Pittsburgh Theological Seminary's hybrid Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Intergenerational Black Church Studies degree program invites pastors and faith-based leaders to deepen their ministry by meaningfully exploring the Black church's role across generations. The three-to-four-year cohort model fosters a supportive community of ministers united in a shared commitment to advance the position of the Black church.
Grounded in the rich history of the Black church, this unique D.Min program unites participants around critical discussions of faith, culture, and liberation.
Accessibility is central to this program's mission. By reducing financial barriers and offering in-person classes for working professionals during concentrated blocks of time, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary allows more leaders to acquire critical skills and deepen their impact within their communities.
With a Doctor of Ministry in Intergenerational Black Church Studies, students can pursue rewarding careers in faith-based and community organizations, serving as pastors, denominational leaders, and non-profit directors. Students gain academic knowledge and practical tools for impactful, culturally relevant ministry so they can shape policy, address social challenges, and guide congregations with a deep understanding of the Black church’s historical and present-day influence.
Explore key elements of the hybrid Doctor of Ministry in Intergenerational Black Church Studies, including the application process, costs, curriculum highlights, and unique cohort schedule.
The intergenerational Black church studies focus accepts applications on a rolling basis. With limited cohort spots, we encourage applicants to apply early for the best chance of admission. Applicants can also request placement on a waitlist if a cohort reaches capacity. Review admission requirements for the Doctor of Ministry degree.
E-mail the admissions team at or call 412-924-1365 for more information about the application process.
For program eligibility, applicants must hold a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or an accredited master's degree in a field related to their ministry context.
See the Seminary's Cost of Attendance page to learn more about the costs for this DMin cohort.
The Doctor of Ministry degree program offers financial aid and scholarships to support eligible students. One of these opportunities is the Expanding Access to Theological Education Scholarship, which helps cover student tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Note: Federal loans are not available for this program.
Examine historic intergenerational dynamics across various institutions and movements, primarily within Black Christian traditions. This topic emphasizes historical, theological, and sociological factors that shaped these dynamics and their importance for understanding Black socio-religious practices today.
Gain an introduction to a variety of research methods and practices in practical theology, with particular attention to ethnography.
Explore community engagement and participation in more significant social movements as an expression of and as distinct from formal Black church institutional practices. Students theologically examine social movements through biblical and other historical narratives, implementing a social-political lens and raising questions about how today's church writes its history in contemporary movements.
Engage with current ministry in Black church traditions, focusing on aesthetics, materiality, and the significance of social context. The topic introduces students to design thinking principles as tools to lead congregations in imagining possibilities for ministry in a specific setting.
Discover how Black churches engage with Scripture as a living witness, with particular attention to hermeneutics and their relationship with sociocultural location.
Examine forms of sacred proclamation in Black church traditions, including preaching and artistic and aesthetic expression, and how these acts reflect an awareness of specific contexts.
Investigate gender dynamics in Black church traditions and how these dynamics influence conceptions of community and leadership opportunities.
Explore sources of spiritual sustenance from Black church traditions and the significance of spiritual practice in ethical formation.
Analyze pressing social issues affecting Black communities in the United States and the church’s role in responding to those challenges.
Consider the global impact of modern social movements and the role of Black church traditions in that larger ecosystem.
As part of the Intergenerational Black Church Studies focus, students must complete a doctoral project and paper demonstrating the candidate's ability to identify a problem, issue, or concern in their ministry, integrate appropriate theological, biblical, and professional resources, and develop a method for resolution.
The doctoral project and paper must reflect the depth of theological insight and its positive integration within the practice of ministry.
The hybrid Intergenerational Black Church Studies cohort will meet in person for two weeks in January and June, with sessions held in Pittsburgh and at students' ministry sites. This focus will have two mentors—a faculty mentor and a practitioner mentor—who will work together to guide participants. Additionally, a cohort facilitator will host monthly online classes.
Embrace the opportunity to join a transformative community dedicated to leading the Black church forward in an ever-changing world. Apply now to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s hybrid Doctor of Ministry in Intergenerational Black Church Studies.