DMin & Doctoral Programs
Doctor of Ministry | Doctor of Leadership
Portland Seminary offers two professional doctoral programs that are the most advanced degrees for educated, experienced leaders as they cultivate and grow their influence:
Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, our hybrid-online doctoral programs develop confident, Christ-centered leaders skilled in creatively addressing the needs, problems or opportunities in their contexts. In each doctoral program, you’ll benefit from:
- A lead faculty mentor, there to shape and inspire your experience as you travel throughout your program
- A close, cohort community
- A flexible, online format
- Intentional and formative face-to-face experiences
- The Collaborative Design methodology for addressing a real need, problem, or opportunity in your context
- A Project Portfolio research sequence designed for ministry professionals
Whether you start a nonprofit, launch a podcast, or write a book, our approach to Collaborative Design for Ministry and Nonprofit Contexts equips you to address a ministry need, problem, or opportunity. The programs lead you on a journey of discovery where you will gain a skill set that you will use regularly after graduation.
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
DMin in Faith and Cultural Engagement
In a time when the Christian public voice is often silenced by fear or distorted by ideology, the Doctor of Ministry in Faith and Cultural Engagement offers a different path. It’s a formational journey for leaders who view contested spaces as opportunities for dialogue and healing. You’ll learn how to engage the intersection of Christianity and culture with theological depth and historical awareness, and you’ll emerge as a redeeming presence in your ministry context.
DMin in Leadership and Spiritual Formation
Now more than ever, churches need growing leaders, renewed in their calling, who are dynamic in their problem solving and passionate about the church’s vitality. The Doctor of Ministry in Leadership and Spiritual Formation degree is a professional doctorate focusing on developing skills in application-oriented research for a ministry setting.
Master's Degree Requirements
Both of these degrees generally require an accredited master's degree in a ministry-related field (with some exceptions for the DMin in Leadership and Spiritual Formation). Don't have a ministry-related master's degree? Check out the admission requirements for doctoral programs.
Doctor of Leadership in Global Perspectives
As an educated, experienced Christian leader, you see the need to guide your community or organization through uncertain times into a hopeful future. Join a Christ-centered, theologically-informed and faith-affirming Doctor of Leadership in Global Perspectives program tasked with equipping you to do just that.
This degree requires a relevant master's degree for admission.
Still unsure if a professional doctorate is the right approach?
Find out how to choose between a professional doctorate or a PhD
Stephanie Hurd
Doctor of Ministry
The greatest joy of my [doctoral program] was the gaining of knowledge within the relationships of my cohort. It was the delivery model of honing and sharpening together with [lead mentor]... and my fellow cohort. I was joining others on a journey that drew me closer to Jesus and strengthened my vocation.
Questions?
Haley Holman
Admissions Counselor, Portland Seminary