The church needs far more teachers in the. church than for the church. A D.Min. is primarily a professional degree, not a research degree –more like. an M.D. than a Ph.D. It is distinctive in being built upon the basic professional. degree for ministry, the Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) or its equivalent (a theological. masters degree and supplemental seminary course work of at least 72 credit hours). Ironically, those without a theological masters degree might find it easier to be.