The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
By
Updated on November 30, 2023
An online ministry doctoral degree allows graduates to become ministry professors or researchers.
Are you ready to discover your college program?
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
Learn More
Visit Site
Learn More
Visit Site
The Best Online Doctorate in Ministry Degree Programs
#1 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Duke University
Durham, NC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$55,880
- Out-of-state$55,880
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$55,680
- Out-of-state$55,680
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate8%
- Students Enrolled16,686
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment6%
- AccreditationYes
#2 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$54,720
- Out-of-state$54,720
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$54,720
- Out-of-state$54,720
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate19%
- Students Enrolled33,720
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
#3 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Emory University
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$53,070
- Out-of-state$53,070
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$42,800
- Out-of-state$42,800
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate16%
- Students Enrolled14,415
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
#4 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Clarks Summit University
- South Abington Township, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$26,082
- Out-of-state$26,082
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$8,160
- Out-of-state$8,160
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled771
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
#5 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Luther Rice College & Seminary
- Lithonia, GA
- 4 year
- Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$7,080
- Out-of-state$7,080
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$5,130
- Out-of-state$5,130
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled782
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
#6 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$15,417
- Out-of-state$15,417
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$7,980
- Out-of-state$7,980
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled85,586
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
#7 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Indiana Wesleyan University
- Marion, IN
- 4 year
- Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$8,453
- Out-of-state$8,453
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$11,083
- Out-of-state$11,083
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,410
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
#8 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
The Catholic University of America
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$46,950
- Out-of-state$46,950
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$48,000
- Out-of-state$48,000
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled5,771
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment13%
- AccreditationYes
#9 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Bethel University
- Saint Paul, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$38,300
- Out-of-state$38,300
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$11,700
- Out-of-state$11,700
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled4,005
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
#10 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
North Greenville University
- Tigerville, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$21,120
- Out-of-state$21,120
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$10,800
- Out-of-state$10,800
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled2,426
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment16%
- AccreditationYes
#11 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Fordham University
- Bronx, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$52,980
- Out-of-state$52,980
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$34,608
- Out-of-state$34,608
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate46%
- Students Enrolled16,972
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
#12 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
- Waxahachie, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$20,496
- Out-of-state$20,496
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$10,710
- Out-of-state$10,710
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled2,050
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
#13 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Lancaster Bible College
- Lancaster, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$25,162
- Out-of-state$25,162
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$10,440
- Out-of-state$10,440
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled2,172
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
#14 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Southern California Seminary
- El Cajon, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$15,588
- Out-of-state$15,588
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$15,588
- Out-of-state$15,588
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled176
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment74%
- AccreditationYes
#15 The Best Online Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Programs
Regent University
- Virginia Beach, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$17,220
- Out-of-state$17,220
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$15,552
- Out-of-state$15,552
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled10,365
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Programs
Doctorate in Ministry
2023
Online Doctorate in Ministry Degree Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyChoosing 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
Featured Image Credit: georgemuresan | iStock | Getty Images Plus
