Course Descriptions
DMIN 860ANE
Introduction to D.Min. Research
Credits: 1
The first class in a series of research classes aimed to help students write a carefully argued and creatively written dissertation introduces the students to the range of methods suitable for D.Min. projects. Specifically, the class will explore qualitative methods such as action research or a case study, while simultaneously enabling students to write a portion of chapter one of their dissertation.
DMIN 860BNE
Literature Review
Credits: 1
The second class in a series of research classes aimed to help students write a carefully argued and creatively written dissertation introduces the students to the art and skill of reviewing primary and secondary sources. Specifically, the class will help to summarize and evaluate literary sources sympathetically and critcally, while simultaneously enabling students to write a portion of chapter two of their dissertation.
[Prerequisite: Successful completion of DMIN 860ANE – Introduction to D.Min. Research]
DMIN 860CNE
Foundations in Biblical/Theological Research Methods
Credits: 1
The third class in a series of research classes aimed to help students write a carefully argued and creatively written dissertation enables the students to interpret Scripture and Christian tradition in a way that grounds one's D.Min. project. Specifically, the class will help to find pertinent topics in the Bible and within Christian theology, engage them thoroughly, and relate them to one's project. Additionally, the students will be able to write a portion of chapter three of their dissertation.
[Prerequisite: Successful completion of DMIN 860BNE – Literature Review]
DMIN 860DNE
Qualitative Methods in Research
Credits: 1
The fourth class in a series of research classes aimed to help students write a carefully argued and creatively written dissertation builds especially upon the material covered in DMIN 860A, as it helps to utilize the selected method for one's D.Min. project. Specifically, the class will enable the students to outline specific procedures, including crafting questionnaires and confidentiality forms, to prepare the actionable component of one's project in an ethically sensitive manner. Additionally, the students will be able to write a portion of chapter four of their dissertation.
[Prerequisite: Successful completion of DMIN 860CNE – Foundations in Biblical/Theological Research Methodology]
DMIN 860ENE
Advanced Theological Research
Credits: 1
This course can be taken in place of DMIN 860D upon the approval of the D.Min. director if the student's project does not involve human subjects. The class will expand and deepen one's ability to interpret Scripture, think contextually, and compose a rounded theological argument. Simultaneously, the students will be able to write a portion of chapter four of their dissertation.
[Prerequisite: Successful completion of DMIN 860CNE – Foundations in Biblical/Theological Research Methodology]
DMIN 865NE
Advanced Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching
Credits: 3
This course aims to develop a greater sensitivity to the biblical worldview, equip students with advanced skills of biblical exegesis, and foster more robust theological thinking related to the pressing needs of today. While the class will pay attention to the overall narrative of Scripture, the core of the course will be devoted to faithful and creative interpretation of selected biblical passages so the student will be well prepared to preach and teach the word of God amidst the complexities of our present age.
DMIN 866NE
Special Topics in Scripture
Credits: 3
This course will complement DMIN 865-Advanced Biblical Exegesis for Preacing and Teaching. By focusing on a specific topic related to biblical exegesis or preaching and teaching, it will deepen the student's sensitivity and skills in understanding and proclaiming the message of the Bible for today. The course may be repeated if topic differs.
DMIN 875NE
Spirituality for Ministry
Credits: 3
This course will examine the importance of Christian spirituality for ministry in the contemporary context, especially focusing on (a) developing and articulating an integrational theology of human and Christian spirituality for ongoing appraisal of spiritual development personally and communally; (b) an exploration of fundamental dynamics of the Christian spiritual life as experienced and articulated throughout Scripture, Christian history and contemporary life individually and corporately; (c) the development of foundational dispositions that nurture spiritual development of individuals and communities; and (d) the responsibility and privilege of Christian leaders for intentional nurturing of their own personal spiritual formation and the spiritual formation of others whom they are called to serve within and outside the Church.
DMIN 876NE
Special Topics in Spirituality
Credits: 3
This course will complement DMIN 875-Spirituality for Ministry. By focusing on a specific topic in the area of human spirituality, it will expand the range of issues covered in the above-mentioned course or deepen one's appreciation and practice of formative spirituality. The course may be repeated if topic differs.
DMIN 885NE
Transformational Leadership
Credits: 3
The subject of this course arises from the presupposition that a real change--both in people's lives and in the life of an organization--comes from a transformed and spiritually vital individual. For this reason, the class will assess the student's strengths and weaknesses, as well as his or her ministry setting, and initiate suitable processes for personal and institutional growth.
DMIN 886NE
Special Topics in Leadership
Credits: 3
This course will complement DMIN 885-Transformational Leadership. By focusing on a special topic within the area of transformational leadership, it will attempt to develop one's leadership potential or create an environment in one's organization that is socially just and spiritually healthy. The course may be repeated if topic differs.
DMIN 890NE
Conference on Ministry
Credits: 3
This is a special topics course created in the area of expertise of the keynote speaker for Northeastern Seminary’s annual Conference on Ministry. For course description and details contact the office of academic services. This is a repeatable course. Every grade earned in a DMIN 890NE course is firm and will be calculated into the grade point average. The grade for a subsequent DMIN 890NE course does not replace the prior DMIN 890NE grade.
DMIN 895NE
Independent Study
Credits: 3
D.Min. students may petition, via the Application for Credit for a Non-Classroom Course, to do an Independent Study. The student must demonstrate how this course will further his or her understanding of and support the ministry goals of the dissertation. If approved, these credits will substitute for one Support Course.
[Prerequisite: Successful completion of one DMIN course or permission of the D.Min. director]
DMIN 901NE
Continuation of Registration
Credits: 0
Fee: $250
Students who have registered for DMIN 910NE-Dissertation in a previous semester but who have not completed and successfully defended the dissertation will automatically be registered for this continuation course every subsequent semester until the completion of the D.Min. program. The $250 fee will automatically be applied to the student’s account each semester. This fee keeps a student’s ID and IT services active during the dissertation research and writing process. Students who do not wish to complete the dissertation/degree program should file a withdrawal form with the coordinator of academic planning to avoid this charge.
DMIN 910NE
Dissertation
Credits: 6
The student must satisfactorily complete a doctoral-level, publishable dissertation based on an approved ministry project.
The final dissertation must reflect the student’s ability to use appropriate theoretical and theological resources in addressing both the nature and the practice of ministry. The dissertation will demonstrate the candidate’s ability to identify a specific theological topic in ministry, organize an effective research model, use appropriate resources, and evaluate the results. (Note: Once a student registers for this course, she or he will, in every subsequent semester, be automatically registered for DMIN 901NE-Continuation of Registration and charged the $250 continuation fee. Students who do not wish to complete the dissertation/degree program should file a Withdrawal form with the coordinator of academic planning to avoid this charge each semester.)
[Prerequisite: Successful completion of all other DMIN courses including DMIN 860A/B/C/D and an overall grade-point average of 3.0. In certain circumstances, students are permitted to enroll in DMIN 910NE concurrently with their final required/support course; see Director of the D.Min. program for permission.]