students meeting in courtyard

Program Overview

The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) at Knox College is a professional doctoral degree designed for ministers, pastors, and faith leaders who are actively serving in ministry and seeking to deepen their theological understanding, enhance their leadership, and reflect critically on their practice.

This program is ideal for those who want to:

  • Remain rooted in their ministry context while pursuing advanced academic study.
  • Engage in meaningful dialogue with peers from diverse traditions and backgrounds.
  • Strengthen their capacity for transformative leadership in church, community, and faith.

Through a combination of intensive on-campus seminarscohort-based learning, and a doctoral-level research project, students integrate theological scholarship with real-world ministry challenges. The DMin is offered conjointly by Knox College (a member college at the Toronto School of Theology), and the University of Toronto, ensuring academic excellence and practical relevance.

🎓 Global Rankings & Academic Prestige

University of Toronto
Ranked among the Top 20 universities worldwide in the 2025 QS World University Rankings.

Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies
Ranked 1st in Canada6th in North America, and 10th globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings for Theology, Divinity, and Religious Studies. A testament to our people, teaching, and our ties to the University of Toronto.

As a DMin student at Knox College, you’ll join a globally ranked academic community through the Toronto School of Theology and the University of Toronto while staying rooted in your ministry.

Program Highlights

Duration

Normally completed in four (4) years.

Delivery

Full-time, in-person study. Students continue working full-time in their ministries while completing the program.

Degree Conferred By

Conjointly awarded by the University of Toronto and Knox College.

Program Study Sequence

  • Phase 1: Orientation
  • Phase 2: Coursework
  • Phase 3: Thesis Requirements

Admission Requirements

The following provides an overview of the admission requirements for the DMin program. For full details, please refer to Applying to the DMin Program, Step 1 – Meet Admission Requirements and the Graduate Conjoint Degree Handbook for comprehensive admission and program information.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent from a recognized college or university*
  • Achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.3/4.0 or greater (equivalent to 77% or a B+)
  • Hold a Baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from a recognized college or university*
  • Have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the practice of ministry following the MDiv degree (or equivalent degree)
  • Be actively engaged in a recognized ministry (normally full-time), which will serve as the “ministry base” during the program
  • Demonstrate English-language proficiency
  • Provide evidence of equivalent academic standing if educated outside North America

*All theological schools fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada are deemed to be recognized institutions.

Admissions to this program are overseen by the Graduate Center for Theological Studies (GCTS) at the Toronto School of Theology (TST). Interested applicants must submit a Graduate Degree Program Application through GCTS at TST.

To apply, interested candidates must:

    1. Review program timelines and deadlines carefully before submission
    2. Ensure all supporting documents meet the stated requirements
    3. Connect with Knox College to discuss your proposed thesis topic and explore potential faculty supervisors
    4. Submit a Graduate Degree Program Application through GCTS

Doctor of Ministry Program Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate:
1. Depth and breadth of knowledge
2. Research and scholarship
3. Application of knowledge
4. Professional capacity and autonomy
5. Communication skills
6. Awareness of the limits of knowledge

Tuition Basics

For full tuition details and bursary information, visit our Tuition/Financial Aid page.