The Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Educational Ministry programs have different prerequisites for admission. Find out the degrees and ministry experience required for each program below.
Admissions Requirements
Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism, and Ministry
The Billy Graham School offers Doctor of Educational Ministry (D.Ed.Min.) degrees in all concentrations and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degrees in the following concentrations: Biblical Counseling, Black Church Leadership, Christian Ministry, Christian Worship, Church Revitalization, Discipleship and Christian Education, Family Ministry, Global Missions, Leadership, and Urban Ministry.
These degrees require a regionally-accredited master’s degree (M.Div., MACE., or M.A.) totaling no fewer than 48 hours, with at least twelve hours in biblical or theological studies and at least twelve hours in leadership, administration, education, or ministry studies, with a GPA of at least a B (3.0).
The D.Min. and D.Ed.Min in Biblical Counseling requires a regionally-accredited master’s degree (M.Div., MACE., or M.A.) totaling no fewer than 48 hours, with at least twelve hours in biblical or theological studies, at least nine hours in leadership, administration, education, or ministry studies, and at least three hours in counseling, with a GPA of at least a B (3.0).
School of Theology
The School of Theology offers a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree in the following concentrations: Applied Theology, Biblical Spirituality, Biblical Theology, Christian Apologetics, Expository Preaching, New Testament Exposition and Old Testament Exposition.
A 72 hour Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree is required for the following concentrations: Biblical Theology, Expository Preaching, New Testament Exposition and Old Testament Exposition.
The M.Div. degree, or its equivalent, must be from an accredited institution including the study of both Hebrew and Greek, with a GPA of at least a B (3.0).
Questions regarding M.Div. or MACE. equivalency
*If you have questions regarding M.Div. or MACE. equivalency, contact our office for information on evaluation and leveling work.
**Applicants for whom English is not their native language applying to an English language program must submit an acceptable score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Application Process
Applicants should apply for admission through the Office of Admissions. Once all of the application components have been reviewed and cleared by Admissions, the applicant’s entire profile will be reviewed for admission by Professional Doctoral Studies faculty and staff. See below for a step by step outline of the application process and a helpful application checklist.
- Apply for Admission to Southern Seminary.
- Complete a Ministry Field Essay of 750-1,000 words in response to a case calling for the application of biblical and theological insights into a ministry situation.
- Submit a Ministry Resume outlining your present and past ministry experience.
Application Checklist (PDF Document)
Application Deadlines
Completed applications must be received by:
March 15 – Summer term
October 15 – January term