2 On-Campus Residences
Spend two weeks on campus per year
3 Concentrations
Join a cohort in your area of specialization
INVEST in Your Ministry and Leadership Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Degree
Join a community of leaders who seek to deepen their faith, grow in wisdom, and become scholars and practitioners in the church and beyond. With a focus on academic excellence, reflective practice, and ministry skills, Wheaton College's Litfin Divinity School D.Min. program prepares innovators and influencers to lead at the highest levels in the church and society.
Credential Type
- D.Min.
Major Credits Required
- 32
Duration
- 3.5 - 5 years
Program Format
- Hybrid
Request Information on the D.Min. Degree
Or reach out to us anytime at graduate.admissions@wheaton.edu.
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Holistic Training for Frontline Leaders What is a D.Min. Degree?
The Doctor of Ministry degree (D.Min.) program at Wheaton College trains pastors and leaders who are frontline leaders and high-level practitioners who will build the church and benefit society worldwide. Students will deepen their faith, grow in wisdom for long-term fruitfulness in ministry. Wheaton's Doctor of Ministry students are innovators and influencers who go on to lead at the highest level in the church and other ministry spaces.
The Doctor of Ministry program brings together biblical and theological scholarship, theological integration, reflective practice, ministry skills, and spiritual maturity. It also combines Wheaton College’s historically robust scholarship and academic excellence with the accessibility that can reach and train practitioners around the world.
Flexible Format
Our hybrid format is designed for leaders who are engaging in active ministry, the D.Min. can be completed without relocating or putting your career on hold.
- Students complete most of their coursework and research from wherever they are.
- Students come to our Wheaton, Illinois campus for two one-week-long residencies each year, an immersive experience that allows you to spend quality time with your cohort and professors.
- Students typically come to campus for 5 days during the spring semester and 5 days during the fall semester for their on-campus residencies.
Cohorts and Concentrations
We currently offer three concentrations: Ministry Leadership, Spiritual Formation for Ministry Leaders, and Communicating Christ in Skeptical Times. You will journey through your program in a cohort of like-minded peers. The deep bonds that you build with your classmates will enhance your learning and your life. More Info on Concentrations
Ministry Leadership
Open to students from a variety of ministry contexts, the Ministry Leadership concentration focuses on contemporary issues and best-practices in ministry leadership.
Spiritual Formation for Ministry
Study the theology, history, and practices of spiritual formation so that ministry leaders in various contexts can accompany people on their spiritual journey.
Communicating Christ in Skeptical Times
Explore the challenges and opportunities of Christian leadership and ministry in our increasingly secular setting.
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Scholarships and Financial Wellness
All D.Min. students receive a 15% scholarship! Plus, all students are also eligible for a select number of 50% and 25% scholarships. Priority consideration will be given to students who submit their full application by the following deadlines:
- Summer 2025 start: March 15
- Fall 2025 start: June 15
The Wheaton College Graduate School Student Financial Services team can help you understand how much your graduate studies will cost and what scholarships, loans, and aid may be available to you.
Learn About Graduate Financial AidOur Curriculum
Our program addresses ministry professionals as whole human beings and explores the diversity of ministry knowledge and skills needed today. Throughout the program, you'll learn how to draw upon multiple disciplines for your ministry practice such as leadership, psychology, practical theology, biblical literature and interpretation, and theology. Your studies will culminate with a doctoral research project in your area of interest.
Sample Courses
Common core and elective options include:
- Healthy and Spiritual Leadership
- Formation and Soul Care
- Contemporary Issues in the Church
- Public Christianity for a Post-Christian World
Our Faculty Compassionate Educators
Learn from the best of the best. Our D.Min. degree program is led by a world-class faculty, and courses are also taught by guest scholars and practitioners who are experts in the field of ministry.
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Rev. Dr. John Dickson, B.Th. (Hons 1), Ph.D.
Jean Kvamme Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies and Public Christianity/prod02/channel_1/media/faculty/Gallagher-Robert__Photo.jpg)
Robert L. Gallagher, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Intercultural Studies/prod02/channel_1/media/faculty/Eunice-Hong-1041.jpg)
Eunice Hong, Ph.D.
Director of Research and Assistant Professor of Ministry/prod02/channel_1/media/faculty/Amy-Peeler.jpg)
Rev. Amy Peeler, Ph.D.
Kenneth T. Wessner Professor of New Testament/prod02/channel_1/media/faculty/Rochelle-Scheuermann-2021.jpg)
Rochelle Scheuermann, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean of Ministry and Evangelism; Program Director of the Doctor of Ministry; Associate Professor of Evangelism and Leadership/prod02/channel_1/media/faculty/Treier-Dan-2023-head-shot-1.jpg)
Daniel Treier, Ph.D.
Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Theology; Director of Ph.D. Program/prod02/channel_1/media/faculty/James-Wilhoit-T4-200X300.jpg)
James Wilhoit, Ph.D.
Professor of Core Studies and Professor of Christian Education Emeritus/prod02/channel_1/media/faculty/mark-yarhouse-feb-2024-495X533.jpg)
Mark Yarhouse, PsyD
Dr. Arthur P. Rech and Mrs. Jean May Rech Professor of Psychology; Director, Sexual & Gender Identity InstituteOur Staff Here to Help
Heather loves to help students navigate through the D.Min. program. Reach out any time!
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Heather Matthews, D.Min.
Doctor of Ministry Program ManagerRecent Quote
"Wheaton College’s Doctor of Ministry program integrates biblical theology, missional leadership, discipleship culture, and practical ministry training in a way that prepares a new generation of ministry leaders to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world with the unchanging message of Christ."
- Rev. Philip Miller (The Moody Church, Chicago)
More About This Program Frequently Asked Questions
We've put together a few common questions (and their answers) about this graduate program. See all our FAQs here.
The D.Min. program at Wheaton College attracts seasoned leaders who want to deepen their faith, grow in wisdom, and develop as thought leaders and skilled practitioners for long-term fruitfulness in ministry.
It takes three years to finish the coursework for the D.Min. The doctoral project can be started during or after the coursework phase. Students work at their own pace to complete the doctoral project. Students can expect to finish within three and a half to five years.
No, we do not require biblical languages, but we assume that most applicants with an M.Div. will have taken Greek and/or Hebrew. Students who apply with an M.A. are not required to have taken biblical languages.
Next Steps
Interested in earning pursuing your Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) online at Wheaton? Request more information or start your application today.