Doctor of Ministry (DMin) at Wesley DC
Advance your ministry with Wesley Theological Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program—a rigorous, practice-focused degree designed to deepen your theological insight and enhance your leadership in the church.
Our DMin program blends real-world ministry experience with cutting-edge academic resources, helping pastors develop an integrated theology that embraces the full life and mission of the church.
- Engage with current theological trends and pressing ministry issues
- Deepen the connection between scholarship and ministry practice
- Build lasting relationships with a community of ministry leaders
Who Can Apply?
The program welcomes active clergy who:
- Hold a Master of Divinity (or equivalent) from an ATS-accredited institution
- Have earned a GPA of 3.0 (B) or higher in their graduate work
- Bring at least three years of ministry experience
- Demonstrate strong leadership and academic potential
Applicants without a Master of Divinity may be considered for conditional admission.
Program Overview
- Complete 30 credit hours with a minimum grade of B-
- Participate in a project seminar to develop your ministry research proposal
- Work closely with a faculty advisor as you write your project paper
- Graduate after successfully completing all coursework and your project
Specialize your education in one of the following areas:
- African American Church Studies
- Children & Youth Ministry and Advocacy
- Church Leadership Excellence
- Community Engagement
- General Chaplaincy
- Global Church Leadership
- Military Chaplaincy
- Public Theology
- Soul Care
- Student Pastor Program
- Theology & the Arts
- Trauma, Moral Injury, and Christian Life
Program Specifics
Program Length and Structure
How Long Will It Take?
The Doctor of Ministry program requires 30 credit hours, typically completed within 3½ years. You’ll take at least seven core and elective courses, with up to 6 years allowed to finish. Coursework must begin within 2 years of admission.
How Is the Program Designed?
- Two intensive residential terms each year, held in January and May
- Each term includes two 3-credit courses, running Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (except graduation day)
- Core courses and some electives also offered online during summer and fall semesters
- Each track schedules four core courses over one academic year, leaving room for at least one elective
Coursework and Assignments
- Reading lists and prep materials are provided two months before each term via Blackboard
- Students must be registered to access syllabi and materials online
- You have up to six weeks after courses to complete post-course assignments
Unique Learning Opportunities
- Participate in optional summer study trips, such as the Alabama Civil Rights tour (Birmingham, AL) or the Leadership Institute at Church of the Resurrection (Leawood, KS)
- Engage deeply with peer learning and ministry contexts, incorporating your local ministry community into your studies for support, accountability, and project collaboration
Project Proposal and Completion Process
In your third year, you’ll develop a project proposal during the required Project Seminar. Once your seminar instructor approves it, the proposal is submitted to the Doctor of Ministry Committee for final approval and assignment of a faculty reader.
Your assigned faculty reader will guide you in selecting specialized electives and support you throughout the development of your Project Paper.
Moving Forward with Your Project
- Begin your project promptly after proposal approval, advancement to candidacy, and faculty reader assignment.
- Submit a first draft of your complete Project Paper to the Doctor of Ministry Office by January 15 before your graduation year.
- In March, present and discuss your project orally; presentation venues must be approved by the Doctor of Ministry Office.
- Submit the final Project Paper, a 100-word abstract, and all required forms to the library via Blackboard by April 1 of your graduation year.
Electives
Elective(s) are required for each of the tracks offered in the Doctor of Ministry Program at Wesley Theological Seminary. These three-credit courses may be taken either in class, online, or as a study trip created specifically for this program and sponsored by the seminary. Students may also take courses for other tracks with the permission of the instructor.
A list of possible electives is available to students already admitted to the Doctor of Ministry program on the DMin student portal in Blackboard.
Graduation Information
Wesley holds commencement once a year usually on the second Monday in May. Information for students anticipating graduation in will find current information here.
All Wesley students need to apply for graduation by October 15 in the year before you anticipate graduating.
Please contact the DMin office with any additional questions.
dmin@wesleyseminary.edu | 202-885-8688
Meet a DMin Student!
Jessie Houff, DMin expected May 2028
Jessie, a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and curator, is pursuing her Doctor of Ministry in Curating Community Through the Arts. She is adjunct Faculty and Communications Manager at Wesley Theological Seminary. Jessie received her Master of Fine Art in Community Art from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, MD and has previously served as Visual Arts Instructor, Gallery Curator, Community Arts Minister, Events Coordinator, and freelance artist.