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The Doctor of Ministry

Students in Doctor of Ministry tracks complete pre-thesis coursework in three years. Classes consist of two basic types: Seminar courses and online courses.

  • Seminar courses follow a hybrid learning model, combining online education with in-class time during summer residencies.
  • Online integrative courses entail specific engagement with a ministry context, in conversation with both theology and social sciences. The capstone of all our doctoral programs is the thesis, a substantive work of action-reflection scholarship based upon rigorous examination of a ministry context and robust engagement with academic disciplines.
Our world needs wise Christian leaders who can use a variety of perspectives and tools to read and understand challenging situations, think on their feet, point to the Holy, and open paths of transformation in people’s lives.

Since 1975 we have been helping religious leaders do just that.

“The Doctor of Ministry Program is a transformative opportunity to work collegially toward strengthening of skills and scholarship and deepening of passion and perspective. The benefits to ministry are many and the personal growth is significant.”

The Rev. Lisa Barrowclough, D.Min.’09, School Chaplain,
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and School,
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

In both our low-residency degree programs, the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) and the Doctor of Educational Ministry (D.Ed.Min.), students choose one of these tracks: Ministry Development, Educational Leadership, and Christian Spirituality.

Our doctoral programs begin with a question: What vision does God give us for transforming lives, communities, and cultures?

Because every baptized Christian carries out a distinct expression of that vision, we offer varying program tracks oriented to varying ministries. Each track puts theological and biblical resources into conversation with developmental, organizational, and social scientific learning. Our doctoral students focus on their specialized track while sharing knowledge across all tracks.

Ministry Development

Christian Spirituality

Educational Leadership

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“We believe that God’s Spirit is ever enlivening the Church, fostering wise, skillful, and faithful leaders, to empower the church to hear anew the calling of God’s Spirit.”

-The Rev. Ross Kane Ph.D.,
Director of Doctoral Programs

Doctoral Library Services

Doctoral Library Services

Students enrolled in a degree program at VTS have access to all of the resources of the Bishop Payne Library, whether on campus or at a distance.

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Doctoral Program Rates/ Fees

Doctoral Program Rates/ Fees

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Doctoral Programs Brochure

Doctoral Programs Brochure

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