Doctor of Educational Ministry (D.Ed.Min.)
“The D.Ed.Min. program at Southern Seminary is a great blend of being academically challenging yet practically focused for a ministry setting. One of the program’s strengths is it’s commitment to being biblically and theologically sound in every area of ministry. The genuine love for Christ that is shown by the professors and students creates an encouraging community of learning.”
—Dr. Jonathan Guekgeuzian, D.Ed.Min. Leadership, Southern Seminary, Christian Leadership and Church Ministries Chair, Liberty University
Fully online concentrations now available
Through our online concentrations (Applied Theology, Biblical Counseling, Christian Ministry, and Global Missions), you can complete your full degree without a single trip to campus.
Learn moreLeadership Development
Students will develop their skills as leaders in the local church, academia, or other ministry contexts.
Educational Focus
Students will hone their skills in educationally driven ministries.
Competent Research
Students will develop competency in research geared towards their ministry context.
Doctor of Educational Ministry Coursework
The three years consist of four 4-day seminars, two educational seminars (a total of six seminars), a 1-day writing seminar, and a week-long Project Methodology section. All seminars are held in the Winter and Summer terms – typically January and July.
Prior to each seminar, students will complete pre-seminar work that typically consists of approximately 2500 pages of reading and several writing assignments. Seminars will require some assignments during the week of the seminar. Following each seminar, students will take a Contextualized Writing Seminar in which they will work toward the completion of their ministry research project.
Research with an Immediate Impact
The ministry research project is a 100-125 page research project that applies specifically to the student’s interest and ministry context. The culmination of the degree is an oral examination over the written project.
Students also have the option of applying to write a research thesis. The research thesis is an option for D.Min/D.Ed.Min. students with exceptional writing and research skills. Students must apply for permission to present a research thesis in place of the Ministry Research Project by submitting a Research Thesis Request by a specified date within their first semester.
Students will be able to…
- demonstrate advanced and critical study of Christian formation from theological and historical perspectives as well as behavioral and social science perspectives,
- demonstrate an advanced and critical study of organizational and leadership development and the social contexts for ministry,
- demonstrate an advanced and critical study of educational theory and practice as it relates to local church and other ministry contexts,
- demonstrate the ability to use standard research tools and methods in the chosen field of study, and
- research, plan, and implement a project relevant to his/her vocational ministry and to communicate the plan and its results effectively.
Students will select a field of concentration from one of the following tracks:
- Applied Theology*
- Biblical Counseling*
- Biblical Spirituality
- Black Church Leadership
- Christian Apologetics
- Christian Ministry*
- Christian Worship
- Church Revitalization
- Discipleship and Christian Education
- Family Ministry
- Global Missions*
- Leadership
- Urban Ministry
*Available fully online. Learn more here.
Cohort Learning
Southern’s D.Ed.Min. courses allow you to study with a cohort of other educators, pastors, staff members, or missionaries who are often facing the same issues you are. Not only does the cohort system promote collegiality and friendships that may last a lifetime, but it also provides a ready-made base for prayer support.
Convenient Scheduling
Courses are offered in manageable, one-week segments that allow you to complete the degree with less than thirty days on campus over the length of the degree. Our goal is to offer a solid academic and practical program that does not sacrifice your on-the-field time in the process.
Faculty Expertise & Experience
All of our faculty members are experts in their fields, having earned a doctoral degree and having significant experience in the local church or the mission field. Our professors are practitioners as well as scholars.
Faculty Guidance & Mentoring in Research
In the research and writing stage, you will work with a project methodology supervisor to compose a project proposal. Following proposal submission, you will be paired with a faculty supervisor to give guidance and support throughout your written project.
Proven Track Record
Our Professional Doctoral graduates are serving as pastors, staff members, missionaries, state convention and denominational employees, and adjunct professors. Our oldest graduates (having graduated in their 70s!) are still serving faithfully in ministry.
Intentional Evaluation
We evaluate our programs after every seminar and make necessary changes based on student critiques. Our goal will always be to be the finest D.Ed.Min. program in the country.
Southern Seminary offers the D.Ed.Min. degree at an affordable cost with a workable payment plan:
| Full Program Tuition Costs* | Down Payment | Payment Plan** | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBC | $13,710 | $1000 due before first seminar | $353/month for 36 months |
| Non-SBC | $17,681 | $463.36/month for 36 months | |
| *Program Tuition shown is for the 2021-22 Academic Year. Additional fees are subject to the current catalog. Please see the current catalog for a full listing of current fees. **36-month payment plan is interest-free if payments are made on time. | |||
D.Ed.Min. students pay $1000 prior to attending their first seminar. The remainder of the program fee is paid through a 36-month interest-free payment plan. All students beyond 3 years or 36 months in the program are charged a Continuation Fee each semester (currently $1000).
Textbooks, lodging, food, travel, and graduation costs are not included in the program fee.
The Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention helps pay for the tuition of students from Southern Baptist churches, which allows for the reduced price for SBC students. To find out how to join the SBC, Contact the SBC Executive Committee’s Office of Convention Relations.
Be equipped for more faithful service to the church.
Schedule a Doctoral Campus Visit
Visiting Southern will give you an opportunity to explore our beautiful campus and to get all of your important questions answered.
Attend Preview Day
Southern Seminary hosts a Preview Day each Spring and Fall – attendees are automatically entered to win a $1000 scholarship.
Request Information
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