The Doctor of Ministry degree is a professional degree rather than a strictly academic credential such as the Th.D. or Ph.D. It is designed to offer men who already have extensive experience in vocational ministry the opportunity to increase their biblical and theological competence as well as their ministry skill. The program is neither purely practical nor purely theoretical, but seeks to combine study with practical ministry. Students will expand their knowledge of the Old Testament, the New Testament, and theology. They will sharpen their goals, refine their skills, and address their weaknesses in a seminary setting while continuing in active, vocational ministry.

Because the Doctor of Ministry program aims for a balance between theory and practice, none of the seminars is strictly theoretical. Every class is designed to lead immediately to the work of ministry. Course assignments will require the student to stretch intellectually, but every seminar will require the student to integrate his learning with his ministerial practice. The Doctor of Ministry program at Central Seminary focuses upon pastoral leadership.

Students in other ministries are not excluded, but must recognize that the classes will be shaped primarily to strengthen pastors. Because of the pastoral focus of the D.Min. degree, Central Seminary will only accept men into this program.