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Program Overview

Program Overview

A Doctor of Ministry degree expresses the culmination of your theological training. As a terminal degree in our field, the D.Min. is best understood as a professional doctorate for ministry practitioners. In our program we equip exemplary Christian leaders with deep formation and advanced competencies for thriving, biblically framed mission for a variety of contexts, especially congregational ministry.

You will experience a community of fellow practitioners from diverse backgrounds who together are thinking critically about the church and its future. Be challenged in your own formational journey as a leader of your community and contribute a meaningful resource to the world of the church through your original research focused on the practices of ministry.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Our courses are offered in week residency formats each Fall and Spring semester combined with online engagement to offer accessible doctoral education within your busy schedule. This hybrid format allows you the best of going to school as a working professional.

  • Application with $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Three letters of recommendation: one from a college or university administrator or professor, one from a professional supervisor/employer and one from a church leader or minister
  • Official transcripts emailed to gradadmissions [at] lipscomb.edu (gradadmissions[at]lipscomb[dot]edu) or mailed to Graduate Admissions (One University Park Dr., Nashville, TN 37204)
  • The Hazelip School of Theology normally recognizes a bachelor's degree in ministry and an accredited Master of Divinity degree as the usual prerequisites for admission to the Doctor of Ministry program. Students with different academic backgrounds may qualify for admission with an accredited master’s degree related to one’s ministry and calling, provided they demonstrate abilities to thoughtfully interpret scripture, reflect theologically on the practice of ministry, and understand and adapt one’s ministry to the cultural context.
  • Undergraduate and graduate GPA of at least 3.0
  • 750-1,000-word essay discussing the applicant's religious heritage, calling, career goals and how Hazelip School of Theology might contribute to the achievement of those pursuits
  • Writing sample that illustrates appropriate writing skills (e.g. academic paper or a recently published article)
  • Ministry Documentation 
    • Written endorsement of the applicant's admission to the D.Min. program from his or her church or para-church organization

Priority deadline for Fall 2025 is July 1, 2025.

International Students

International students are required to be proficient in written and oral English before enrolling. A score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of approximately 570 on the paper-based test, or 80 on the iBT, or an IELTS exam with an overall band score of 6.5 is the minimum accepted for admittance. For more information, see International Students admissions policy.

Admissions Policy

Courses

Courses

Tuition & Aid

Tuition & Aid

Our current tuition rate is set at $346* per credit hour for our D.Min. Program. The program requires 13 hours in the first year, 19 hours in the second year and four hours in the third year. Tuition covers the cost of breakfasts and lunches during each residency as well as room and board for the weekend retreats. The $1,000 travel course is NOT included in the price of tuition (DMIN 7423). Lipscomb also offers interest-free monthly payment plans depending on the length of each semester.

*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.

Flexible Schedule

Our courses are offered in week residency formats each Fall and Spring semester combined with online engagement to offer accessible doctoral education within your busy schedule. This hybrid format allows you the best of going to school as a working professional.

Small Class Sizes

You’ll have opportunities to engage in meaningful discussion, receive one-on-one faculty mentorship and ask difficult questions in our small class sizes. Plus, you’ll feel supported in a tight-knit learning community.

Cohort Model

Our cohort model emphasizes communal learning and extended field experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to form professional and personal relationships with like-minded peers that will extend far beyond the duration of the program.

Our Faculty

  • Carlus Gupton headshot

    Carlus Gupton

    Director, Doctor of Ministry Program

    Carlus is from Mayfield, Kentucky. He began preaching at age 17 and has continued for over 45 years, broadening this work in 2001 to include training ministers. In addition to...

    Meet Carlus Gupton
  • Kris Miller headshot

    Kris Miller

    Assistant Professor

    Kris Miller joined the faculty of the College of Bible and Ministry in 2015, serving as assistant professor of theology and director of Lipscomb's Institute for Christian Spirituality. He has...

    Meet Kris Miller
  • Lauren White headshot

    Lauren White

    Assistant Professor

    Lauren Smelser White has served as Assistant Professor of Theology at Lipscomb since 2018 and teaches various undergraduate and graduate courses in Bible and systematic, historical, and contextual theology. She...

    Meet Lauren White
  • Frank Guertin headshot

    Frank Guertin

    Assistant Dean and Associate Professor

    Frank Guertin is Assistant Dean for the Hazelip School of Theology at Lipscomb University and Assistant Professor of Theology. Guertin completed his bachelor's degree at Ohio Valley University and his...

    Meet Frank Guertin
  • Earl Lavender headshot

    Earl Lavender

    Professor

    Earl was born to missionary parents in Trieste, Italy. He earned undergraduate degrees from Ohio Valley College and David Lipscomb College (Physical Education and Coaching).  He is married to the...

    Meet Earl Lavender
  • Aaron Howard headshot

    Aaron Howard

    Assistant Professor

    Aaron teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in ethics. He holds a PhD in Ethics and Society from Vanderbilt University. an MA in Theology & Biblical Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary,...

    Meet Aaron Howard

Career Paths

Directors, religious activities and education

Plan, direct, or coordinate programs designed to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling and guidance relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.

Clergy

Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members.

Postsecondary Teachers

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and technical subjects beyond the high school level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.