Program Description

The SBCV Cohort in the Doctor of Ministry is an advanced degree designed for ministers seeking further training to serve at a new level of excellence in ministry. Throughout the 31-hour degree, students will acquire new ideas, tools, strategies and techniques that will increase effectiveness and expand opportunities within current and future roles.

Program Plan →

Eligibility

  • An accredited master’s degree in a ministry-related field
  • The Master of Divinity degree
  • A master’s degree, other than the MDiv degree, will require an applicant to complete the Qualification Packet
  • 3.0 GPA in graduate work (will consider a lower GPA based on strength of application)
  • Significant vocational ministry experience
  • Church is a partner of the SBCV (SBC of Virginia) Convention

Cost

(also see Scholarship information)

  • Application fee: $40 (waived using code: SBCVirginia)
  • Standard Monthly Billed Tuition: $385
  • SBC Discounted Monthly Billed Tuition: $264
  • $1,000/SBC or $1,500/non-SBC initial program fee

* Monthly tuition will be billed in 6-month increments separated into monthly payments through a payment plan using Nelnet.

Scholarship & Grants

SBC of Virginia Scholarship

The scholarships are available for the payment of tuition. Applicants are evaluated based on the following criteria: statement of belief, evidence of commitment to the local church, evidence of the call of God in his/her life, and financial need.

Deadline: April 1, 2026

Learn More

Keesee Foundation Grant

Virginia students pursuing a degree in ministry could be eligible for a grant. See link for criteria and application.

Deadline: May 1, 2026 (extensions are not offered)

learn more

Application Process for SEBTS

We invite you to take the first steps in applying for the DMin program by filling out the application available at apply.sebts.edu/apply.

Apply for DMin Program →

Application Instructions
  • Are you applying for a special cohort? YES
  • Please select the following cohort you are applying for: SBCV Cohort
  • Desired Entry Term: Fall 2025
  • Academic Degree Interest: Pastoral Ministry (Non-specialization)
Once we have received your application and requested documents, your materials will go to the Doctor of Ministry Committee to determine eligibility for acceptance into the program.

Notes: Taught primarily by Dr. Chuck Lawless, Dr. Brian Autry, Dr. Tate Cockrell, and Dr. Keith Whitfield. Most courses completed at the SBCV building or online, with DMN8141 “Project Design Workshop” completed on campus at SEBTS in Wake Forest, NC. Contact Tami Walker in the SBCV executive office at twalker@sbcv.org for more assistance with program information.

STAFF CONTACT

Tami Walker
Executive Assistant to Executive Director and Ministry Support Team Leader
Contact Tami →