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 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.

What is a Doctor of Ministry? Learn More

Credential Type

  • D.Min.

Major Credits Required

  • 32 or 44

Duration

  • 3.5 - 5 years

Program Format

  • Hybrid

Hybrid Format

Continue in your current ministry role while pursuing your D.Min.

2 On-Campus Residences

Join your cohort twice a year on campus at Wheaton.

Expert Faculty

Learn from world-class Wheaton faculty members and expert guest scholars and practitioners.

Investing in You

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:

  • Spring 2025 start: December 1
  • 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 Aid

Request Information on the D.Min. Degree

Or reach out to us anytime at graduate.admissions@wheaton.edu.

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John Dickson teaching MA Class

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, and develop as thought leaders and skilled practitioners 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

Designed for leaders who are engaging in active ministry, the D.Min. can be completed without relocating or putting your career on hold. Our hybrid format allows you to complete most of your coursework and research from wherever you are. You'll come to our Wheaton, Illinois campus for two one-week-long residencies, an immersive experience that allows you to spend quality time with your cohort and professors.

Focus on Leadership

Our doctor of ministry program focuses on several aspects of leadership:

  • Leadership of People – sharpen your practical ministry skills to effectively shepherd and lead others
  • Leadership for Churches and Organizations – hone strategic and organizational leadership skills that you could put into practice 
  • Leadership in Culture – expand your cultural intelligence in order to lead in the contemporary, globalized world

Cohorts & 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.

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. *Women in Ministry cohort available.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Communicating Christ in Skeptical Times

Explore the challenges and opportunities of Christian leadership and ministry in our increasingly secular setting.

Learn More

Our 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.

View Curriculum for M.Div. Entrants

View Curriculum for Theological/Ministry Master's Entrants

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 and Intelligent 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.

Rev. Dr. John Dickson, B.Th. (Hons 1), Ph.D. Headshot

Rev. Dr. John Dickson, B.Th. (Hons 1), Ph.D.

Jean Kvamme Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies and Public Christianity
Robert L. Gallagher, Ph.D. Headshot

Robert L. Gallagher, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus of Intercultural Studies
Eunice Hong, Ph.D. Headshot

Eunice Hong, Ph.D.

Director of Research and Assistant Professor of Ministry
Rev. Amy Peeler, Ph.D. Headshot

Rev. Amy Peeler, Ph.D.

Kenneth T. Wessner Professor of New Testament
Rochelle Scheuermann, Ph.D. Headshot

Rochelle Scheuermann, Ph.D.

Assistant Dean of Ministry and Evangelism; Program Director of the Doctor of Ministry; Associate Professor of Evangelism and Leadership
Daniel Treier, Ph.D. Headshot

Daniel Treier, Ph.D.

Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Theology Director of Ph.D. Program
James Wilhoit, Ph.D. Headshot

James Wilhoit, Ph.D.

Professor of Core Studies and Professor of Christian Education Emeritus
Mark Yarhouse, PsyD Headshot

Mark Yarhouse, PsyD

Dr. Arthur P. Rech and Mrs. Jean May Rech Professor of Psychology Director, Sexual & Gender Identity Institute

Our Staff Here to Help

Heather loves to help students navigate through the D.Min. program. Reach out any time!

Heather Matthews, D.Min. Headshot

Heather Matthews, D.Min.

Doctor of Ministry Program Manager

Recent 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. 

Next Steps

Interested in earning pursuing your Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) online at Wheaton? Request more information or start your application today.