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Doctor of Ministry

Doctor of Ministry

The highest professional degree for those in church or related ministries is the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree. This particular program is geared toward educated, experienced practitioners who desire to stimulate renewal in themselves and their ministries through the integration of their experience with advanced training, research, and reflection.

With a focus on forming leaders who are interested in the integration of Christian spirituality with ministry and leadership studies, the DMin in Spirit-filled Global Leadership in the African Diaspora program engages the richness of African culture in a global, ecclesial context.

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Additionally, the Spirit-filled Global Leadership in the African Diaspora DMin program is organized around the foci of Bishop T.D. Jakes’ life and ministry and reinforces cultivation in the following areas:

  • Leadership development: Students develop a plan over four semesters that details their ministry philosophy and interest in cultural diversity.
  • Communication techniques: Students analyze and practice the Bishop T.D. Jakes method of preaching to enhance their own art of communication.
  • Innovative ministry experience: Students pursue research topics under the supervision of a faculty advisor in subjects arising from their ministry context
  • Expanded perspective: Students are required to participate in three Advances—face-to-face intensives where they will engage with core readings and supplemental materials. One of these will be an African Advance, held in locations such as Ghana, Kenya, or South Africa, during their enrollment in the DMin program.
  • Attend two of the annual International Leadership Summits (ILS), to participate in sessions with guest lecturers from a wide variety of disciplinary, theological, and demographic perspectives. 
  • Participate in one of the annual Jakes Divinity School Symposiums hosted in Dallas, Texas.
As with all Jakes Divinity School degree programs, students are not required to relocate to Dallas, TX, to pursue the DMin. The Spirit-filled Global Leadership in the African Diaspora DMin program is delivered through a dynamic and flexible format that includes:

  • Participation in seminars, conferences, and field research experiences both Domestically and internationally,
  • Coursework with faculty specialists,
  • Personal academic mentoring by select faculty advisors,
  • Online engagement with cohort members and professors,
  • And independent reading, reflection, research, and writing.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the Doctor of Ministry program must hold an ATS-accredited MDiv degree or meet the seminary’s MDiv-equivalency requirements†, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, applicants must complete the following to be considered for admission to the program:

  • Completion of the DMin application form and payment of application fee.
  • Submission of one unofficial and one official transcript from each college, seminary, or university attended.
  • Curriculum vitae or resumé.
  • Documentation of ministry experience that demonstrates that the applicant possesses the level of competence and reflection appropriate for advanced, professional ministerial studies. This is normally reflected in the applicant’s documentation of full-time participation in ministry for at least three years after the completion of the MDiv degree.
  • Three letters of reference (as specified in admissions materials).
  • Five self-assessment essays that outline the applicant’s spiritual pilgrimage, leadership experience, purpose for pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree, and research interests.
  • An academic writing sample.
  • An entrance interview with the director or associate director of the DMin program (by invitation only).
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must be evaluated through a verbal interview, a written assessment, or both.

 

Accreditation Statement: 

Jakes Divinity School is currently pursuing accreditation with a leading accrediting organization that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Association (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education (ED). CHEA and ED review candidates to ensure they meet the quality standards of the respective organizations. To secure this accreditation, JDS must offer a rigorous academic program that provides students with a comprehensive education and essential skills tailored to their specific fields of study. While we are actively working towards accreditation, our commitment to maintaining high standards of instruction, distinguished faculty expertise, and exemplary student learning outcomes remain steadfast. We invite prospective students to consider the unique opportunities and enriching experiences we offer, designed to significantly enhance their personal and professional journeys. 

Transfer Credit 

Transfer credit from another doctoral program may be allowed up to a maximum of 18 semester hours. Transferability of credits earned at this institution and transferred to another is at the discretion of the receiving institution. 

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Doctor of Ministry FAQs

The DMin in Spirit-filled Global Leadership in the African Diaspora at Jakes Divinity School is geared toward educated, experienced practitioners who desire to stimulate personal formation and spiritual renewal for their ministries through the integration of their experience with advanced training, research, and reflection.

Graduates Become:

  • Organizational Leader
  • Ministry Professionals
  • Theology Professors
  • Missionaries
  • Journalists
  • Pastors

How much does the program cost?

Tuition Fee Total
Year 1 $3,710 $1,500 $5,210
Year 2 $5,300 $8,000 $13,300
Year 3 $1,800 $0 $1,800
$10,810 $9,500 $20,310

Is the program online?

Yes. This degree is offered in an online hybrid format. Students will meet weekly synchronous online (zoom) and work asynchronously online.

How long is the program?

The program takes at least three (3) years to complete with 36 semester hours: 16 hours are prescribed in taught courses and 20 hours are in the research sequence.

Are there scholarships available for the program?

There are limited merit-based scholarships available for the DMin program. Upon acceptance, students will be given information on merit-based scholarships as amounts do vary.

What are the prerequisites of this program?

A Master of Divinity degree is preferred but not required. Applicants without a Master of Divinity degree will need to establish MDiv equivalency. Program administrators must perform an MDiv Equivalence Evaluation of your total academic portfolio.

Does the program allow financial aid?

At present, the program allows for scholarships, payment plans, and other forms of approved endowments.

How can I submit my application for the Doctor of Ministry program?

Submit the online application.

Be prepared to submit the following supplemental materials when you apply:

  • Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Writing sample

What needs to be submitted with my application?

Steps for applicants with accredited Master of Divinity degree:

  • Online application
  • Official college transcripts 
    • All official transcripts should be submitted as follows:
      • Physical transcripts can be sent to the address below and must be in a sealed envelope from the school remitting the transcript to be accepted:
        Jakes Divinity School – Doctoral Programs
        Office of Admissions
        3635 Dan Morton Dr.
        Dallas, TX 75236
      • Electronic transcripts can be sent to: admissions@jakesdivinity.org (must be sent from a third-party Safe Sender, such as eScrip or Parchment to be accepted).
  • Academic Writing Sample
    • The academic writing sample must be from a previous educational experience or be academic in nature of any subject matter.
  • Character References
    • This form should be completed by a ministry supervisor and two personal references.
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
    • Please provide a detailed resume and email it to admissions@jakesdivinity.org. “JDS Applicant Resume – (Your first and last name here)”.
    • Include professional background and ministry experience in terms of role, length of time, responsibilities, etc.

Steps for applicants without accredited Master of Divinity degree:

Prospective students without an earned Master of Divinity degree from an accredited educational institution will have to establish MDiv equivalency by submitting a portfolio. It is an internal courtesy service that Jakes Divinity School offers to prospective DMin students to determine whether or not the prospect is qualified to apply for admission to the DMin program.

Portfolio items include:

  • Unofficial or Official Transcripts
    • All unofficial transcripts can be sent to: admissions@jakesdivinity.org.
    • All official transcripts should be submitted as follows:
      • Physical transcripts can be sent to the address below and must be in a sealed envelope from the school remitting the transcript to be accepted:
        Jakes Divinity School – Doctoral Programs
        Office of Admissions
        3635 Dan Morton Dr.
        Dallas, TX 75236
    • Electronic transcripts can be sent to: admissions@jakesdivinity.org (must be sent from a third-party Safe Sender, such as eScrip or Parchment to be accepted).
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
    • Please provide a detailed resume and email it to admissions@jakesdivinity.org with the subject “JDS Applicant Resume – (Your first and last name here)”.
    • Include professional background and ministry experience in terms of role, length of time, responsibilities, etc.
  • Statement of Purpose
    • The statement of purpose is a 250-word rationale that describes your purpose for pursuing the Doctor of Ministry.
    • Please email your completed essay (in Word document or pdf format) to admissions@jakesdivinity.org  with the subject “JDS Statement of Purpose – (Your first and last name here)”.
  • Documentation of Ministry Experience
    • Please email your ordination certificate or ministry certifications to admissions@jakesdivinity.org with the subject “JDS Documentation of Ministry Experience – (Your first and last name here)”.
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