Unlike academic (or research-based) doctoral degrees, an online Doctor of Ministry degree is geared toward those already working in one form of ministry or another. Such vocations include pastor, Christian counselor, bible teacher, author, and many others related to ministry. Where a Ph.D. in theology will be geared towards academic and scientific rigor, a Doctor of Ministry degree will focus upon application and communication. Biblical interpretation will be keyed towards homiletics (preaching), and theological and biblical ethics towards pastoral counseling. Reaching young people, ministry to the “Nones”, use of technology, climate, and social dynamics, are all immediate challenges for those in ministry. Graduates from one of the online Doctor of Ministry degrees will be better prepared to face these new challenges and more effectively communicate the message of their faith.
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Take a look at this: 8 Best Online Schools for Doctorate in Theology (D.TH.) Degree Programs and the 10 Best Online Schools for Ph.D. in Religious Studies
Also, see: Best Online Schools for Associates in Ministry and Theology and Top 20 Online Bachelor of Ministry Degree Programs
Top 3 Online Schools for Doctor of Ministry Degree Programs
METHODOLOGY: In developing this list, the Top 3 Online Schools for Doctor of Ministry Degree Programs, OnlineSchoolsCenter.com chose not to list the schools in an ordered way but instead highlighted three of the very best programs, all of which have their own unique strengths. These institutions were chosen for several factors that put them ahead of other online graduate programs—due to the:
- Nature of the comprehensive coursework in Ministry,
- Degree of thoroughness and complexity of the curriculum,
- Provides sufficient financial aid availability,
- Offers an education that gives students more than just a classroom experience,
- Provides convenient and flexibility through 100% Online and/or Hybrid degree programs,
- Provides innovative training used in Ministry today,
- Instructed by qualified personnel dedicated in the field of Ministry and Worship,
- Has maintained proper Accreditation.
To learn more, see our Methodology page.
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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Doctor of ministry distance learning degree
Program Standouts:
This prominent online, Christian institution provides a Doctor of Ministry distance education students with the opportunity to “interact with an array of well-known church leaders.” This program is well-suited for pastors, missionaries, and other church professionals.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $570 per credit hour—tuition
- $25 per credit hour—intensive fee
- $50 per credit hour—administration fee
- $50 one time—application fee
Types of Aid: Institutional, outside, and resident specific scholarship opportunities; federal, state, and institutional grants; federal and private loans; corporate tuition assistance; pre-paid education plans; vocational rehabilitation assistance; Military and Veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 29.8%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the application fee, official college transcripts, official transcripts from an accredited graduate degree program in ministry representing at least a 3.0 GPA, two colleague recommendations, a professional vita showing three years of full-time ministry experience, a statement of purpose, and ecclesiastical endorsement. Applicants must hold a place in a current ministry where a ministry-related project can be carried out.
Program Options:
- Discipleship
- Evangelism & Church Planting
- Expository Preaching
- Pastoral Counseling
- Pastoral Leadership
- Worship
Degree Outcomes:
Liberty University‘s online program is designed to “help men and women develop a deeper understanding of biblical principles and strategies so they can serve effectively in a variety of pastoral roles.” Upon obtaining a D.Min., alumni will have the understanding and insight to extend their reach within ministries and communities.
LEARN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY DEGREE PROGRAM
BETHEL UNIVERSITY
online doctor of ministry degree
Program Standouts:
Bethel University trains Doctor of Ministry students to become “transformational ministry leaders,” who are vessels of positive change within their communities. This research-focused degree allows students to “tackle today’s problems head-on and address the burning issues facing the church and the world.”
Campus Location: St. Paul, MN
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $355 per credit hour—self-directed program tuition
- $550 per credit hour—cohort-based program tuition
Types of Aid: Institutional, state, departmental, and outside scholarship opportunities; federal and private loans; Military and Veterans benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 83.5%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must meet the requirements outlined on the application and must submit a completed application, official transcripts from accredited undergraduate and graduate institutions, and a statement of purpose.
Program Options:
- Biblical and Theological Engagement
- Church Leadership
- The congregation and Family Care
- Missional Effectiveness
- Servant Leadership
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates will have learned how to service their community and find innovative solutions to the pressing issues the church faces by engaging in useful social research. Some career paths for Bethel alumni include non-profit directors, denominational executives, mission organization leaders, pastors and other church leaders, and non-governmental organizational leaders.
LEARN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BETHEL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTORATE OF MINISTRY DEGREE PROGRAM
LUTHER RICE COLLEGE AND SEMINARY
online doctorate of ministry
Program Standouts:
The Luther Rice College and Seminary’s online Doctor of Ministry degree is designed to facilitate students’ ability to think critically, biblically, and theologically; and to communicate their thoughts to their ministry in a clear and effective manner. This program will provide students with advanced competencies and biblical insights into the ministry.
Although the majority of credits to complete this 30-hour doctoral degree program are 100 percent online, 4 core courses are to be completed during week-long modules on-campus.
Campus Location: Lithonia, GA
Accreditation: Council for Higher Education Accreditation; Association of Biblical Higher Education; Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $327 per credit hour—tuition
Types of Aid: Federal grants; federal and private loans; federal work-study programs; institutional scholarship opportunities.
Acceptance Rate: 54.8
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed application, official transcripts from an accredited graduate program in divinity representing a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and an entrance paper.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Advanced Biblical Exposition
- Contemporary Preaching
- Advanced Biblical Counseling
Degree Outcomes:
Upon exiting this program, there are many career paths that await LRCS graduates, such as senior pastor, Christian author, traveling speaker, theologian, missions agency leader, college dean, professor, non-profit director, and executive administrator. Alumni go on to effect positive change within their ministerial environments.
- 96% of LRCS’s graduates report satisfaction with their academic experience