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2018-2019 Student Handbook 57 Introduction to Program History The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree, first offered by the University of Chicago Divinity School, has been widely accepted among theological seminaries in the United States, and Denver Seminary was one of the early seminaries to adopt the degree program. Seminars were first offered in 1976, provisional approval for accreditation was granted by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the North Central Association of Schools and College (now known as the Higher Learning Commission) in 1978, the first students were graduated in 1979, and full accreditation was granted in 1981. The ATS not only endorses the degree for the professional ministry but examines seminaries affiliated with the ATS in a strong effort to maintain the highest academic standards for the degree. The DMin Committee Oversight of the DMin program is the responsibility of the DMin Committee, which is appointed by the provost/dean. The committee consists of faculty members, the DMin Director as chairperson, and the provost/dean as ex officio. The Director administers the program and is responsible to the provost/dean. Purpose of the DMin The DMin is an applicational degree for those engaged in ministry. For this reason, it requires more than understanding theory, as theory must be integrated into practice. The ATS accrediting standards for the DMin degree state that a DMin program should lead to: Advanced understanding of the nature and purposes of ministry; Enhanced competencies in pastoral analysis and ministerial skills; The integration of these dimensions into the theologically reflective practice of ministry; New knowledge about the practice of ministry; Continued growth in spiritual maturity. The DMin degree is different from the Ph.D. degree in its emphasis on direct application to professional practice. Learnings must be integrated into the life and ministry of the student. The DMin degree does not neglect research, as one must know what to apply before application can be made. It is research associated with practice and requires competence at the doctoral level in both research and application (professional and personal). This emphasis upon application and integration is reflected in the course papers and thesis. Orientation All students entering the DMin program must participate in online orientation prior to the first seminar. The orientation will include information on the administrative and academic aspects of the program. Doctoral Thesis Tuition and Fees Students must register for DT1101 Thesis the semester following their last seminar. Tuition for this 4-credit-hour course follows normal registration and payment deadlines. Following DT1101, students must register each subsequent semester for DT1102 Thesis Continuation until the semester they intend to graduate, or until the program limit expires (whichever occurs first). This is a no-