Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) is a terminal professional degree designed for those in full-time Christian ministry who desire to sharpen their ministry skills and deepen their understanding of Scripture and the historic Reformed tradition. Built on the foundation of the Master of Divinity, the DMin allows students to pursue advanced training through one of two emphases—Reformed Expository Preaching or Reformed Theology & Ministry—while engaging in meaningful interaction with professors and fellow pastors. The program offers flexibility for those unable to undertake a residential degree, while fostering increased competence for a lifetime of faithful ministry.
Orlando
Why Choose the DMin Program?
Advanced Theological Scholarship
Engage deeply with Scripture and the Reformed theological tradition through doctoral-level coursework, equipping you to address complex ministry challenges with scholarly precision.
Cohort-Driven Peer Learning
Join an experienced cohort of pastors and ministry leaders for structured peer interaction, case-study workshops, and ongoing mentorship, fostering mutual growth and lifelong ministerial partnerships.
Intensive Courses & Research Project
Attend seven one-week residency intensives on campus, then integrate your learning by completing a supervised ministry research project tailored to your local context.
Formed for Faithful Ministry
Hear how the DMin at RTS shaped students to lead, preach, and serve with theological depth and pastoral care.
"I chose RTS for several reasons. First, the amazing faculty. I had read some of their books and loved the idea of receiving a robust biblical and theological education. Second, and most importantly, was the campus culture and the students I met. I knew that if I wanted to picture myself in four years, I would want to look like them."
James Herring
Bradley McGlothin
Shawn Davis
Karen Field
Sasha Blair
Chael Williams
Zion Brown
Hwihu Kang
Faith Keys
Alex Lowther
"I chose the RTS Houston campus because it allows me to learn in person and engage with professors and fellow students in real time. Being on campus has given me the opportunity to build meaningful connections with both professors and peers."
Caleb McDuffee
Nick Costanzo
Sarah Seller
Elena Frattaroli
Rev. Richard Wiman
Lydia Rothbard
Meredith Beedy
Riley Mitchell
Rev. Elbert McGowan Jr.
Samuel Brewer
Judah da Silva
Myles Chandler
Graeme Straughn
Lydia Rothbard
Fernando Carvalho
Ethan Preston
Katie King
Colin Keys
Holden Royals
Caleb Kreitz
Josh Golackson
“I started at RTS after auditing a class that inspired me to dig deeper into what I was learning. I wanted to teach women faithfully, and I saw seminary as an opportunity to grow in my understanding so I could better serve the women in my church.”
Julie Fullerton
Dr. John Perritt
Makaria Sanders
Kelly Simpson
"At RTS, in the classrooms, they have painted on the walls 'A Mind for Truth and a Heart for God.' I loved that combination of the mind and the heart because you can have truth, but if you don't have love, it doesn't matter. And so at RTS I found this combination of both where because we love the Lord, we want to speak about him in a way that's true."
Olivia Davis
Josh Feinberg
Meredith Beatty
Bryan Zhang
Benjamin Robison
David Newland
Learn from Respected Scholars
DMin students study under experienced faculty and scholars who bring pastoral experience and academic expertise to every course. Through interactive doctoral seminars, faculty guidance, and supervision of your research project, they equip you with both rigorous theological insight and proven leadership skills for impact across diverse ministry contexts.
Invest in Your Theological Education
The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program offers a practice-oriented doctorate designed for full-time pastors and ministry leaders seeking to deepen their theological expertise and sharpen strategic leadership skills. Explore tuition costs and financial aid opportunities crafted to support your vocational calling.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates vary by program and campus. View current tuition details, fees, and cost breakdowns to better plan your investment in advanced theological training.
Financial Aid Opportunities
We’re committed to helping make theological education accessible. Learn more about available scholarships, church partnership grants, and veterans benefits designed to support your journey.
Where Can This Degree Take You?
DMin students at RTS deepen their theological expertise, pastoral skills, and leadership capacity through advanced coursework and mentored research, preparing them for strategic roles in and beyond the local congregation. Graduates step confidently into positions as senior pastors, denominational executives, seminary faculty, ministry consultants, church planters, mission strategists, and nonprofit or parachurch leaders.
For additional details about the DMin program, see the RTS Academic Catalog.
FAQs
The DMin is a terminal professional doctoral degree designed for those in full-time Christian ministry to sharpen practical skills, engage profitably with faculty and peer pastors, and deepen their understanding of Scripture and the historic Reformed tradition.
Applicants must hold a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree and an ATS-accredited MDiv (or complete RTS MDiv equivalency), with at least a 3.0 GPA in MDiv studies, have six credit hours each in Greek and Hebrew, and a minimum of three years of post-MDiv professional ministry experience.
The program requires 30 credit hours: eight three-credit courses plus a six-credit doctoral research project. Students typically take two to four courses per year—finishing in four to six years, depending on course load and writing pace.
During DMin coursework, students attend one-week intensive courses held in person in January and July on either the Charlotte or Orlando campus, all while remaining in full-time vocational ministry
DMin students must complete a written research project under the guidance of an advisor in one of the two program emphases. Students are prepared for this project in a capstone course designed to draft a proposal for committee review.
Yes - up to 6 credits of DMin-level coursework from an ATS-accredited seminary.
DMin students must choose one of two emphases: Reformed Theology & Ministry or Reformed Expository Preaching. Students complete at least three qualifying courses in their selected emphasis, and their research project must be on a topic related to that chosen emphasis.
Related Degrees
Master of Divinity
Master of Arts (Biblical Studies)
Master of Arts (Theological Studies)
Master of Arts (Religion)
Master of Arts in Counseling
Master of Arts in Christian Counseling
Doctor of Ministry
Master of Theology
Certificates of Completion
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