The topic for the major applied project, approved by the project advisor using a form obtained from the director of the D.Min. program, must be submitted to the director at least six months before the degree is to be awarded. The candidate must register for the project in the quarter following the approval of the topic. No later than March 1 of the year when the degree is to be conferred, the semi-final draft of the major applied project must be submitted to the advisor and reader. No later than May 1, the final approved version of the major applied project must be submitted to the advisor, reader, and director. All requirements must be completed in three to six years.
All tracks require a major applied project, which is the final step in the curriculum process.
After completing two seminars and two courses, a student may seek degree candidacy status by applying to the D.Min. Committee and, upon approval, may begin to undertake his project. The project is designed to incorporate meaningful research, reading, and class work in the seminars and courses and to build a bridge between the theological and practical aspects of the ministry under consideration. The congregation or agency participates in the process. The continuing education track requires, in addition to the major applied project, at least four courses in the disciplines of exegetical, systematic, and historical theology with at least one course from each discipline.