Olivet University Doctor of Ministry Program

Four Phase

There are four phases to the Doctor of Ministry program. Students will be assigned mentors who will work with them throughout the process. Foundational papers and project proposals are then prepared for approval before implementation. Upon completion of the project, analysis must be provided alongside a final paper and oral defense.

Phase 1

At the beginning of the first phase of the Doctor of Ministry program, the candidate will be assigned a mentor according to his or her field. The mentor is to engage with the student in discussion of future direction for the candidate's goal in the program.
The major assignment in Phase 1 is to write a spiritual autobiography. The candidate may be asked to do additional assignments that demonstrate the candidate's Biblical and theological knowledge, ministry insights, and/or writing ability.

Phase 2

Two Foundation papers are an important part of completing Phase 2 of the D. Min. process. The reading and research to complete the two foundational papers will demonstrate the candidate's comprehensive knowledge on Biblical background, historical background, theological background, and the current state of the art in the planned area of the D. Min. project.

Phase 3

In the third phase, the candidate should carry out and complete the project defined in the project proposal. The completion of this project and gathering of data is an important part of this phase.
Research should be completed by the candidate realizing that a limited sample of data will be generated for analysis and reporting. The candidate should also draft chapters, that will roughly cover the motivation for this project, background information, and the description of the project.

Phase 4

In the fourth and final phase of the Doctor of Ministry program, the candidate is to analyze the data gathered by the project and complete the Final Paper. Once the candidate successfully passes the oral defense, either with no or minor changes to make, then the candidate should coordinate with the Library to bind the papers. The papers will be published as the Candidate receives a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Olivet University.

DISSERTATION OVERVIEW

The dissertation "Final Paper" is a major piece of independent scholarly research in a chosen field of theological study, enhancing knowledge beyond the actual state of research in the given area.

Students in the Doctoral program will clearly define their topic and scope of the dissertation. The problem which needs to be solved by way of academic research, must be explicitly defined in the introduction, and the appropriate methods and logical steps to be taken.

A dissertation concisely demonstrates awareness of the current state of research on the topic as well as of the latest relevant literature. It should go from there to the argument, and not dwell at length on matters already covered satisfactorily by others.

A dissertation must show ability to precisely handle the appropriate methods in the chosen field of research. The student will work with relevant sources, and diligently document the use of primary and secondary sources.

http://www.olivetuniversity.edu/zinzendorf/program/dmin-dissertation.html

Doctoral Colloquium

The Zinzendorf School of Doctoral Studies hosts a series of colloquia each year bringing together students and faculty from around the world to meet and study. Locations for these events are hosted in different cities across the world. The gathering provides opportunity for fellow students and faculty to gather face to face in exchanging ideas. The colloquium allows the participants to form a learning community and fellowship that creates lifelong friendships.

One of the goals of the doctoral papers and presentations is to provide guided training for introducing a scholarly debate and generating interaction. Faculty and students attending the presentation are given the opportunity to interact, evaluate the abilities of the presenter, and respondingto listeners in posing relevant questions.

Any student asking to be excused from attending the colloquium and/or to be exempt from presenting a paper or report must submit a request in writing with explanations so that the Doctoral Committee can decide whether to grant the request.

Current doctoral participants will be notified on upcoming colloquia along with information for travel, lodging, and other accommodations.

http://www.olivetuniversity.edu/zinzendorf/colloquium/