D.Min. Admissions Requirements

McCormick Theological Seminary welcomes applications from qualified persons for admission to its Doctor of Ministry Program. Requirements are:

A Master of Divinity degree from an Association of Theological Schools accredited school or its equivalent.

No less than a B average in that Master of Divinity Program.

The completion of a minimum of 3 years full-time professional experience in ministry subsequent to the awarding of the Master of Divinity.

Evidence of capacity to use the student’s particular context for ministry as a learning environment.

Evidence of a match between the applicant’s learning goals and the outcomes the Seminary hopes for in its graduates.

A history of effective ministry, a willingness to think and act in new ways, and an ability to work and learn in collaboration with others.

Demonstrated capacity for self-reflection, self-analysis and self-directed learning.

Evidence of a match between the applicant’s learning goals and the outcomes the Seminary has established for its graduates.

Demonstration of clarity of call.

Language Proficiency Requirements

Beginning with students applying to matriculate in  2012, an English Language proficiency requirement must be met by all students for whom English is not their first language. Applicants may meet this requirement in one of four ways:

1.    Complete the TOEFL exam with an internet total score of 79 (213 computer, 550 paper), with a 20 minimum in four sections of reading, listening, speaking and writing.

2.    Hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution in which English was the instructional language.

3.    Complete four semesters of ESL from an accredited institution. 

4.    Supply a documentable exemption from the above, for example, extensive ministerial experience in an English speaking context, a bilingual family of origin where English was one of the domestic languages, extensive education instruction apart from college or university in English. 

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What McCormick Students Say About the D.Min. Program

Doctor of Ministry Student Canon Kevin George blogs about the program as he nears the end of his studies.

"My ministry context is broad, diverse and sometimes unpredictable.  The academic and personal reflection components of the program continually enhance my ability to serve in new ways.  The ecumenical setting is a bonus as it helps to be reminded that God comes to people in different ways and all should be respected." The Reverend Angela Shepherd, Episcopal Archdiocese of Maryland, Baltimore, MD.

"I was seeking the opportunity for advance study in an Adult Learning environment where the interaction between mature practitioners, facilitators, and students alike, enables growth in collaboration with one another. This context is not available everywhere, but I found it at McCormick." The Reverend Peter Bartlett, Cooke's-Portmouth United Church of Canada, Kingston,Ontario.

"I'm not the same person I was when I started the D.Min. program a year ago, because I have been stretched to view my surroundings with complexity and multiculturally. I feel I am evolving, growing and changing to be the leader in Christ's church fulfilling a continual call." The Reverend Sara Thiessen, Zwingli United Church of Christ, Belleville, WI.