Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Preaching
Enrollment Now Open Classes Begin July 2008
Aquinas Institute's D.Min. program was launched in 1993, in response to the
call of the U.S. Catholic bishops in their document Fulfilled in Your Hearing
for the creation of doctoral programs in preaching grounded in the Catholic
heritage. To date, it remains the only such doctoral program in a Catholic
institution.
Since its inception, the Aquinas's D.Min. in Preaching has emerged as one of
the premier terminal degrees for teachers of preaching with seventeen graduates
presently teaching preaching in seminaries, schools of theology, and
ministerial formation programs. Twelve books by graduates are currently in
publication, as well as numerous articles. Our 52 students and 51 graduates
have come to constitute a prominent national voice in the Academy of Homiletics and the Catholic Coalition on Preaching while also possessing great influence in
their local dioceses, congregations, and religious communities.
The program's success has been due largely to its unique structure designed
to serve persons in full-time ministry. Every other year, we accept 25
top-notch preachers from around the United States - and even internationally -
to form a cohort of learners who proceed through their studies together.
Students complete six core classes one at a time in a well-tested model of
education that blends on-line and face-to-face learning before launching into
two interdisciplinary elective courses of their own choosing and the completion
of a thesis project. The D.Min. program, like all of Aquinas degree programs,
is fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Higher
Learning Commission.
Can I work and go to school at the same time?
Yes. The Aquinas D.Min. program engages an internet-enhanced format especially
designed to serve students at a distance who are actively engaged in ministry.
How does the program work?
The Aquinas Doctor of Ministry in Preaching is a thirty
credit hour program designed to be completed by full-time ministers in a period
of four to six years. During the first three years, cohort members complete
six core classes (a total of eighteen credit hours) together:
- Theology of Preaching
- Biblical Hermeneutics and Preaching
- Core Homiletics Seminar I
- History and Preaching
- Liturgy and Preaching
- Core Homiletics Seminar II
Each core course is comprised of three main periods of study:
- Online Pre-Study Period
As each course begins, students are introduced to the content of the
course through an on-line syllabus with assigned readings, downloadable
pod casts, and asynchronous discussions on the course web page. Students
complete each weeks assignment on their own, but are expected to share
their learning and respond to others learning online within an established
time frame.
- Intensive Session
The intensive experience brings students and professor together
face-to-face for
4 days of lecture, discussions, and casework at Aquinas Institute in St. Louis. The intensive also includes time for communal prayer and recreation. Lodging and
meals are provided at a local retreat center in the St. Louis area.
- Online Post-Study Period
Students continue their online study and research for several weeks after
the Intensive Session. Students continue to complete reading and writing
assignments and engage in discussion sessions on-line. Generally courses
end with a final project or paper.
Either subsequently or concurrently, each student also
completes two elective courses ( a total of six credit hours) in their own
locale. Elective study is to be interdisciplinary in nature and directed
toward the student's final thesis project.
After completing the six core courses and two electives - a
total of twenty-four credit hours the student works with an assigned thesis
advisor to prepare a formal thesis proposal of approximately fifteen to twenty
pages in length. Once approved by the DMin Committee, the student may begin
work on the final six-credit thesis project.
Throughout the duration of the program, the student is asked
to maintain an on-line portfolio where key preaching case studies and written
assignments are posted. By viewing the portfolio, students and faculty alike
will be able to trace a student's progress toward meeting the program outcomes.
A much fuller description of the program's structure
, dates, and curriculum is
available and may be printed out for future reference. Contact the
Admissions office for additional information.
What kinds of ministry does the program provide formation for?
- Full-time preachers in parish, retreat or spiritual
renewal settings
- Promoters of preaching in pastoral settings (e.g.,
directors of continuing formation of clergy for a diocese, synod or those
working with permanent deacons)
- Skilled practitioners of preaching prepared to teach
graduate homiletics courses
How do I apply?
Both lay and ordained preachers are invited to apply for the program.
Applicants are required to hold a Master of Divinity degree that includes at
least six hours of course work in preaching. They are also expected to possess
at least three years of full-time ministry experience. Occasionally, students
who do not possess a Master of Divinity degree can be admitted if they are able
to demonstrate M.Div. equivalency through other graduate work, publication or on-going
study, and extensive ministerial experience. Applicants who need to request
M.Div. equivalency are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office early to
allow extra time for application consideration.
The application,
with instructions (207Kb PDF), is available for download.
