The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Updated April 2, 2024
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Students who are passionate about spreading their faith or teaching others to do the same can earn a doctorate in ministry. An online ministry doctoral degree allows graduates to become ministry professors or researchers. In the ministry teaching profession, doctorate holders can influence future religious leaders and make an average of $80,000 per year. Graduates can also be pastors and religious counselors. Graduates can start their own churches, counsel distressed people, and work in hospitals or existing churches. Payscale reports that the average salary for learners with this degree is $74,000 per year.
Ministry Programs for You
The Best Online Doctorate in Ministry Degree Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Duke University
Durham, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Duke University offers an online ministry program for doctoral students. At the private university, degree-seekers participate in virtual classrooms to earn a doctorate in ministry. Doctoral students meet with career advisors and faculty mentors.
The online ministry program requires doctoral coursework. Doctoral candidates move through the program by passing exams and researching a dissertation project. A doctorate in ministry trains graduates for roles in research, academia, and leadership.
At the accredited institution, online doctoral students qualify for scholarships, federal loans, and other forms of financial aid. Contact the program to learn more about financial aid, enrollment options, and start dates.
Duke University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 997
Online Master's Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $55,680
#2 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Boston University
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of ministry in transformational leadership program at Boston University offers an online option for doctoral students. At the private university, degree-seekers participate in virtual classrooms to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students work closely with faculty mentors and career advisors.
The online ministry program requires doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. A doctorate in ministry trains graduates for roles in research, academia, and leadership.
The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about research support, financial aid opportunities, and admission requirements.
Boston University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,205
Online Master's Programs: 24
Online Doctoral Programs: 4
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $54,720
#3 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Emory University
Atlanta, GA - 4 years
- Campus
The doctor of ministry program at Emory University appeals to doctoral students seeking an online route to their degree. The private university provides flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of diverse degree-seekers. Doctoral students strengthen their research skills and present at academic conferences.
The online ministry program requires doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates spend 1-2 years researching and writing their dissertation. As the terminal degree in ministry, the program prepares graduates for academic, research, and industry positions.
Doctoral students qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and federal financial aid programs at the accredited institution. Contact the program for more information about financial aid and the admission process.
Emory University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,426
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $42,800
#4 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Clarks Summit University
South Abington Township, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Doctoral students seeking an online ministry program benefit from the doctor of ministry program at Clarks Summit University. The private university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible format. Doctoral students receive research support throughout the program.
Learners take doctoral classes in the ministry program. Doctoral candidates advance in the program by passing comprehensive exams and writing an original dissertation. Graduates with a doctorate pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.
Online doctoral students can pay for their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid. Contact the program for more information about financial aid and the admission process.
Clarks Summit University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 490
Online Master's Programs: 5
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,160
#5 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Luther Rice College & Seminary
Lithonia, GA - 4 years
- Online
Luther Rice College & Seminary offers a top-ranked online doctor of ministry program. At the private institution, degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible environment. Doctoral students strengthen their research skills and present in academic conferences.
In the online ministry program, learners complete doctoral-level coursework. Doctoral candidates pass comprehensive examinations and conduct research for their dissertation. As the terminal degree in ministry, the doctoral program trains graduates for roles in academia, research, and industry.
Doctoral students who attend the accredited institution in an online format qualify for several types of financial aid. Contact the program to learn more about doctoral admission requirements.
Luther Rice College & Seminary at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 760
Online Master's Programs: 5
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,130
#6 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Doctoral students seeking an online ministry program benefit from the doctor of ministry program at Liberty University. The private university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible format. Doctoral students strengthen their research skills and present in academic conferences.
During the online ministry program, learners take 30 credits of doctoral courses to earn their degree. Doctoral candidates pass comprehensive examinations and conduct research for their dissertation. Professionals with a ministry doctorate work in academia, research, and leadership roles.
At the accredited institution, doctoral students can use fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to pay for their degree. Contact the ministry program for more information about doctoral admissions.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 78,511
Online Master's Programs: 67
Online Doctoral Programs: 9
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,980
Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted
#7 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN - 4 years
- Online
Doctoral students seeking an online program benefit from the ministry program at Indiana Wesleyan University. At the private university, degree-seekers participate in virtual classrooms to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students receive support services like career advising and research support.
In the online ministry program, graduate learners take advanced courses. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates conduct research and defend an original dissertation that contributes to the field. A doctorate in ministry trains graduates for roles in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students pay for the program with federal financial aid, fellowships, and scholarships. Contact the program for more information about financial aid and the admission process.
Indiana Wesleyan University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 11,075
Online Master's Programs: 29
Online Doctoral Programs: 3
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,083
#8 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of ministry in spirituality program at The Catholic University of America offers a flexible route to a doctorate. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the private institution. Doctoral students receive research support, library access, and career advising.
Learners complete doctoral coursework in the online ministry program. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates propose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. With a doctorate, graduates work in academia, research positions, and leadership roles.
Doctoral students qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and federal financial aid programs at the accredited institution. Contact the ministry program for more information about financial aid and the admission process.
The Catholic University of America at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 738
Online Master's Programs: 8
Online Doctoral Programs: 3
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $48,000
#9 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Bethel University
Saint Paul, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of ministry program at Bethel University appeals to doctoral students seeking an online route to their degree. At the private institution, degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible environment. Doctoral students strengthen their research skills and present in academic conferences.
In the online ministry program, learners take doctoral-level courses. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates complete a dissertation that contributes original research to the field. A doctorate in ministry prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and leadership.
Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.
Bethel University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,569
Online Master's Programs: 12
Online Doctoral Programs: 6
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,700
#10 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
North Greenville University
Tigerville, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The D.Min. program at North Greenville University offers a doctorate in ministry in an online learning format. With flexible enrollment options, the private school helps degree-seekers earn a doctorate. Doctoral students receive research support throughout the program.
In the online ministry program, graduate learners complete advanced classes. The program also requires passing scores on a comprehensive examination and the successful defense of an original dissertation project. With a doctorate in ministry, graduates pursue academic, research, and industry roles.
Online doctoral students at the accredited institution pay for their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and loans. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about research support, financial aid opportunities, and admission requirements.
North Greenville University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 396
Online Master's Programs: 11
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,800
#11 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Fordham University
Bronx, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online doctor of ministry program at Fordham University ranks as one of the best degrees in the field. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the private institution. Doctoral students conduct research and participate in academic conferences.
The doctoral program incorporates advanced coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates begin working on an original dissertation project. A doctorate leads to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students pay for the program with federal financial aid, fellowships, and scholarships. Prospective applicants can contact the program for more about financial aid and admission requirements.
Fordham University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,097
Online Master's Programs: 12
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $34,608
#12 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Waxahachie, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online ministry program at Southwestern Assemblies of God University ranks among the best in the field. At the private institution, degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible environment. Doctoral students receive research support throughout the program.
During the online ministry program, learners take doctoral courses to earn their degree. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates complete a dissertation that contributes original research to the field. A doctorate in ministry prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and leadership.
Online doctoral students at the accredited institution qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about admission requirements.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,440
Online Master's Programs: 16
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,710
#13 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Lancaster Bible College
Lancaster, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The D.Min. program at Lancaster Bible College offers a flexible route to a doctorate. The private university provides flexible enrollment options for degree-seekers. Doctoral students participate in career counseling and benefit from research support.
The online ministry program requires doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates begin working on an original dissertation project. A doctorate leads to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.
The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Contact the ministry program for more information about doctoral admissions.
Lancaster Bible College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 550
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,440
#14 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Southern California Seminary
El Cajon, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Southern California Seminary offers a doctor of ministry program with an online learning format. At the private university, degree-seekers participate in virtual classroom work to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students receive research support and participate in scholarly events.
In the online program, learners take advanced doctoral coursework in ministry. After completing coursework, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation or doctoral project. As the terminal degree in ministry, the doctoral program trains graduates for roles in academia, research, and industry.
Doctoral students who enroll online at the accredited institution qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. Reach out to the ministry program to learn more about the application process and start dates.
Southern California Seminary at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 130
Online Master's Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,588
#15 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of ministry in leadership and spiritual formation program at Regent University offers an online option for doctoral students. With its flexible format, the private university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate. Doctoral students participate in career counseling and benefit from research support.
In the online ministry program, graduate learners complete advanced classes. Doctoral candidates advance in the program by passing comprehensive exams and writing an original dissertation. Graduates with a ministry doctorate pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.
At the accredited institution, doctoral students can use fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to pay for their degree. Reach out to the ministry program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.
Regent University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 9,507
Online Master's Programs: 37
Online Doctoral Programs: 12
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,552
Online Doctorate in Ministry Degree Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
-
Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
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Choosing an Online Doctorate in Ministry Program
A learner who pursues an online ministry doctoral degree can customize their classes. They can choose to focus on areas like evangelism, biblical studies, applied theology, children's ministry, theological research, or pastoral counseling. Even programs without concentrations allow students to focus on a specific career. Degree candidates can choose from electives, including the psychology of religion, growing a church, theological improv, and spirituality in today's society. Degree candidates who want to study any of these areas should check course availability before enrolling. Researching a school is especially important for those who want to be pastoral counselors. Students should also consider programs that can ordain them in their denomination. Applicants may need to check with both church officials and university representatives to determine ordainment.
Many schools that offer ministry programs require students to attend church and grow in their faith. As such, it is important for learners to choose a school that aligns with their spiritual beliefs. Admission requirements also affect which university an applicant attends. For example, an institution that offers an online ministry doctoral degree may only accept applicants who have a master's degree in a related subject and pastoral experience.
What Else Can I Expect From an Online Doctorate in Ministry Program?
Each online ministry doctoral degree may look different based on student preferences and what each university offers. Ministry programs; however, often have commonalities. Students may find that many schools provide similar concentrations and courses. Below, are some of the specializations and classes that degree candidates encounter.
Concentrations Offered for an Online Doctoral Degree in Ministry
- Pastoral Counseling:
Ministers not only profess and help others grow in faith, but they also help church members through difficult times. Learners who want to serve troubled constituents can benefit from this track. Students in this concentration take courses such as psychology, religion, and crisis intervention.- Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Head pastor, chaplain
- Marriage and Family Ministry:
The family is at the heart of many religions. This concentration allows students to learn how marriage and parenthood can affect faith. Students learn to conduct premarital counseling, help new parents, and use spirituality to keep families together. Graduates with this specialization often become head pastors or youth ministers.- Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Head pastor, youth minister
- Academic Ministry:
Degree candidates who want to teach future pastors and church leaders can benefit from this concentration. Students learn to research theological issues and approach spiritual questions with academic rigor. They also study religious texts. Many graduates stay in academia as professors and researchers.- Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Professor
Curriculum for an Online Doctoral Degree in Ministry
- Communities of Faith:
This course teaches students to form a church where members can grow in their faith. Learners discover how to gain disciples and strengthen existing communities. - Faith in Today's Culture:
This course considers the role of religion in a changing society. Learners in these classes place their faith in historical and societal contexts. They learn to address local and global issues with spiritual principles. - Christian Spiritual Formation:
This course examines the history of biblical principles. Degree candidates learn how different sects of Christianity began and what differentiates belief systems.
- Theological Foundations of Ministry:
Learners in these courses study the religious principles that guide ministers in their religions. For example, biblical students learn about the Christian tenants of church leadership. - Thesis Seminar:
A doctor of ministry degree often requires students to complete a thesis project. Learners use this time to research specific areas of ministry, become experts, and prepare to defend their theories.
Careers with a Doctorate in Ministry
Although a doctorate in ministry is a specialized degree, graduates have many career paths. Learners with this educational background can become senior pastors, church executive directors, or college professors. Students may select electives based on the career they prefer.
- Senior Pastor:
These spiritual leaders give sermons and lead ministries at churches. They may have other pastors that work under them, or they may be the only ministers at their congregations. Senior pastors at larger churches tend to earn more than their peers. They may work for any Protestant Christian sect, including Baptist and Presbyterian.- Median Annual Salary: $67,679
- Executive Director:
Since churches are often nonprofit organizations, they need business-minded and spiritually guided leaders to help them succeed. Executive directors oversee all church activities, from spiritual guidance to fundraising. A doctorate can help directors learn to grow congregations. Learners who want to follow this path may choose business-related electives.- Median Annual Salary: $86,418
- Postsecondary Teachers:
University faculty members teach classes in ministry and theology. Professors can specialize in certain areas, often a subject that relates to their thesis project. Many colleges and universities require postsecondary teachers to have a doctorate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that this profession will grow much faster than the average career.- Median Annual Salary: $80,840
- Projected Growth Rate: 8%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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