Introduction

The Doctor of Ministry in Christian Spirituality program offers a professional degree that integrates theological development and pastoral practice for effective leadership as a full-time minister.  The program focuses on the study of classical spirituality, its relevance to contemporary forms of ministry, its transformative role in the life of the minister and its potential for influencing social systems. Courses stimulate in-depth inquiry into the contemporary expression of the spiritual life, while drawing upon the rich reserve and inspiration of the Franciscan, Carmelite, Redemptorist, Augustinian, Ignatian and Salesian traditions.

The Doctorate is designed specifically for:

• Vocation and formation directors and/or vocation work for religious congregations, secular institutes, diocesan priesthood and diaconate programs
• Leaders in religious communities or dioceses
• Lay ecclesial ministers in national, diocesan, local and religious settings, volunteer service programs, ministry training centers, colleges and universities, graduate theological schools
• Retreat and spiritual directors
• Spiritual formation
• Leaders of theological reflection programs
• Mission Effectiveness leaders in Catholic Health Care Organizations and in Catholic Higher Education
• Leaders in ministry seekeing greater education and formation in spirituality; those discerning ministerial change or preparing for specific leadership roles

Program Model and Components Designed for the Full Time Professional:

• Two week resident session each January and July, for a total of 4 sessions over a two- year period
• Completion of online coursework
• A thesis project tailored to the student's unique ministerial interest

Gathering of participants to work together as a cohort of 12-18 professional ministers during the on-site sessions. Residency at WTU is available and recommended for peer interaction and participation in scheduled program events.

 

Useful Links

Program Description

Course Descriptions

Curriculum

Applications Process

 

Contact Information:

Anne E. McLaughlin, RSM, D. Min.
Director, Doctor of Ministry Program
1-800-334-9922
(202) 541-5247
mclaughlin@wtu.edu

 

Distinguished Scholars

In addition to WTU faculty, students will interact with a visiting scholar through class presentations and public lectures. Recent and Upcoming scholars include:

Bernard McGinn, Ph.D., University of Chicago Divinity School

Renowned scholar in the fields of Christian history, the history of Christian thought, and in spirituality and mysticism.

Sandra Schneiders, IHM, Ph.D., Berkley School of Theology, CA.

A leading academician in the areas of Spirituality, Religious Life and Scripture.

Philip Sheldrake, Ph.D., University of Durham, England

One of the foremost experts in the area of Spirituality, is currently researching the public dimension of spirituality.

Wendy Wright, Ph.D., Creighton University

Renowned expert in the history of Spirituality, especially in the works of Francis de Sales and Jane deChantal, family spirituality and the art of spiritual direction.