Doctor of Ministry Degree Admissions

Sections on this page: Standards for Admission | Application Process | Application Deadlines

Standards for Admission

The Doctor of Ministry is an advanced professional degree program that presupposes a Master of Divinity degree followed by at least three years of full time ministry.

Application Process

To be considered for admission, prospective students must complete the following tasks on or before the appropriate deadline:

Provide a completed application including a spiritual autobiography and description of current ministry context (you may use the online application form).

Arrange for official transcripts of all education beyond high school to be sent directly to United from the college, university or seminary, including official Master of Divinity transcript. Transcripts must show evidence of a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (based on 4.0 GPA scale) or its equivalent. Faxed copies of transcripts are not accepted at any time.

Arrange for a letter of support and expression of cooperation for applicant’s participation in the doctoral program from the appropriate group in the local congregation or other context of ministry. This letter is most helpful if it gives information about the applicant’s style of ministry.

Arrange for a letter of recommendation from an ecclesiastical supervisor who knows the applicant’s work and can provide assurance of support for applicant’s program involvement. If applicant has no ecclesiastical supervisor, a colleague-in-ministry is to be asked to write a letter of recommendation.

Pay a non-refundable application fee of $40 for processing and evaluation. This MUST accompany application (make payable to United Theological Seminary and mail to Admissions Office, United Theological Seminary, 4501 Denlinger Rd., Dayton, OH 45426).

Due to the process structure of United’s Doctor of Ministry program, no advance standing (transfer credit) can be granted upon entry into the program.

Application Deadlines

Full applications for admission, along with supporting documents, should be received by the following dates:

Applications due July 15 for August Intensive

Applications due December 15 for January Intensive