Doctor of Ministry (DMin) – Urban Ministry Serve the Inner-City Communities
30
Credit Hours
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Dates: January 19, 2026 | February 16, 2026 | March 23, 2026
Are you passionate about meeting the needs of people in urban or inner-city settings? Liberty University has created a unique degree program for ministry professionals like you to help you thrive as you pursue a career serving these populations. Our Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Urban Ministry can help give you knowledge and insight into working with urban populations as well as opportunities to conduct extensive research and develop your own insights into this type of ministry.
Your heart for reaching diverse groups in dense populations does not go unrecognized. Growing numbers within cities both nationally and globally mean people like you – with the right training, skills, expertise, and passion – are critical to reaching these populations with the Gospel. Partner with us to gain advanced knowledge in understanding the unique demands of urban ministry so you can meet the needs of people living within major cities.
Your officially conferred degree name will be Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Urban Ministry.
Liberty Theological Seminary, as part of Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Your seminary degree is approved by ATS and has met rigorous accreditation standards, so you can feel confident that your degree is both academically excellent and well-respected among churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.

Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026
At Liberty University, our mission is Training Champions for Christ. In keeping with that mission, we strive to provide ministry professionals like yourself with an excellent and Christ-centered education. Here, you can receive the resources you need to become well-equipped in developing culturally relevant ministries for urban populations.
Throughout your DMin in Urban Ministry, you’ll study under professors who have years of ministerial experience and are experts in their disciplines. They hold doctorates in ministry-related fields and are committed to mentoring you throughout your program. You’ll be encouraged throughout your interactions with them in your virtual classroom.
In addition to learning from professionals in evangelism, theology, and ministry, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your own professionalism in the field. This degree includes courses in research and thesis development which can prepare you to write your thesis or complete your portfolio project. You will have regular feedback and support from faculty and staff as you consider innovative ideas and ways to influence others with the Gospel in urban settings.
A doctoral degree in ministry can prepare you to lead and influence others in a variety of ministerial settings. Through it, you can gain the knowledge and skills to initiate new work, continue a thriving ministry, or simply excel in your outreach through church, parachurch, or nonprofit organizations. With a specialization in urban ministry, you’ll receive specific preparation for working with dynamic and diverse populations.
Additionally, you will write a thesis or complete a portfolio as a part of your program. Through this requirement, you’ll complete extensive research and develop new insight into the topic of urban ministry. This can help give you a deeper understanding of relevant issues in urban society and the additional skills you need in this field. You’ll be able to analyze and address the complex needs of communities and integrate Gospel-related solutions to your work in cities with diverse populations.
Liberty University’s Doctor of Ministry programs are designed for professionals who are actively engaged in full-time ministry. The program is intended to provide professional development for your career as a full-time minister. However, the Doctor of Ministry in Urban Ministry may expand your career potential into positions such as:
Degree Completion Plan
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.
To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for many divinity courses* all for one convenient fee.
*Electronic textbooks are not provided for PACO courses or courses that fall under departments outside the School of Divinity.
| Doctoral Divinity Block Rate (7-15 credit hours) | $2,850 |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Divinity Part Time (1-6.99 or over 15 credit hours) | $410/Credit |
| Military Doctoral Divinity Block Rate (7-15 credit hours) | $2,800 |
| Military Doctoral Divinity Part Time (1-6.99 or over 15 credit hours)* | $375/Credit |
*Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $375/credit hour (learn more).
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.
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Submit your application online or over the phone.
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
Available Benefits:
*Credits taken below 7 and above 15 credit hours per semester are charged at the part-time rate of $375/credit hour.
Eligible current and former service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $375/credit hour (learn more), but the $375/credit hour doctoral military rate cannot be combined with the First Responder Discount.
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Your seminary degree is approved by ATS and has met rigorous accreditation standards, so you can feel confident that your degree is both academically excellent and well-respected among churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.
A DMin degree and a PhD are 2 different degrees with different emphases.
Maybe you’re interested in an online divinity degree, but you’re not sure whether you should choose a DMin or a PhD. When making your choice, you should consider the emphasis of the 2 degrees. PhD programs are more theoretical in nature than DMin programs. PhD students tend to pursue academic careers in teaching or research while many DMin students pursue real-world ministry positions upon graduation.
If you’re interested in teaching at a Bible college, you may find our PhD in Bible Exposition more attractive. On the other hand, if you’d like to use your degree to work in church leadership or youth ministry, our DMin in Theology and Apologetics may be the best fit for you.
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*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.