The Doctor of Ministry program at Virginia Union University School of Theology focuses on personal and cultural realism in ministry; therefore, the program is generally described as Ministry in Cultural Context. It recognizes the unique and special contributions that each cultural context provides for the church at large. Moreover, there is the recognition that persons are best prepared to serve the world when there is an awareness of the particulars of one's own culture. The ultimate goal is to prepare the laity to understand and to embody their unique gifts as persons and groups, in order to share those gifts in a pluralistic society.
Because the nature of the program relates so closely to the constituency of the church or ministry context, the applicant should be able to demonstrate the position of his or her engagement with the church/context for the period of the program.
The Doctor of Ministry program is a 62-credit hour, three-year professional practice doctorate. The program incorporates four face-to-face on-campus residency requirements; four on-line courses; and a variety of learning settings which may include regional and international travel depending on chosen cohort specializations. Students are given 12 months advance notice of all required travel. Colloquiums are held for two consecutive weeks every January and July.
The Doctor of Ministry Program periodically identifies areas of concentration focused on addressing concerns affecting communities based on changing social, economic and political landscapes. Students participating in the concentrations may develop ministry research projects informed by individual interest and/or collaborative efforts. Currently, The DMin Program has identified the following areas of concentration:
Community Health and Sustainability:
An agency-collaborative interdisciplinary concentration focused on developing sustainable ministries related to community health and sustainability
Particular attention is given to the interconnectedness of theological formation, socio-economic stability, sustainable health practices (physical, emotional, mental, intellectual and nutritional), and policies governing such
Committed to developing substantive replicable community/ ministry resources potentially formed by agency collaborations for the purpose rebuilding and stabilizing families and communities.
Global Leadership and Institutional Reform:
A rigorous inter-contextual study of the intersection of missions, liberation theologies and global leadership formation
Particular attention given to the inextricable nature of theological formation, justice-oriented missions, institutional viability and community sustainability
Commitment to excavation and distribution of intellectual resources informing theory and praxis
Preaching and Social Concern:
Rooted historically in the traditions of liberation preaching
A rigorous interdisciplinary and inter-textual approach to the substance and form of preaching
Particular attention given to the inextricable nature of individual transformation and efforts toward community mobilization and sustainability
Addressing practical and theoretical issues ranging from the study of rhetoric to analysis of social context
Worship and the Creative Arts:
A rigorous interdisciplinary program designed for ministerial leaders committed to substantive study and interface of theology, ethics and performing/fine arts
Particular attention is given to the inextricable nature of cultural productions as means of religious, moral and theological tutoring
Committed to translating movement and media into resources informing theory, praxis and sustainability of artistic expressions as essential to faith and community building.
Youth and Young Adult Engagement:
A cross-generational engagement in theory and praxis of the centrality of youth and young adult nurturing in the faith including personal integrity and participation in social justice movements
Particular attention is given to the inextricable nature of theological formation, historical and biblical foundations informing sustainable transformation
Committed to developing trans-continental research and conversations among youth and young adults in order to develop relevant repositories of methods and outcomes for sustainable faith-based social action
The type of funding a student is eligible to receive depends on several factors. Review current cost here, Doctor of Ministry Tuition. If you have questions regarding financial aid please contact the Coordinator of Graduate Financial Aid at (804) 354-5924.
The Doctor of Ministry admissions process is always open; however, admission to the program occurs only once per academic year with a start date of July 1st. The Doctoral Admission Committee reviews completed files twice per academic year; the application deadline for early consideration is January 15th and the deadline for regular admission is April 1st. Early consideration applicants are notified by letter of their admission decision in mid-February and Regular admission applicants are notified by letter in mid-May. All accepted applicants will begin their semester on July 1st of the applied academic year.
All application submissions must be submitted by the above deadlines for admission consideration; INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance as space in the program is limited.
>Click Here for Admission Requirements
>Click Here for the Application.
For questions about the Doctor of Ministry Program, 804-257-5724 or email Theology@vuu.edu.