Doctor of Ministry in Christian Apologetics

 

This unique distance learning program may be completed within five (5) years from first enrollment. Full-time status is 6 units per semester. The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) is a professional degree comprised of 36 semester credit hours. The program is designed for those in ministry, or those seeking additional knowledge and practical competency in apologetics on the doctoral level. You may also take courses in the summer.

The program may be completed entirely through distance learning except for the Ministry Project and Defense (one day on campus by arrangement). However, there will be opportunities to take residential one-week or one-semester courses. In addition, opportunities for synchronous (interactive live-streaming) courses will be offered. Incorporating distance-learning courses without residency requirement provides busy students with a convenient and affordable program without interrupting their professional career or requiring relocation to southern California.

Student Learning Outcomes

      • To learn how to defend the historic Christian faith theologically.
      • To learn how to defend the Christian worldview through critical thinking methods.
      • To develop a more robust Christian Worldview.
      • To learn how to identify, plan, research and defend an apologetic project for use within a specific ministry application related to a church, ministry, or school.

    Requirements for Admission

    VIU graduates holding an MDiv degree or an MA of at least 48 units will receive advanced standing for direct admission into the program with no further requirements. Non-VIU applicants holding an MDiv degree or a Masters degree in a related field (e.g. theology, religion, apologetics, Bible, etc) of at least 48 units are encouraged to apply for admission. The MA applicant may be required to complete additional graduate level courses (up to 12 units) to address any curricular deficiencies as determined by the Registrar/Chief Academic Officer. The MA applicant may be admitted to the DMin program while simultaneously fulfilling these additional graduate level courses, and concurrently may fulfill up to 15 units of DMin requirements. All applicants should have a minimum of 3 years ministry experience.

    Required Distance Learning (DL) Courses –30 semester credit hours

      * Prerequisite Courses: Each student must complete the following prerequisite courses: Introduction to Philosophy or History of Philosophy & Christian Thought and Logic. These courses may be fulfilled after admission into the Doctor of Ministry program. *Note: A course of the same title taken at the graduate level cannot be repeated at the doctoral level. However, a more advanced, follow-on course can be designed as an arranged course. If the doctoral student has already satisfied the core major requirements at the graduate level, then he/she may complete individually-designed arranged courses or based on the desired focus, in consultation with faculty and approved by the program director.  

    The following courses are fulfilled through distance learning (DL) in a 15-week semester. *

    AP901 Advanced Christian Apologetics (3)                    AP906 Advanced Resurrection of Christ (3)

    AP902 Advanced Scientific Apologetics (3)                   AP907 Apologetics and the Art of Persuasion (3)

    AP903 Advanced Islamic Apologetics (3)                       AP908 Conversational Apologetics (3)

    AP904 Advanced World Religions (3)                              AP909 Apologetics and Contemporary Issues I (3)

    AP905 Advanced New Religious Movements (3)          AP910 Apologetics for Contemporary Issues II (3)

    Ministry Project and Defense – 6 semester credit hours

    The Ministry Project and Defense (MP900) offers an opportunity for the student to make a unique and practical contribution related to apologetics. The contribution and presentation are unique to the student’s apologetic gifting and practical ministry goals that will benefit the body of Christ. The actual presentation and defense of the Ministry Project is fulfilled on campus and scheduled by appointment with your supervisor.

    PREREQUISITE: The DMin project can be approved and begun once a minimum of 18 units of DMin course work has been completed.

    Doctor of Ministry Program Schedule (D.Min.)
    Year 1 (12 units)
    Fall Spring Summer
    2 Courses – 6 units 2 Course – 6 units Optional
    Year 2 (12 units)
    Fall Spring Summer
    2 Courses – 6 units 2 Course – 6 units Optional
    Year 3 (12 units)
    Fall Spring Summer
    2 Courses – 6 units 2 Courses – 6 units Optional
    MP900 Ministry Project Research, Presentation, and Defense – 6 units
    Total Semester Hours: 36

    *This degree can prepare someone for the following California Occupational Codes: Clergy 21-2011; Directors, religious activities and education 21-2021; Religious workers 21-2099.