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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline for applying?
Applications materials may be submitted at any time throughout the academic year. Applications must be received by December 1 each year for matriculation in the Spring semester. Applications must be received by May 1 for matriculation in during the Summer, and by August 1 for beginning the Fall semester.
How much will it cost?
Tuition for the D.Min. program at McAfee will vary by small amounts from year to year. The 2012-2013 tuition for the entire 33 hour program is set at $11,055 ($335 per credit hour). An application fee of $50.00 (non-refundable) is required, and a thesis binding fee of a minimum of $105 will be required at the end of the program. Transportation, housing, meals, books, and materials are all additional expenses paid for by the candidates.
How long is the program?
The Doctor of Ministry Degree Program is a 33 hour program. Ministers considering the D.Min. program at McAfee should be prepared to spend a minimum of three and one half years in pursuit of the degree. Completion of the program is normally in four years, unless a leave of absence for specified reasons is granted.
When may I begin the program?
Students may begin the program with the first unit of experiential learning (Ministry Coaching, Preaching Consultation, or Spiritual Direction), offered in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. Seminars are offered in June/July each year, with the possibility of January offerings, depending on enrollment.
How often will I need to be on campus?
Residency required on the McAfee School of Theology campus is limited to the three seminars (Monday through Friday for 2 weeks on campus) and a two week final project thesis workshop. Candidates are welcome to spend whatever additional time they wish for such purposes as library research, faculty consultation, preparation of workshop or final project thesis materials, and independent study. A final oral examination over your completed Project Thesis will require a trip to the campus.
How do I apply?
You may download the application here. Please address your application materials to:
Dr. Michelle Brooks Garber
Doctor of Ministry Degree Program
McAfee School of Theology
3001 Mercer University Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30341-4115
What are the eligibility requirements?
The Doctor of Ministry Committee of the faculty grants admission to the Doctor of Ministry degree program. Decisions are based on the total profile of the applicant, including an analysis of the applicant’s writing ability, as seen in the admission essays; quality of recommendations; grade point averages of academic work; standardized test scores; and the nature and extent of the applicant’s ministry experience. No single area of deficiency will disqualify an applicant from admission.
Successful applicants will complete and submit the following application materials to the Doctor of Ministry Office:
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Official transcripts from all higher education institutions previously attended. A grade point average of 3.25 from all master’s degree study
in theology is preferred. Applicants must have completed a Master of Divinity degree (or a master’s degree in theology with a 74 hour M.Div. equivalence) from a school fully accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (or a recognized international accrediting organization). Applicants are expected to have served in full-time ministry for at least three years following receipt of the masters degree. -
A description of roles and responsibilities in active ministry in which the applicant can complete meaningful research integrating biblical, theological, and pastoral insights into the practice of specific ministry. Most applicants must have been engaged in active ministry for at least three years following receipt of an acceptable master’s degree in theology (a limited number of highly qualified applications with ministry experience completed prior to completion of the degree may be accepted).
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A Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) completed in the previous five years. A score on the MAT above the fiftieth (50th) percentile is preferred, but not required. If English is a second language, a score of at least 215 (new scale) on the TOEFL is required.
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Three reference documents, located in the application materials, completed by selected leaders in which assessment is made of the applicant’s ministerial practice.
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Brief, written personal essays describing your call to ministry, previous educational experiences, goals for D.Min. study, theological self- reflection and a general area of research interest for a Project Thesis.
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An on-site or telephone interview arranged by the D.Min. office with a faculty member or the Associate Dean.
Mercer University is committed to providing equal educational programs or activities, and equal employment opportunities to all qualified students, employees, and applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, age, or religion, as a matter of University policy and as required by applicable state and federal laws, including Title IX. Inquiries concerning this policy may be directed to the Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources Office, 1400 Coleman Avenue, Macon, Georgia 31207, phone 478-301-2788 or contact baca_dh@mercer.edu, or in cases of Title IX concerns, these concerns may be referred to the Office of Civil Rights.
What if I have a theology degree that is not a Master of Divinity degree?
All applicants must have the equivalency of the Master of Divinity from a a school fully accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (or a recognized international accrediting organization). Applicants with a two-year master's degree in theology or a related area may complete additional hours to achieve equivalency and may be admitted to the D.Min. with the condition that the equivalency be met before beginning enrollment in the D.Min. program. Read the M.Div. Equivalency statement.
Where can I take the MAT?
When you receive an application to the D.Min. program you will notice that the Miller Analogies Test is required of all applicants. McAfee does not give this test, however, it is given in several of the major universities and testing sites around the Southeast. You may surf the web and find a location nearest you. For those who live in the Atlanta area the test may be taken at Georgia State University.
Download the list of other locations to take the test.
When you take the Miller Analogies Test, please make sure that you instruct the testing center to mail all test results to Mercer University's Atlanta Campus, McAfee School of Theology, Doctor of Ministry Degree Program.
Can I transfer credit from another D.Min. program?
The McAfee School of Theology Doctor of Ministry Program will consider transfer credit on a case-by-case basis, up to a maximum of 10 hours.
I have my M.Div. from McAfee School of Theology. Why should I also complete a D.Min. from McAfee?