Doctor of Pastoral Ministry Distance Education

A Doctoral degree in Pastoral Ministry focuses on service, preparing the student for a lifetime of practical ministry and a better understanding of church philosophy of service. The Pastoral Ministry Doctorate can prepare a student for careers in church administration, evangelism, pastoral counseling or pastoral worship.

Format

Classes in Pastoral Ministry can include video seminars, web discussion boards, audio lectures or distance learning combined with occasional on-site meetings. Ask officials at your prospective schools what you can expect of the class format.

Advantages

Pursuing a distance education doctorate in Pastoral Ministry has several advantages, with the largest being geographic convenience and reduced costs.

Warning

Make sure your pastoral ministry program is right for you by talking to alumns or other people of faith that you trust. Pastoral Ministry is an interpersonal commitment and you want to make sure the school's approach to ministry is right for you.

Requirements

Ministry Doctoral programs may have on-site requirements such as seminars, work projects or exams. Before you commit to a program, find out if you will be required to be on-site at any time so you can plan ahead.

Programs

New programs appear frequently but as of late 2009, Aquinas Institute and Briercrest Seminary College offer an MA in Pastoral Ministry and Pillsbury College and Baptist Bible College both offer Masters and Doctoral degrees in Ministry. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops maintains a website of distance learning opportunities.

References

• Online Degrees: Pastoral Ministry

Resources

• Catholic Distance Learning Programs