Nazarene Theological Seminary

DMin Admission Requirements

1. An earned Master of Divinity degree from an accredited program with minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). 
2. If an applicant has earned a non-MDiv masters-level theological degree, transcripts of that degree along with any other masters-level work can be evaluated by the NTS Registrar to determine MDiv equivalency.  For more information about MDiv equivalency, contact the Office of the Registrar and Admissions at 1.800.831.3011, ext. 5451 or at dmin@nts.edu.
3. Applicants with a G.P.A. less than 3.0 may submit a letter of petition to the Doctor of Ministry Committee, making a case for special consideration, accompanied by any corroborating documentation. 
4. A minimum of three years full-time ministerial experience following the awarding of the first graduate theological degree. Exceptions may be made in cases where an MDiv was earned while in a full-time ministerial role.
5. Current professional full-time ministry position that can serve as the context for the DMin experience throughout the program.

DMin Application Checklist & Admissions Process

• A completed application form
• $25 nonrefundable application fee
• Official Transcripts - Detailing previous academic study from all universities or colleges attended, em­bossed with the school seal; must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Office of Admissions.  Applicants with course work in progress toward the fulfillment of a degree are required to submit an official final transcript verifying receipt of that degree after completion of the course work.
• References - Applicants should request three letters of recommendation, which should be sent directly by the recommender designated on the form to the Office of the Registrar and Admissions (however, recommenders are also welcome to submit a personal letter of reference along with the required reference form). The three references should come from:
  • Ecclesial Employer/Supervisor (person to whom you are most directly accountable in current ministry);
  • Academic Professor (from your graduate theological degree program); and a 
  • Layperson (non-relative from your current ministry context).
  • Applicants are also encouraged to submit references from additional clergy, faculty, employers and other mature adults well acquainted with you.
• Informal educational curriculum vitae - An informal document listing continuing educational credits, professional workshops and seminars, and reading programs, representative of learning practices.
• Personal and Professional Identity Paper.  A 1,500-3,000 word (typed) paper that includes:
  
  • An overview of your personal spiritual and leadership journey with reference to all ministry experience, including your current context;
  • A description/list of your continuing education endeavors since completion of masters-level work (e.g.,  seminars/workshops attended, reading lists, etc.);
  • An articulation of the theology that undergirds your ministry, with references to particular thinkers and writers who shape your theological understanding and framework (minimum of 750 words);
  • An evaluation of your current professional and educational competence and goals;
  • A rationale for pursuing the D.Min. degree program, i.e., your vision for how the program will contribute to your personal and professional development in your current ministry context; and,
  • Any desired specialization or focus for your studies and the Pastoral Research Project.
  • The paper should demonstrate your ability to:
    
    • Organize your written thoughts clearly and coherently, using correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.; and,
    • Use appropriate and consistent form and style.  
    • Also, citations of sources should include full bibliographic information.
  • NOTE:  Applicants with less than the 3.0/4.0 GPA requirement will be required to submit an additional academic paper.  Instructions will be supplied in the event this is necessary.

NOTE:  Army Chaplains who apply for admission to the program can take advantage of the following provisions to streamline the standard process:

• The applicant’s last two Officer Efficiency Reports (OERs) can be submitted in lieu of the standard references
• The applicant can submit a written sample from the Chaplain Captain Career Course (C4) work in lieu of the standard Essay

DMin Acceptance & Enrollment

Applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis by the DMin Committee (applications will only be considered when the application file is complete). 
 
Completed applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the DMin Committee.  This evaluation will also include:

• A required interview of the applicant by a graduate of the program (in person or by phone) in advance of the committee meeting, wherein the applicant will be considered; and
• A possible interview by the Committee (at its discretion, in person or by phone) during the meeting wherein the applicant will be considered.

DMin program application deadlines are April 1 for the Janaury entrance term, and November 1 for the June entrance term.  See the NTS Calendar for more information and important dates.

Contact Information

If you have additional questions or need more information, please contact the Office of the Registrar and Admissions at 800.831.3011, ext. 5451 or dmin@nts.edu.