Admission Requirements

• An earned Master of Divinity degree from an accredited program with minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • If an applicant has earned a non-M.Div. masters-level theological degree, transcripts of that degree along with any other masters-level work can be evaluated by the NTS Registrar to determine M.Div. Equivalency – for more information about M.Div. Equivalence contact the Office of Admissions at 1.800.831.3011
  • 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.
• 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 M.Div. was earned while in a full-time ministerial role.
• Current professional full-time ministry position that can serve as the context for the D.Min. experience throughout the program.

Application Materials and Process

A completed application file consists of the following:

• Application Form completed and signed (online version)
• $25.00 Nonrefundable Application Fee
• Three Completed Reference Forms
  • Ecclesial Employer/Supervisor – the person to whom the applicant is most directly accountable in the current ministry context, i.e. District Superintendant
  • Academic Professor– a person from the applicants graduate theological program
  • Layperson in Ministry Setting
  • Recommenders should know the applicant well and be able to provide an honest assessment of character and professional competencies.  The applicant must list them on the Application Form and provide each with the specific corresponding Reference Form in a timely fashion (online application automatically distributes forms to email addresses provided).  The recommender must use the designated form but is welcome to submit a supplemental letter.  The applicant is welcome to so solicit other letters of reference in addition to the three required.
• Official Transcripts – Official transcripts detailing previous academic study from all universities or colleges attended, em­bossed with the school seal, sent directly from the issuing institution to the Office of Admissions at NTS.
• Theological Essay – A 1500 word typed, double-spaced essay of thoughtful and clear reflection on a current theological issue or practice of ministry.  The essay should demonstrate capacity for dialectical and critical thinking as well as evidence skills appropriate for pursuing an advanced professional degree such as correct spelling, grammar, and full bibliographic documentation.
• Informal Educational Curriculum Vitae – An informal document listing continuing educational credits, professional workshops and seminars, and reading programs representative of learning practices following the completion of a graduate theological degree.

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 

Applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis by the Doctor of Ministry Committee when files are complete.  Application forms can be downloaded or obtained from the Office of Admissions - 1.800.831.3011 ext. 5452 - enroll@nts.edu.

Doctor of Ministry program application deadlines are April 1 for the Janaury entrance term and November 1 for the June entrance term.  Please refer to the Academic Calendar on the D.Min. website for further information regarding important dates.