Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program is designed for those working in both traditional and non-traditional ministry contexts who see their work as possessing an inherent spiritual and ministerial dimension. Counsellors, chaplains, health practitioners, spiritual care providers, social workers, nurses, long-term care workers, educators, clergy, and other ministry practitioners can deepen their practice through the DMin program. Students enter the program with a minimum of three years of experience in their field of ministry.
St Stephen's welcomes to its programs students from any faith tradition - or no tradition. The College encourages students to articulate their vision and practice of ministry using the languages, symbols, and images of the traditions and worldviews with which they identify. Within this diversity, St. Stephen's understands that the practice of ministry includes the self-reflective awareness of the nurturing quality of service to the Human community and to the Earth.
The DMin is a low-residency program designed for the working professional and can largely be completed at a distance. Most courses are offered in convenient week-long intensive formats, while other program elements are conducted online. The DMin program combines academic research with practical, applied competencies as appropriate to the student's professional field.
What Can Students Expect?
- A personalized curriculum that is creatively adapted to student interests and which invites student innovation.
- A curriculum that combines academic rigor with opportunities for personal reflection and integration.
- Annual intensive courses which foster personal relationship building with faculty and colleagues.
- Online learning communities which offer flexible program participation from afar.
- Inclusive perspectives open to multi-faith and multi-cultural views.
- Dynamic, experienced, and accessible faculty who are committed and supportive.
- Diverse and cutting-edge approaches to research, including arts-based methodologies.
- A diverse, engaged student community.
DMin Core Stream
The DMin Core Stream is open to any caregiving professional working in a wide array of both traditional and non-traditional ministry contexts. Recent DMin graduates have competed research in the fields of education and mindfulness, spiritual care, issues of gender and sexuality in religious communities, residential schools, pastoral counselling, and congregational ministry. Students completing the DMin will find the following outcomes:
- Deepen their current professional experience.
- Build on previously acquired academic skills.
- Integrate personal and spiritual growth.
- Enhance their ability to do independent research with the support of a team of advisors.
- Develop an advanced understanding of ministry in relation to various disciplines.
- Contribute to the understanding and practice of ministry through the completion of a DMin doctoral level project.
DMin Specialization in Supervisory Education (DMin-SE)
This specialization offers doctoral level training for supervisory education students working toward professional certification as a Certified Supervisor-Educator (i.e., Spiritual Care Educator or Psycho-Spiritual Therapist Educator) in the Canadian Association of Spiritual Care/Association cadadienne de soins spirituels (CASC/ACSS).
Students completing the DMin-SE will gain all the same program outcomes as the DMin Core Stream, as well as the following:
- Advanced understanding of the nature and purpose of spiritual care and psycho-spiritual supervision.
- In-depth knowledge of, and practical experience with, the five identified CASC/ACSS Supervisor Competencies: (i) Conceptual knowledge of clinical supervision; (ii) Aptitude in CPE/PCE program design, implementation, and management; (iii) Engagement in supervision of individual CPE/PCE students; (iv) Facilitation of CPE/PCE group seminars and related activities; and (v) Integration of personal and supervisory identity.
- Ability to integrate theological reflection, spiritual and educational assessment, and the safe and effective use of self in the supervision of spiritual care and/or psycho-spiritual therapy students.
- New knowledge pertaining to spiritual care and psycho-spiritual therapy supervision.
Length of Program
Students taking a full course load can complete the credited and non-credited requirements of the DMin program within four years (this applies to both the Core and SE Specialization streams). Most students complete the degree in five to six years. Students must complete all the requirements within seven years from the date on which they register in the program.
After Graduation
Graduates of the DMin program typically return to their field of ministry equipped with the knowledge, experience, and spiritual formation needed to inspire others and to deepen their practice. Graduates in the Specialization in Supervisory Education will have achieved a CASC/ACSS Certification review as a Spiritual Care Educator or Psycho-Spiritual Therapist Educator.
General Program Information
Incoming students can expect to take their first course in early June of their starting year.
| 33 Credits | Learning Process |
| YEAR ONE | |
| 0 | Orientation Day (recommended) - Learning Covenant Formation |
| 3 | Integrative Seminar |
| 3 | Course: Inquiry, Research, and Evaluation (SSC771) |
| 1.5 | DMin Online Collegium 1 (SSC735) |
| 3 | Foundational Course 1: Religious/Spiritual/Theological Foundations (relevant to dissertation focus) |
| 3 | Foundational Course 2: Learner's Focus of Expertise |
| YEAR TWO | |
| 3 | Integrative Seminar |
| 1.5 | DMin Online Collegium 1 (SSC735) |
| 0 | Project Vision (Preliminary Project Proposal) |
| 3 | Foundational Course 3: Methodologies for Knowledge Generation (Program Evaluation/Research) |
| YEAR THREE | |
| 3 | Integrative Seminar |
| 1.5 | DMin Online Collegium 2 (SSC736) |
| 3 | Integrative Paper |
| 3 | Project Proposal, Ethics Review, Project Design |
| YEAR FOUR & FORWARD | |
| 1.5 | DMin Online Collegium 2 (SSC736) |
| 0 | Optional participation in additional Integrative Seminars/Online Collegiums (with instructor permission) |
| 0 | Completion of Dissertation (150-200 pages) and Public Presentation of Project Research on Convocation Day |
Core Program Work in Edmonton
Students will need to set aside the following times for core program work at St. Stephen's College in Edmonton:
- July (Integrative Seminar 1, 2, and 3, normally in the first three years of the program)
- June (SSC771 Inquiry, Research and Evaluation course, first year only).
In addition, individuals should expect to consult with their Dissertation Committee regularly during the Dissertation stage.
Course Selection
Foundational courses are to be selected in consultation with the DMin Chair. All courses have pre-course preparation, one week on site in Edmonton (Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm), and a post-course assignment. Further details are available in the individual course outlines.
| 33 Credits | Learning Process |
| YEAR ONE | |
| 0 | Orientation Day (recommended) - Learning Covenant Formation |
| 3 | Integrative Seminar |
| 3 | Course: Inquiry, Research, and Evaluation (SSC771) |
| 1.5 | DMin Online Collegium 1 (SSC735) |
| 3 | Foundational Course SE1: Religious/Spiritual/Theological Foundations / Psychological/Systems Foundations for Supervisory learning [CASC/ACSS Standards refer to this as "a graduate credit course in Adult Education of Supervision Theory] |
| 1.5 | Program Approval Documentation (Part 1): Co-write with Certified Supervisor-Educator (CSE) a program approval prior to offering the first course of supervision as a Provisional Supervisor-Educator (PSE) in either Spiritual Care or Psycho-Spiritual Therapy |
| 1 | Foundational Practicum SE2: Completion of first CASC/ACSS CPE/PCE course as a PSE [i.e. co-plan and co-implement a Spiritual Care or Psycho-Spiritual Therapy Education Program while working under the supervision of a qualified CASC/ACSS CES in order to learn the art and craft of SPE supervision]. Co-requisites before credit is assigned: (1) Completion of Foundational Course SE1, (2) Provision of a letter from CASC/ACSS CSE/Faculty Advisor verifying that student has completed Regional Admitting Committee approval |
| YEAR TWO | |
| 3 | Integrative Seminar |
| 1.5 | DMin Online Collegium 1 (SSC735) |
| 1 | Completion of second CASC/ACSS CPE/PCE course as a PSE [with both ongoing CASC/ACSS supervision, and increased course responsibility and self-directed functioning]. |
| 3 | Foundational Course SE3: Methodologies for Knowledge Generation (Program Evaluation/Research) |
| 1 | Provision of evidence of having (1) completed the CASC/ACSS Learning Module on "Supervision Advanced Students and Provisional Supervisor-Educators in SPE Training" (a letter or copy of certificate of completion), and (2) participated in a peer group of provisional supervisors over the course of one's two PSE courses (letter from CASC/ACSS Certified Supervisor-Educator/Faculty Advisor). |
| 1.5 | Program Approval Documentation (Part 2): Prepares an update of the program approval document developed prior to first PSE course, including submission to and approval by the CASC/ACSS Accreditation Committee. |
| YEAR THREE | |
| 3 | Integrative Seminar |
| 2 | Preparation of Materials for and evidence of Certification as a Supervisor-Educator (in either Spiritual Care of Psycho-Spiritual Therapy). A letter or copy of certificate from CASC/ACSS is required stating that student has achieved CASC/ACSS Certification. |
| 1 | Satisfactory Completion of Post-Certificate Mentoring course following certification as a Supervisor-Educator (as evidenced by a letter from the mentoring Certified Supervisor-Educator). |
| YEAR FOUR | |
| 0 | Optional participation in additional Integrative Seminars/Online Collegiums (with instructor permission) |
| 3 | Project Proposal, Ethics Review, Project Design |
| 0 | Completion of Dissertation (150-200 pages) and Public Presentation of Project Research on Convocation Day |
Core Program Work in Edmonton
Students will need to set aside the following times for core program work at St. Stephen's College in Edmonton:
- July (Integrative Seminar 1, 2, and 3, normally in the first three years of the program)
- June (SSC771 Inquiry, Research and Evaluation course, first year only).
In addition, individuals should expect to consult with their Dissertation Committee regularly during the Dissertation stage.
Course Selection
Foundational courses are to be selected in consultation with the DMin Chair. All courses have pre-course preparation, one week on site in Edmonton (Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm), and a post-course assignment. Further details are available in the individual course outlines.
- Master's Degree in Theology/Spirituality/Religion (e.g. MDiv, MRE or MTS), or a Master's Degree in a related field with study in the areas of theology, religious history, and sacred texts (e.g. MSc plus additional courses). The additional courses must be completed before participating in the DMin program. (Grade Average minimum 72%-see Admissions Policy).
- At least three years' experience in ministry (see definition).
- Evidence of a capacity to integrate theory with practice (e.g. academic or published papers, completion of training as a Spiritual Director, Supervised Psychospiritual Education appointment to faith tradition committee/task forces, etc.).
- Evidence of reflective capabilities that attend to spiritual values integrated into one's professional practice.
- Language Requirements: All applicants must be proficient in English prior to admission. Proficiency is demonstrated by either (a) possession of a prior degree where the primary language of instruction was English, (b) demonstration of sufficient coursework completed in English, or (c) a satisfactory score on an approved English language examination (either TOEFL iBT, IELTS, CAEL, or PTE Academic). For full details, see the “English Language Proficiency” section of the St. Stephen’s College Academic Calendar.
Additional Requirements for Specialization in Supervisory Education applicants:
- CASC/ACSS Certification as a Specialist
- Letter from a CASC/ACSS Certified Supervisor-Educator stating willingness to supervise the applicant as a Provisional Supervisor-Educator (Note: St. Stephen's College will appoint the Certified Supervisor-Educator to the voluntary position of Faculty Advisor for the duration of the student's program.)
Interview
All potential DMin applicants will attend an admission interview as part of the application process. Intake interviews will reflect on the applicant's learning goals and determine the applicant's appropriateness for admission to the DMin program. For those in the Supervisory Education Specialization: a CASC/ACSS Regional Admitting Committee (RAC) review process is also required; this is distinct and separate, and results in approval for the applicant to learn at the supervisory level. A person in this Specialization can be admitted to the DMin program but cannot complete Foundational Practicum SE2 without RAC approval.
Application deadlines
In order to participate in the Integrative Seminar of a given year applicants must submit their completed applications to the College no later than February 1 for Canadian and Permanent Resident applicants and November 1 for international applicants.
Orientation and First Year Core Courses
First year students are encouraged to register for the St. Stephen’s College Orientation Day. It is expected that first year students will enroll in the core courses in the Spring/Summer of their intake year: the first DMin Integrative Seminar, and SSC771 Inquiry, Research and Evaluation. Both are residential courses.
Foundational Courses
Foundational courses are to be selected in consultation with the DMin Chair.
**Note: The Doctor of Ministry degree is conferred by St. Stephen's College, not by the University of Alberta. For more information, see our About Graduate Studies at SSC and Institutional Charter pages.