“Compared to other programs I looked at, this was more structured and comprehensive - clearly designed by men who have been in my shoes. Rather than a concentrated study in one area, the RPTS D. Min. program focuses on many key aspects of pastoral work. Though I have been preaching for more than 25 years, the Renewal of Preaching course has helped me to re-hone my skills in ways that have brought freshness and new vigor to my pulpit ministry.”
–The Rev. Barry Witt (above)
Pastor of Faith Bible Church, Connellsville, PA

Requirements and Schedule

Requirements for Completion:

The Doctor of Ministry program requires the completion of eight required courses and the submission and approval of doctoral project combining academic study with practical application to ministry. Both concentrations share five required courses in common. These courses cover the range of theological study. The Strengthening Pastoral Ministry concentration has three additional courses oriented toward the pastoral work of preaching and leading the worship of the people of God. The Strengthening Counseling Ministry concentration has three additional courses focused on counseling ministry in the Church.

The D. Min. Program is offered in a cohort model where students take all of the eight required classes with the same group (cohort) of students in a pre-scheduled sequence. The eight D. Min. classes are each one week (6 days) long and are scheduled so that they can be completed within two years of time, but are organized so as to extend over three calendar years. As a result, you will take no more than three weeks of classes in any one calendar year. This is to facilitate arrangements for study leave, and to extend your tuition costs over three financial years.

Program Schedule:

Calendar Year One:

Two initial weeks of classes in August

Calendar Year Two:
One week of class in February
Two weeks of classes in August

Calendar Year Three:
Work of thesis-project begins
One week of class in February
Two final weeks of classes in June

Calendar Year Four:
Completion and submission of the thesis-project

Residency:
As the program is designed to foster full involvement for students who live a considerable distance away from the Seminary, you only need to reside in the Pittsburgh area during the eight weeks of intensive classes.

Thesis-project:
You will complete a major thesis-project approved by the Director of the Doctor of Ministry program and a member of the faculty. The project will consist of academic research in one specific area of study covered by the course work. It is to be an integration of academic theological research and current ministry with plans to implement your research in the practice of ministry. The academic research and writing required for the degree shall be at the doctoral level, demonstrating original research in biblical and theological fields of studies, competency in relevant secondary source academic literature, and practical application to the task of ministry in the Kingdom of God. Work on the thesis-project begins after the completion of the fifth course.

Program Costs:
The total tuition for the program including classes and thesis-project is $11,000.

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