DOCTOR OF MINISTRY (DMin) Application for Admission

Transcription

1 DOCTOR OF MINISTRY (DMin) Application for Admission ST STEPHEN S COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA CAMPUS STREET, EDMONTON, AB CANADA T6G 2J6 PHONE: , FAX: , st.stephens@ualberta.ca Intake February 2016

2 ST STEPHEN S COLLEGE Doctor of Ministry Program Thank you for your interest in the Doctor of Ministry program at St Stephen s College. In this booklet you will find a description of the Doctor of Ministry program and application forms. All materials must be received by due date in order for your application to be considered complete. All documents submitted in support of an application become the property of St Stephen s College and are not returnable to the applicant or transferable to any third party. All materials will be kept strictly confidential by the Doctor of Ministry Office. Keep a copy of the completed application packet for your files. For questions, please contact the Doctor of Ministry Office at (in Canada), or st.stephens@ualberta.ca. ST STEPHEN S COLLEGE HISTORY IN BRIEF AND DEGREE-GRANTING AUTHORITY St Stephen s College is a graduate school founded by The United Church of Canada and an Affiliated College of the University of Alberta in Edmonton. An Act to Incorporate St Stephen s College (April 27, 1927; amended 1968) authorizes St Stephen s College to confer degrees in theology. The College also teaches undergraduate and graduate University of Alberta credit courses, through the Faculty of Arts. St Stephen s College is an Associate Member of The Association of Theological Schools in The United States and Canada. THE ST STEPHEN S DMin PROGRAM The educational goals for the Doctor of Ministry degree, as set out by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada are: advanced understanding of the nature and purposes of ministry enhanced competencies in pastoral analysis and ministerial skills the integration of these dimensions into the theologically reflective practice of ministry new knowledge about the practice of ministry continued growth in spiritual maturity The Doctor of Ministry program at St Stephen s College is open to people from all world views, faith traditions and spiritual expressions. The program strives to be a diverse spiritual and interdisciplinary community that serves as a catalyst for transformational learning and integrative development. The program understands ministry with a broad and inclusive perspective. The program is built with a combination of core and elective courses in support of the student s objectives, as well as a dissertation that contributes new knowledge about the practice of ministry. THE ST STEPHEN S DMin UNDERSTANDING OF MINISTRY The St. Stephen s College Doctor of Ministry program understands that ministry is the service of people of all spiritual traditions for the good of the human community and the Earth. Ministry is perceived as a lifelong exploration a creative and transformative endeavour rooted in connection to Otherness. (Adopted January 2015) Individuals who understand their work activity as being committed to the improvement and nurture of society and the world community, including such fields as education, faith/religious community professions, chaplaincy, mediation, management, media services, the arts, health care, counseling, intercultural relationships, and care of the earth are recognized by St Stephen s College as being in ministry. Individuals interested in advanced and graduate level work in a variety of professional fields associated with ministry or in the practical interface between the arts, humanities, sciences, ecology, learning theory, and psychology, on the one hand, and spirituality, religion or theology, on the other, will find the St Stephen s College Doctor of Ministry program ideally suited for them. The DMin program is for active practitioners who wish to pursue intensive, specialized studies in their area of interest. The program is committed to an adult learning model guided by an individualized learning covenant, and to a balanced emphasis on theory and practice. Thus learners may use the program to further develop their personal and professional needs and interests, as well as previous academic learning and/or professional credentials. Examples of these needs, interests and academic foci may include, but are not limited to the following: Ministry in Congregations and Judicatories Education Organizational Leadership Research on Spiritually Informed Care Spiritually-Informed (Pastoral) Counselling/Psychotherapy Healthcare Leadership Leadership in Societal Change Spirituality and Science / Ecology St Stephen s College, Edmonton, AB CANADA DMIN Program Intake Feb

3 LENGTH OF PROGRAM Equivalent to two years full-time study, plus research and dissertation. Part-time Study Model: 4-5 years Full-time Study Model: 3 years Work should be completed within 7 years. After 7 years students must consult with the Department Chair to implement a completion plan. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 33 Credits YEAR ONE YEAR TWO YEAR THREE YEAR FOUR Orientation Day 0 Learning Covenant Formation 0 Course: Inquiry, Research and 3 Evaluation SSC771 Integrative Seminar 1 3 Collegium: Online Learning 1.5 Community 1 Foundational Course 1: 3 Religious/Spiritual/Theological Foundations Foundational Course 2: Learner s 3 Focus of Expertise Integrative Seminar 2 3 Collegium: Online Learning 1.5 Community 2 Foundational Course 3: 3 Methodologies for Knowledge Generation Supervised Project (Preliminary 3 Pilot Project) Integrative Seminar 3 3 Integrative Paper 3 P/D Proposal and Design 3 Optional participation in 0 additional Integrative Seminars/Online Collegia Project Dissertation ( pages) and Public Presentation of Project Dissertation Research on Convocation day COURSE SELECTION Foundational courses are to be selected in consultation with the student s Faculty Advisor, and approved by the DMin Department Chair. Courses offered at St Stephen s College are normally delivered as one-week intensives. The expectation is that the student will follow normal registration procedures as outlined in the College s Calendar. All courses have pre-course preparation, one week on site (Mon-Fri, 9:00am- 5:00pm), and a post-course assignment. Further details are available in the individual course outlines. Doctoral students normally complete all courses at the 700-level; however, with the approval of the DMin Department Chair, a doctoral student may enroll in a 500-level course to satisfy one course requirement. ASSISTANCE WITH WRITING St Stephen s non-credit graduate online course Academic Writing is highly recommended for all DMin students prior to the writing of a Project- Dissertation proposal and design. A final decision about participating in the course would be taken after consultation with the DMin Department Chair and the student s faculty advisor. FACULTY ADVISOR A Faculty Advisor is assigned to each DMin student. The Faculty Advisor will accompany the student through the duration of the program, and may be the Chair for the Project-Dissertation Committee. During the initial weeks of the program the Faculty Advisor works with the student to develop the Learning Covenant. CORE PROGRAM WORK IN EDMONTON Students will need to set aside the following times for core program work at St Stephen s in Edmonton: Last week of April (Integrative Seminar 1, 2 and 3, normally in the first three years of the program) First week of May (SSC771 course, first year only). In addition, individuals should expect to consult with their Project-Dissertation Committee regularly during the Project-Dissertation stage. St Stephen s College, Edmonton, AB CANADA DMIN Program Intake Feb

4 APPLICATION PROCEDURE Prospective students should initiate an application by means of the attached application form and a letter of intent, together with the application fee and all of the following supporting documentation. 1. Documentation a. Official transcripts: The ATS academic prerequisite degree for the DMin program is a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree from an ATS accredited institution (Grade Average minimum 72%-see Admissions Policy) or its educational equivalent. Given St Stephen s broad understanding of ministry; prospective students with other graduate degrees are welcome to apply and are given serious consideration, provided equivalencies in theology/ religious/ spiritual foundations and the human sciences can be demonstrated. Applicants whose transcripts are in a language other than English must submit certified translations of all transcripts submitted as part of the application. b. Curriculum vitae in summary form. This document should include: professional experience: position, place, and duration post-secondary education: degrees held, institutions, dates evidence of having served at least three years satisfactorily in ministry after graduate studies. c. Writing Sample: A sample of an academic paper or published article or other recent professional writings which demonstrate a capacity to integrate theory with practice. d. Statement of Professional Goals: A two or three page statement of applicant s professional goals, the possible relation of a Doctor of Ministry degree to these goals and an indication of the intention to continue involvement in a recognized professional ministry throughout proposed programs. e. Statement of Spiritual Journey: A three to five-page (double-spaced) statement of applicant's spiritual journey. 2. References Four assessments from individuals involved with the applicant s specialized ministry. The four letters of reference must be sent directly to St Stephen s using the form provided, and will be from: a. a denominational/faith group official b. the official governing body within the congregation/local faith community, agency, organization, or institution where professional ministry is practiced c. two peers in ministry who are able to assess the applicant s readiness for advanced study. These sponsors must indicate the length and nature of their relationship to the applicant, and are asked to comment on: (i) character, personality, and capacity for personal growth and development (ii) clarity of commitment to advanced degree study in professional ministry (iii) (iv) academic ability for graduate work capacity for work in an educational model which emphasizes reflection on experience and personal growth as well as knowledge and skill development (v) emotional stability (vi) leadership and vocational qualities (vii) general readiness for pursuing their goals by means of the proposed course of study d. If applicable, an SPE unit evaluation or an evaluation from another practice-based learning experience (e.g. training as spiritual director, church management training, field education supervision training, etc.) Interview: 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. Equivalencies Procedure: The DMin Program Committee will consider an application from persons not in possession of an MDiv degree, providing the Committee is satisfied that the applicant possesses satisfactory alternate educational experience involving basic professional theological/religious/spiritual learning and formation. In such cases, the Committee will require evidence of readiness to proceed. The Committee's decision whether or not to accept an application is final. Prospective applications for whom special consideration is required should submit all supporting documentation listed under Application Procedure, together with any additional assessments, transcripts, certificates, descriptions and evidence of significant life experience claimed in lieu of the MDiv degree. A credentials sub-committee will review all documentation, and where it deems further exploration is warranted, may assign additional requirements to test eligibility. An offer of admission may include the condition of prerequisite or co-requisite courses. St Stephen s College, Edmonton, AB CANADA DMIN Program Intake Feb

5 Application deadlines: Applications are invited throughout the year, enabling successful applicants to begin the development of a Learning Covenant. In order to participate in the first course of a given year applicants possessing the above listed prerequisite degree and requirements must submit their completed applications to the College no later than February 1 for Canadian applicants and November 1 for international applicants (next business day if date falls on a weekend). Applicants requiring an evaluation of academic equivalencies must submit their completed application to the College by December 1 (September 1 for international applicants). Orientation and First Year Core Courses: Upon admission, students are expected to register for the St Stephen s College Orientation Day (normally in late April). It is expected that first year students will also enroll in the first two core courses; Integrative Seminar 1 and SSC771. FEE SCHEDULE DMIN Effective July 1, 2015 Application Fee (nonrefundable) Program Fees (Canadians and Permanent Residents) Program Fees (International students) Course and Seminar Fees Continuation Fees Project Dissertation Fee AMOUNT DUE $190 (Canadian Upon applicants) application $380 (International applicants) Year 1 $3,830 Semiannual Year 2 $3,830 payments Year 3 $3,830 ($1915), Year 4 $3,830 due July 31 and Jan 31 Year 1 $7,660 Semiannual Year 2 $7,660 Year 3 $7,660 payments ($3830), Year 4 $7,660 due July 31 and Jan 31 $775/course One month before course Year 5+ $990 July 31 $2,025 Sep 1 fee at once, but most students choose to pay the fees in semi-annual instalments as illustrated. This minimum Program Fee is payable regardless of the number of years students take to complete the program. A 10% penalty is applied to payments received after the due date. Students may avoid program fee increases by paying the total amount at any time. The continuation fee applies after the scheduled time limit of four years from the onset of the program. All fees are subject to change without notice. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL MATTERS Reading material costs (texts and course packs) need to be considered when planning the program, and may be $200-$300 per course. Students are responsible for their own accommodation arrangements, and living costs. International Applicants are advised to clarify their eligibility for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Program (AHCIP), and are strongly encouraged to purchase adequate coverage when not covered by AHCIP (ie. for studies shorter than 12 months duration). Program Fees total $15,320 (Canadian students) and $30,640 (International students) and must be paid during the first four years of the program. Students may choose to pay the entire program St Stephen s College, Edmonton, AB CANADA DMIN Program Intake Feb

6 ST STEPHEN S COLLEGE Doctor of Ministry Program Application GENERAL INFORMATION Use your legal name as shown on one of the following documents: Birth Certificate, Passport, Canadian Immigration Student Authorization document or Marriage Certificate. This name will appear on your College records and transcripts, and on your degree parchment upon graduation. Full Legal Name Previous Legal Name (if any) Address Surname First Initial Surname First Initial Citizenship Address Telephone Birth Date Street Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident Home City/Province/Postal Code International Student (must obtain a Study Permit through CIC) Business Religious Affiliation if applicable (for statistical use only) How did you hear about the DMin Program? APPLICATION MATERIALS: Application Fee Official Transcripts requested directly from degree-granting institution and directed to the Registrar s Office, DMin Admissions English Proficiency Test Score (if applicable) Curriculum Vitae Writing Sample Statement of Professional Goals Statement of Spiritual Journey St Stephen s College, Edmonton, AB CANADA DMIN Program Intake Feb

7 LETTERS OF REFERENCE Denominational or faith group official Professional ministry Governing body official Peer in ministry Peer in ministry Name of Referee Position/Title Letters of Reference are mailed directly to St Stephen s College, using the form appended to this application. APPLICATION FEES: Please send your completed application form with required documentation and non-refundable application fee to St Stephen s College. Canadian/Permanent Resident Applicants: Application fee is $190. Application deadline is February 1, International Applicants: Application fee is $380. Application Deadline is November 1, Method of payment: Personal Cheque or Money Order payable to St Stephen's College Cash VIS A Mastercard Credit Card Number Expiry Validation number MAIL APPLICATION TO: St Stephen's College University of Alberta Campus Doctor of Ministry Program Admissions Street Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2J6 Or signed application form and documents to: st.stephens@ualberta.ca I certify that the information in this application is true and complete in all respects and that I have withheld no information. I certify that I have read and understand the Student Records: Contents, Access, Use, and Protection policy outlined in the Academic Calendar. I understand that misrepresentation, falsification of documents, or withholding of requested information regarding this application are serious offences and may result in dismissal from the College. I agree, if admitted to St Stephen s College, to comply with the terms, conditions, academic standards, regulations, policies and codes of behavior contained or referenced in the Academic Calendar: (sign below) Signature Date St Stephen s College, Edmonton, AB CANADA DMIN Program Intake Feb

8 ST STEPHEN S COLLEGE Edmonton, Alberta Phone: Fax: Toll-free in Canada: REFERENCE FORM DMIN PROGRAM APPLICANT NAME St Stephen s College would appreciate a confidential statement from you concerning the named applicant who has applied for admission to the Doctor of Ministry degree program. Referees may attach a letter of reference to this form, or write comments below. Please indicate the length and nature of your relationship to the applicant, and comment especially on the following points, as possible: (1) Character, personality, and capacity for personal growth and development (2) Clarity of commitment to advanced degree study in professional ministry (3) Academic ability for graduate level work (4) Capacity for work in an educational model that emphasizes reflection on experience and personal growth as well as knowledge and skill development (5) Emotional stability (6) Leadership and vocational qualities (7) General readiness for pursuing their goals by means of the proposed course of study Letters of recommendation for admission can be released on request to the subject of the letter. They are considered valid for one year only. MAIL or FAX DIRECTLY TO St Stephen s College DMin Program University of Alberta Campus Street Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2J6 Fax: Or TO st.stephens@ualberta.ca Do NOT return Reference to Applicant REFERENCE PROVIDED BY Signature Name Position/Title Address Phone St Stephen s College, Edmonton, AB CANADA DMIN Program Intake Feb