Academic Programs – Catalog

Rockbridge Seminary 2022-2023 Academic Catalog and Program Handbooks in a pdf, download here.

Rockbridge Seminary currently offers a diploma program, two master’s programs, and one doctoral program. Each program is designed to meet specific learning and ministry needs.

DIPLOMA IN MINISTRY STUDIES

The Diploma in Ministry Studies (DMS) is a 39-credit hour program requiring a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 5 years for completion.  The DMS is designed for men and women over the age of 25 who are serving on a church staff or in other ministry positions, and who do not wish to pursue a degree or do not have an earned bachelor’s degree. The diploma provides you with the opportunity to develop servant leadership skills for local church ministry, as well as competencies in Bible and church history. The curriculum may be completed in two years, although students may take longer due to family, church, and job responsibilities. You can find details about this program in the section of this Catalog dedicated to the Diploma in Ministry Studies.

MASTER OF MINISTRY LEADERSHIP DEGREE

The Master of Ministry Leadership (MML) is a 52-credit hour program requiring a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 7 years for completion.  The MML is a professional degree designed for men and women who have an earned bachelor’s degree and are serving on a church staff or in other ministry positions. In this degree program, you develop your servant leadership skills for local church ministry. It is particularly suited for you if you have studied Bible and theology in your bachelor’s program. The curriculum may be completed in two years, although many students take longer due to family, church, and job responsibilities. You can find details about this program in the section of this Catalog dedicated to the Master of Ministry Leadership degree.

MASTER OF DIVINITY DEGREE

The Master of Divinity (MDIV) is a 80-credit hours program requiring a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 8 years for completion.  The MDIV is a professional degree designed for men and women with a bachelor’s degree who serve or desire to serve in such roles as ordained pastor, career missionary, or chaplain. In this degree program, you develop competencies in biblical studies, church history, theology, pastoral care, counseling, and preaching/teaching. The curriculum may be completed in three years, although many students take longer due to family, church, and job responsibilities. You can find details about this program in the section of this Catalog dedicated to the Master of Divinity degree.

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY DEGREE

The Doctor of Ministry (DMIN) is a 39-credit hour program requiring a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 9 years for completion.  The DMIN is a professional doctorate designed for men and women who hold the MDIV or its educational equivalent and who have engaged in substantial ministry leadership. In this degree program, you develop transformational leadership competencies in areas such as spirituality, spiritual community, transformational discipleship, organizational leadership, and missional leadership. The degree requires no fewer than three years nor more than nine years to complete. The curriculum may be completed in three years, although many students take longer due to family, church, and job responsibilities. The required Applied Research Project topic you choose can also encourage you to take longer to complete the degree. You can find details about this program in the section of this Catalog dedicated to the Doctor of Ministry degree.

AUDITING CLASSES

Rockbridge Seminary’s online course design is not conducive to auditing. Therefore, we are not able to offer students the option to audit courses.

RECOVERY MINISTRY COURSES

Rockbridge offers courses in Recovery Ministry. Individuals interested in these courses must qualify for admission at the degree level for which the courses are offered, but are not required to complete that degree.