Doctor of Ministry in Evangelization and Catechetics Program

Franciscan University’s doctorate program is built for working Catholic professionals.

3 - 5 Years

Short summer residential sessions

Online classes

Doctoral Program

Deepen your theological, catechetical, and pastoral formation with Franciscan University’s Doctor of Ministry in Evangelization and Catechetics—so you can boldly answer the Lord’s call to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19).

Franciscan’s DMin Program is a hybrid program with online classes complemented by nine-day summer sessions held at our campus in Steubenville, Ohio.

Request Information

Why Franciscan?

Be equipped to serve the Church in higher education, parishes, dioceses, ministries, and more with Franciscan University’s Doctor of Ministry Program.

Study with a faithfully Catholic university: You can be confident all you learn is grounded in Scripture and Tradition, as well as faithful to the magisterium of the Catholic Church.
Impact the Church: You’ll complete a doctoral thesis project that combines field experience with in-depth study, adding to today’s important evangelization and catechetics work.
Advance your credentials for professional ministry: This terminal degree strengthens your academic foundation for service in parishes, dioceses, apostolates, or independent ministry initiatives.

DMin Tuition

Franciscan University typically charges $600 per credit hour for graduate degrees. However, at the inauguration of this program, tuition will be discounted by 25%. With that discount, the total cost for 50 credits is $22,250 (this does not include books or lodging/travel for the summer residential experiences).

DMin Curriculum

Franciscan University’s Doctor of Ministry Program is designed for working Catholic professionals who want to have an even greater impact in ministry.

Classes are taught online. You’ll also participate in a nine-day residential session each summer where you can collaborate in person with your professors and classmates.

You’ll conclude your studies with a doctoral thesis project. This project will combine your research with your field experience, applying the Church’s wisdom to today’s evangelization and catechesis challenges and providing real solutions. Most students complete their doctorate in 3–5 years.

DMin Core Courses

THE/CAT 6xx-7xx (Five courses in graduate theology and catechetics, assigned per evaluation of the student’s academic transcripts.)
CAT 800 Research and Methodology Seminar
CAT 810 Prayer and the Spiritual Life of the Pastoral Leader
CAT 811 Sacraments and the Spiritual Life of the Pastoral Leader
CAT 820 OL The History of Evangelization and Catechetics
CAT 830 OL The Theological Foundations of Catholic Leadership
CAT 840 OL Anthropological and Moral Questions in the 21st Century
CAT 850 OL Cultures, Inculturation, and Intercultural Competencies
CAT 880 Missionary Discipleship—Models and Trends
CAT 890 OL Doctoral Thesis Project Proposal
CAT 891 OL Doctoral Thesis
CAT 892 OL Doctoral Project

Program Admissions

In addition to the online admissions application, the following materials are required to be considered for the Doctor in Ministry in Evangelization and Catechesis:

1. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

Your academic background should include a minimum 3.0 GPA, as well as a master of divinity or master’s degree in theology, catechetics, or a related field from an accredited university or seminary.

2. Three letters of recommendation.

At least one letter must be from a former or current professor, and at least one letter must be from a supervisor or peer in professional ministry.

3. For priests, deacons, and religious:

In addition to the three letters of recommendation, priests must submit a letter of endorsement from their bishop; deacons from their pastor; and members of religious communities from their major superior. If your studies will be funded by your diocese or religious community, please also submit a letter to this effect from your diocese or religious community.

4. Portfolio of work demonstrating academic proficiency and effective ministry in evangelistic or catechetical fields. This portfolio should include:

Writing sample from your graduate work, no less than 3,000 words.
Résumé.
At least one of the following:

Lesson plans for evangelistic or catechetical sessions.
Resources to train evangelists or catechists (written, audio, or video).
Published books or articles about evangelization and catechesis.
Curricula for diocesan, Catholic school, or parish faith formation.
If you do not have any of the above, a written narrative of your involvement in evangelistic or catechetical ministries, including a self-reflection of your strengths and weaknesses in ministry, may be accepted.

5. 500–800-word letter:

Addressed to the DMin Applications Committee, explaining why you chose to apply to Franciscan University and how the DMin Program will help your professional career and field of ministry.

6. If English is not your native language, please submit a TOEFL or IELTS score.

For more information, email [email protected].

Apply Request Info

DMin Faculty

Franciscan’s theology faculty—academically prepared and pastorally experienced—make integrated training possible by bringing broad experience in transmitting the Gospel through the Church’s contemporary work of evangelization.