can be a paper, a take-home exam, a traditional examination, or other options as mutually agreed upon by student and mentor.
The Professional Project applies one's focused studies to the practice of ministry, or considers an issue related to one's D.Min. focus in light of the practice of ministry. As such, the thesis representing this project will demonstrate the integration of the two fields involved in the field exams.
Two persons serve on the doctoral committee: the academic mentor and another faculty member. The academic mentor serves as chairperson.
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission to the Doctor of Ministry degree program:
- Earned a three-year professional degree (M.Div., B.D., or equivalent from an accredited seminary).
- Applicants holding an acceptable M.R.E. or M.Th. degree may be provisionally admitted to complete a minimum of 24 credits of work designed to provide the equivalent of the M.Div. degree. Following the completion of the preparatory work, they will be eligible to begin the 32 semester hour D.Min. program. Persons holding other degrees in religion and theological studies will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. Such persons will be required to complete additional credits to provide the equivalent of the M.Div. degree.
- Achieved at least a 3.25 cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale).
- Completed at least three years of satisfactory full-time service in the ministry since completion of the M.Div. degree. (All applicants must be actively serving parishes or engaging in other forms of ministry sanctioned by their denominations for professional clergy at the time of admission to the degree program. They can be on a leave of absence for the purpose of pursuing this program.)
- Present personal and professional qualifications essential to effective ministry.
- Demonstrate the ability to write effectively and to produce a written doctoral project.
The following documents must be submitted to the Office of Admission by
April 15:
- A completed Application for Admission form
- Application fee of $50 (non-refundable)
- Personal statement-- an essay of 1,000 words addressing plans for theological
study (see queries on application)
- Official transcripts from every college, university or seminary attended beyond high
school to be sent directly to Claremont School of Theology
- Four recommendations sent directly to Claremont School of Theology (one
must be written by a person serving in a supervisory capacity within your
denomination)
- A sample of written work (6-10 pages) demonstrating clarity of expression
Applicants whose first language is not English must submit a TOEFL with a 550
minimum score (paper-based) or 230 (computer-based) and a TSE with a 40 minimum
score or 95 ibt.
Page revised 06-13-06
