Our Programs

Doctor of Ministry

Get More Information

Lead.  Guide.  Minister.

Doctor of Ministry

If you long to grow in your leadership and ministry expertise, learning from caring and committed faculty who are interested in your success, this Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program is for you!


Heritage Bible College's curriculum is designed to prepare and equip graduates to walk in their calling as ministers more effectively than ever before.


The emphasis encourages you to think more clearly, evaluate ministries critically, and execute your God-given calling with theological clarity and purpose.



Career Opportunities

  • Senior Pastor
  • Executive Pastor
  • Chaplain
  • Educator
  • Family Life Pastor
  • Care Pastor

Measurable Learning Outcomes:

 Graduates of the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program will be able to:

  1. Integrate theological, biblical, and practical knowledge to address complex ministry issues while demonstrating ethical, spiritual, and missional growth.
  2. Analyze ministry contexts using hermeneutical, theological, and research principles within cultural and organizational systems.
  3. Develop and apply advanced ministry skills—such as preaching, pastoral counseling, and leadership—to meet the spiritual and practical needs of diverse communities.
  4. Design applied ministry projects that exhibit scholarly rigor, contextual awareness, practical innovation, and effective leadership.
  5. Communicate research findings and ministry insights persuasively to academic, ecclesial, and professional audiences.
Apply Now
Person studying a Bible on a table


A Doctor of Ministry Designed Around You

Pursuing a doctorate is a significant investment of your time, calling, and resources. Our Doctor of Ministry is designed to make that investment meaningful and manageable.

An Affordable Path to Doctoral Study
Earn a respected professional doctorate without the cost and disruption often associated with traditional doctoral programs. Our focused 30-credit curriculum is designed with ministry professionals in mind.

Learn Alongside Like-Minded Leaders
You won’t pursue your DMin alone. Our cohort model connects you with other experienced ministry leaders who share your commitment to Christ, ministry, and lifelong learning. Build relationships, exchange ideas, and learn from the experiences of others serving in diverse ministry contexts.

Faculty Who Know Your Name
Our faculty provide more than instruction. They mentor, encourage, and support you throughout your doctoral journey, helping you connect advanced learning to the ministry you are already doing.

Make Progress Toward Your Research Project From the Beginning
There’s no waiting until the end of the program to face one enormous doctoral project. Your Applied Ministry Project develops incrementally throughout the curriculum. Each stage of the program builds toward your final project, allowing you to research, reflect, apply, and make meaningful progress along the way.

Doctoral Study That Connects Learning With Ministry

Your DMin should do more than add letters after your name. It should strengthen your ministry, expand your perspective, deepen your relationships, and equip you to serve with greater wisdom and effectiveness.

Required Courses

Doctor of Ministry
30 Credit Hours Total

Common Courses (21 Credit Hours)


DMN 700 Orientation to Doctoral Ministry Studies (1 credit)

DMN 701 Foundations of Practical Theology (3 credits)

DMN 702 Leadership & Organizational Dynamics (3 credits)

DMN 703 Cultural & Congregational Analysis (3 credits)

DMN 791 Summer Intensive I- Applied Ministry Lab (1 credit)*

DMN  780 Spiritual Renewal for the Minister: Faculty-Led Retreat  (1 credit)*

DMN 705 Research Methods & Project Design (3 credits)

DMN 790 Professional & Personal Development of the Minister (1 credit)

DMN 792 Summer Intensive II- Caring for People in Difficult Situations (1 credit)*

DMN 740 Applied Ministry Project I (3 credits)

DMN 793 Capstone Defense Intensive (1 credit)


*To be taken in person during a summer residency.

Track Courses (9 Credit Hours)

Students may choose one track for specialized courses:

Preaching and Homiletics

DMN 720 Preaching Old Testament Narratives (3 credits)

DMN 721 Preaching Wisdom Literature (3 credits)

DMN 722 Preaching the New Testament (3 credits)

Pastoral Care and Counseling

DMN 730 The Role and Theology of Pastoral Care (3 credits)

DMN 731 Individual and Family Issues in Pastoral Counseling (3 credits)

DMN 732 Crisis Counseling & Current Issues in Pastoral Counseling (3 credits)


Admissions Requirements 

Admission to the D.Min. program of Heritage Bible College (HBC) is offered on a continuous basis throughout the year; however, newly accepted students will join a cohort beginning in the fall semester of each academic year. 


Admissions Requirements for the Doctor of Ministry Programs

  • A Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree from an accredited institution is preferred for admission to the Doctor of Ministry program.
  • Applicants without an MDiv may be considered for admission if they have completed a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate-level coursework in biblical, theological, or ministry studies. Based on transcript evaluation, additional foundational or leveling courses may be required to establish equivalency and readiness for doctoral-level work.
  • GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • A minimum of three years of substantial ministry experience
  • Statement of purpose providing information about applicant’s faith, calling, and future goals
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended schools
  • Completed application with Heritage Bible College