PhD in Divinity/Ministry (PhD)

Tuition is The total tuition cost for the three-year program is $13,200, which is split into six equal payments of $2,200. After the first three years, there is a modest continuing fee ($375 per semester) until completion of the degree..

The Doctor of Ministry qualifies graduates for advanced leadership roles in church and public ministry settings. This programme focuses on deepening theological reflection, practical leadership, and spiritual engagement through academic study and real-world application. Students work in a community of peers while addressing current challenges in ministry. The degree supports ongoing ministry practice during doctoral study.

Focus areas include Transforming Spirituality, Chaplaincy Reimagined, Leadership for Justice.

The programme requires 30 credit hours distributed across four core courses (9 credits), two concentration-specific courses (6 credits), electives (9 credits), and a final project or thesis (6 credits). Students complete two in-person seminars during the first year and take other courses online or in person.

Graduates serve as pastors, chaplains, leaders in faith-based organizations, religious educators, and spiritual directors in diverse ministry contexts.

Applicants must hold an M.Div. or equivalent degree and have at least three years of ministerial experience after earning their first graduate theological degree. They must continue active ministry during the programme. Application materials include transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

The programme totals about 30 credit hours. Hybrid format with two in-person one-week intensives in the first year and the option to take courses online or in person. Designed for part-time study over three years. For international students, tuition is below the median for US programmes.

Brite Divinity School prepares leaders for congregational leadership and non-congregational settings of ministry. Its programmes support work with churches, communities and underserved populations, while encouraging students to engage major social issues through critical scholarship and commitments to justice. The school also offers lay and continuing education programmes designed to increase readiness for ministry.

Academic study combines excellent scholarship, pastoral training, spiritual development and life-giving practices. Degree options include the Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry, Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies and Master of Theology. The Master of Theology programme is currently under review and is not accepting applications. Brite also lists field education and supervised ministry among its academic programmes, alongside denominational programmes.

The school operates on the Texas Christian University campus in Fort Worth, Texas. Brite and TCU are independent institutions with a shared historical relationship, heritage, affiliation, traditions and values connected to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). They operate under a shared services agreement that provides administrative, operational and maintenance support. Student life includes weekly opportunities for worship, spiritual growth and collaborative learning. The Department of Student Success supports student groups, campus-resource navigation, academic needs and personal and professional growth. Brite has a full-time residential faculty and a 10:1 student-teacher ratio, allowing students to work closely with faculty. International students should note the school’s residential setting and its emphasis on ministry preparation, spiritual formation and community participation.