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Doctor of Practical Theology
The DPT program is designed for ministry practitioners who desire to contribute to their field of ministry through practice-led research.
Apply NowProgram Details
The Doctor of Practical Theology (DPT) at McMaster Divinity College is a research-focused professional doctorate designed for those engaged in ministry, leadership, and other Christian vocations. This program can be completed fully remotely, allowing students to remain in their current professional or ministry contexts while pursuing advanced theological education. The DPT fosters a dynamic relationship between theory and practice, equipping students to generate new insights that enhance their understanding of ministry and leadership in their specific institutional or professional settings.
A distinctive feature of the DPT is its emphasis on practice-led research, setting it apart from other professional degrees like the Doctor of Ministry (DMin). Rather than focusing on the creation of practical artifacts—such as curricula, sermon series, or pastoral tools—practice-led research explores the nature of ministry practice itself. This approach advances knowledge within practice by critically engaging real-world ministry contexts and developing new theoretical insights that inform and improve those practices. Rooted in the researcher’s own professional or volunteer work, this method integrates meaningful reflection with scholarly inquiry, leading to fresh perspectives and deeper theological engagement. Ultimately, the DPT enables students to make a significant, research-based contribution to the field of practical theology, enriching both their own ministry and the broader Christian community.
At A Glance
Program Duration
Designed to be completed in 3 years
Contact Admissions
Program Outline
| Number of Courses | |
| Core Courses (5 units each) | 3 |
| Research Methods for Practice-Led Doctoral Study Advanced Research in Practical Theology Advanced Biblical – Theological Research for Practice-Led Doctoral Study |
|
| Advanced Electives (5 units each) | 3 |
| Total courses | 6 |
| Retreat (1 unit each) | 3 |
| Professional Ethics Colloquy | 1 |
| Research Dissertation Project (15 units) | 1 |
Note: Research Dissertation Seminar will be required if proposal has not been submitted to faculty and approved upon completion of 6 courses. May be repeated once for continuing status.
Research Dissertation Project
The research dissertation project offers practitioner-scholars a unique opportunity to integrate practice-led research with theoretical reflection. The dissertation (40,000–60,000 words) refines the researcher’s engagement with practice while contributing to the broader field of practical theology.
Dissertations may explore traditional theological areas—such as preaching, pastoral theology, missional studies, or worship—or non-traditional topics, like church symbolism, iconography, or the arts. We welcome diverse research areas that advance knowledge and impact real-world ministry and practice. The dissertation will be defended orally.
Faculty Supervision
The doctoral committee includes a primary supervisor along with the program director of the Doctor of Practical Theology program. A second advisory member of the faculty will be added at the time of Research Proposal approval.
Program participants work with the Primary Supervisor to choose courses that fit with their overall focus, and that move them toward advanced research preparation.
Funding
McMaster Divinity College awards approximately half a million dollars in financial assistance to our students each year. This money is awarded on a needs basis and does not need to be repaid. Eligible DPT students can receive up to $1,500, in funding each year. Students can also take advantage of the following opportunities:
Academic Achievement Awards
MDC awards approximately $26,000 in academic awards and achievements each year. Students who show exceptional ability in specified areas may receive additional prizes and awards at the end of each academic year.
Grants & Loans For Ontario Residents
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Ontario students enrolled in the DPT program may be eligible, if qualified, for grants and loans awarded by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). When applying for OSAP, please indicate McMaster Divinity College as your institution. For questions regarding OSAP, contact MDC’s Financial Aid Office at mdcaid@mcmaster.ca.
Additional MDC Financial Assistance may be available for Ontario residents.
A typical first-year DPT student could have the following scenario*:
| MDC Financial Assistance Academic Awards |
$ 1,500 $ 500 |
| Total Funding | $ 2,000 |
| Tuition Fee | $ 8,584 |
| Amount Payable by Student | $ 6,584 |
*based on actual amounts from 2023-24
Tuition Fees
| Domestic Students Canadian students |
International Students Non-Canadian and visa students |
|
| Per year | $ 8,584.00 | $ 8,584.00 |
DPT students must pay a minimum of 3 years of tuition in this program.
All fees are subject to an additional $26 registration fee.
Students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students.
Additional Benefits
Students in our program can also take advantage of the following:
- Student study space (cubicle) in a secure room
- Full access to the Digital Theological Library
- Software licenses including: Microsoft 365, Zoom, LinkedIn Learning, EndNote, + more
Admissions Requirements
Agreement with the McMaster Divinity College Statement of Faith.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or its educational equivalent, with minimum B average
Master of Theological Studies (or similar i.e. Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, etc.) with a minimum B average (students may enter the DPT immediately following completion of their Master’s degree)
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.
A major paper from your Master’s degree, ideally in the field that you want to research
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Program Requirements
Program Outline
Number of Courses Core Courses (5 units each) 3 Research Methods for Practice-Led Doctoral Study
Advanced Research in Practical Theology
Advanced Biblical – Theological Research for Practice-Led Doctoral StudyAdvanced Electives (5 units each) 3 Total courses 6 Retreat (1 unit each) 3 Professional Ethics Colloquy 1 Research Dissertation Project (15 units) 1 Note: Research Dissertation Seminar will be required if proposal has not been submitted to faculty and approved upon completion of 6 courses. May be repeated once for continuing status.
Research Dissertation Project
The research dissertation project offers practitioner-scholars a unique opportunity to integrate practice-led research with theoretical reflection. The dissertation (40,000–60,000 words) refines the researcher’s engagement with practice while contributing to the broader field of practical theology.
Dissertations may explore traditional theological areas—such as preaching, pastoral theology, missional studies, or worship—or non-traditional topics, like church symbolism, iconography, or the arts. We welcome diverse research areas that advance knowledge and impact real-world ministry and practice. The dissertation will be defended orally.
Faculty Supervision
The doctoral committee includes a primary supervisor along with the program director of the Doctor of Practical Theology program. A second advisory member of the faculty will be added at the time of Research Proposal approval.
Program participants work with the Primary Supervisor to choose courses that fit with their overall focus, and that move them toward advanced research preparation.
-
Funding & Tuition Fees
Funding
McMaster Divinity College awards approximately half a million dollars in financial assistance to our students each year. This money is awarded on a needs basis and does not need to be repaid. Eligible DPT students can receive up to $1,500, in funding each year. Students can also take advantage of the following opportunities:
Academic Achievement Awards
MDC awards approximately $26,000 in academic awards and achievements each year. Students who show exceptional ability in specified areas may receive additional prizes and awards at the end of each academic year.
Grants & Loans For Ontario Residents
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Ontario students enrolled in the DPT program may be eligible, if qualified, for grants and loans awarded by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). When applying for OSAP, please indicate McMaster Divinity College as your institution. For questions regarding OSAP, contact MDC’s Financial Aid Office at mdcaid@mcmaster.ca.
Additional MDC Financial Assistance may be available for Ontario residents.
A typical first-year DPT student could have the following scenario*:
MDC Financial Assistance
Academic Awards$ 1,500
$ 500Total Funding $ 2,000 Tuition Fee $ 8,584 Amount Payable by Student $ 6,584 *based on actual amounts from 2023-24
Tuition Fees
Domestic Students
Canadian studentsInternational Students
Non-Canadian and visa studentsPer year $ 8,584.00 $ 8,584.00 DPT students must pay a minimum of 3 years of tuition in this program.
All fees are subject to an additional $26 registration fee.
Students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students.
Additional Benefits
Students in our program can also take advantage of the following:
- Student study space (cubicle) in a secure room
- Full access to the Digital Theological Library
- Software licenses including: Microsoft 365, Zoom, LinkedIn Learning, EndNote, + more
-
Admission Requirements
Admissions Requirements
Agreement with the McMaster Divinity College Statement of Faith.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or its educational equivalent, with minimum B average
Master of Theological Studies (or similar i.e. Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, etc.) with a minimum B average (students may enter the DPT immediately following completion of their Master’s degree)
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.
A major paper from your Master’s degree, ideally in the field that you want to research
Meet the Faculty
Lee Beach
Associate Professor of Christian Ministry, Garbutt F. Smith Chair of Ministry Formation, Director of Ministry Formation
Phil C. Zylla
Professor of Pastoral Theology, G. F. Hurlburt Chair of Preaching
Francis G.H. Pang
Assistant Professor of New Testament, Director of Information Technology
Take the Next Step
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Book an appointment
If you would like to speak directly with an Admissions Counsellor we would be glad to book an appointment at a time that works for you. You can choose to book an in-person appointment, a Zoom call, or a phone call. Quick question? Give us a phone call, drop us a text, or send us an email!
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Attend an online info session
Can’t make it to campus? No problem! Join one of our program-specific online information sessions to connect with us from wherever you are. These one-hour sessions are designed to give you the chance to ask questions and receive detailed information about the program that interests you. Be sure to register in advance so we can send you the meeting link and welcome you to the session!
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Visit us in-person
Come visit us in person! Meet with an admissions counsellor, meet faculty, and take a personalized tour of our campus. Experience firsthand what makes our community and programs so special.
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Download an on-demand lecture
Register now for access to our on-demand lectures. This is an opportunity to watch online lectures from our faculty, on your own schedule. Fill out the registration form for the lecture(s) you would like to view and we will send you a link to access the lectures. Check back often for new content!
Jesus – Elijah Confusion – Dr. Paul Evans
How to Disagree Christianly – Dr. Gord Heath
Knowing the Bible – Dr. Christopher Land
Theology of the Temple – Dr. Paul Evans
Old Testament Apologetics – Dr. Paul Evans
Part 1: Interpreting OT Law
Part 2: Interpreting Imprecatory PsalmsBiblical Wisdom – Dr. Paul Evans
Part 1: The Patriarchy of Wisdom
Part 2: Wisdom as Emotional and Practical Intelligence
Part 3: The Bible’s Use of Non-Israelite Wisdom
Application Checklist
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1. Agreement with Statement of Faith
Review McMaster Divinity College’s Statement of Faith.
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2. Personal Statement
Your personal statement should be no longer than one page and comment on the following questions:
What is your Christian experience?
What is the nature of your present local church involvement and/or para-church involvement?
What are your vocational and educational goals in pursuing the DPT?
Why is McMaster Divinity College the best for you to develop the above? -
3. Work & Ministry Experience
Provide a description of your past work experience, ministry, and leadership experience, and other studies/certifications.
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4. Writing Sample
Provide us with your Master’s thesis or writing sample in your proposed area of specialization.
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5. Proposed Dissertation Topic
A one-page description of the topic you are considering for your dissertation research project and how it is grounded in a practice of ministry (e.g. preaching, pastoral care, worship and liturgy, or leadership, etc.).
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6. References
You will be required to submit the names and contact information for your references in your application. References must be confidential. Please forward the appropriate reference form link (below) to your referees who will complete the form for direct submission to our Admissions Office.
PhD applicants must submit:
- Two academic references
- One pastoral reference
You will also be required to submit the name, title, and contact information for two additional referees who are willing to speak on your behalf, if contacted.
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7. Application Fee
You will be required to pay a $100.00 (CAD) non-refundable application fee. Students who pay after the application deadlines will be charged a late fee of $50.00 (CAD).
International students must pay an international application fee, see “Special Requirements for Visa/International Applicants” below.
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8. Transcripts
After submitting your application, please request official transcripts for all post-secondary education from your institution. Transcripts should be sent in original sealed envelope or official digital transcript to divadmit@mcmaster.ca or by mail to:
McMaster Divinity College
Admissions Dept
1280 Main St W
Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 -
Special Requirements for Visa/International Applicants
For students whose first language is not English, a TOEFL certificate with a minimum score of 92 IBT is required.
If submitted documents (including transcripts) are not in English, you maybe required to submit an official translation of these documents (WES evaluation may be requested).
Students who do not possess a passport from a North American country must pay an application fee of $125.00 (CAD).
International students who intend to relocate to Canada will also be require the following:
- Proof of financial support as required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada
- A copy of your Canadian study permit will be required before registration
Application deadline
Fall Term
March 15
Winter Term
August 1
Applications submitted after the deadline are subject to a late fee.