Starting this September, McMaster Divinity College is excited to announce the introduction of the Doctor of Practical Theology degree*. The Doctor of Practical Theology fulfills the mission of the College especially in its commitment to the church and society. The range of ministry leadership roles has become more diverse in the past decade. Emerging leaders in a wide variety of enterprises have indicated interest in advanced study (i.e. CEO of a non-profit Christian ministry, educational affiliates both nationally and internationally, Executive Pastors and other vocational ministry leaders). With this degree, we mirror other professions that have created advanced study at the professional level and do so in a way that allows program participants to conduct practice-led research in ministry at the research level.
Admission for pre-acceptance* will soon open.
Program participants will:
a. Develop competencies in connecting theological discourse with core identified practices of ministry and the wider field of Practical Theology. The program will be grounded by research in Practical Theology and in the emerging literature of this growing field of study;
b. Advance capacity for critical and constructive theological reflection regarding the practice of ministry;
c. Obtain skills in the design, implementation, and assessment of practice-led research;
d. Develop a comprehensive understanding of and practice of ethics appropriate to their vocational calling;
e. Expand their own spiritual capacity in areas relevant to their vocational practice of ministry.
Admission Requirements:
BA or equivalent in an appropriate field of study with a minimum B average
Master of Theological Studies or equivalent with a GPA of B or above (students may enter the DPT immediately following completion of their Master’s degree)
Candidates will be reviewed for experience and educational expertise in an area of ministry. Coursework in the Doctor of Practical Theology will build on evaluation of previous study.
Ministry Experience:
Three to five years of ministry experience or equivalent is preferred. A minimum of three years of ministry, not necessarily pastoral, is required for entrance into the program. The ideal candidate will be encouraged by their local church, or church-based organization, for advanced professional work in a particular area of focus.
TOEFL Requirement for International Students: 92
MORE DETAILS HERE