Answer and Explore Your Calling
Do you feel called to pursue a new chapter of life through theological education? No matter where you are in the discernment process, an education at Perkins School of Theology can help deepen your theological toolset in ways that will support your unique calling and empower you to lead.
Graduate Theological Studies at SMU Perkins
At Perkins, our curriculum and community are designed to help you further discern your call to vocational or lay ministry. Whether you feel called to vocational ministry or to strengthen your own theological understanding for leadership in your community or church, Perkins offers a variety of degree programs to prepare you to fulfill your servant leadership calling.
Master's Degree Programs
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
Is your call leading you toward ordination to Word, sacrament, service and order? The Perkins community — diverse in cultural and theological perspectives — serves to engage you in dialogue, study, worship and life-changing conversation both inside and outside the classroom. If you want to pursue other specialized ministries, the M.Div. degree may also be the best choice. We strongly recommend that you seek advice from the leadership in your denomination for guidance in selecting a degree program for meeting your needs in the denomination.
Master of Arts in Ministry (M.A.M.)
The M.A.M Program prepares students for faith-based ministry and increases their knowledge about the heritage of the Christian faith, the Church and its ministries. Students looking to start the next chapter of their lives by becoming an ordained minister, youth leader, a chaplain or more will greatly benefit from our Master of Arts in Ministry Program. We strongly recommend that you seek advice from the leadership in your denomination for guidance in selecting a degree program for meeting your needs in the denomination.
Master of Sacred Music (M.S.M.)
Are you equally passionate about music and your faith? The M.S.M. Program might be a great fit for you. The program prepares students for professional music leadership in the church and academic work in church music. Music and theology courses, professional practicum and leadership development and other opportunities prepare students to engage with a wide range of literature and performance practices and skills. The M.S.M Program allows students to apply this learning and knowledge in both academic and church settings.
-min.jpg?width=376&height=250&name=29643D_094%20(1)-min.jpg "29643D_094 (1)-min")
Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
Are you considering a deeper dive into theology to enrich your skillset for lay ministry, personal knowledge, or to prepare for doctoral studies? The Master of Theological Studies degree may be for you. While offering a solid foundation of theological disciplines, this unique program enables you to plan your studies so that they serve both your personal theological interests and professional goals.
-min.jpg?width=376&height=250&name=29643D_060%20(2)-min.jpg "29643D_060 (2)-min")
Master of Theology (Th.M.)
Do you already have a graduate degree in theology and want to further your knowledge and skillset? The Th.M Program at Perkins is uniquely created for those who want to enhance the practice of ministry through advanced study of a particular theological or pastoral discipline. In addition, Th.M. students scholarly examine specific aspects of Christian traditions or function of Christian ministry and prepare for more advanced study at the doctoral level.
Doctorate Degree Programs
-min-1.jpg?width=375&height=250&name=29311D_022%20(1)-min-1.jpg "29311D_022 (1)-min-1")
Doctor of Ministry
(D.Min.)
Sometimes answering the call can be interrupted by the everyday challenges of serving a church. The D.Min Program provides the opportunity for advanced study in the areas of vocational, leadership and community building. Integrating theological reflection and ministerial practice with these areas of study, Christian leaders will build their theological knowledge and gain skills to effectively engage in ministerial work in contexts of change and transition.
Doctor of Pastoral Music (D.P.M.)
Few programs exist for church musicians that allow them to re-tune their vocation in the context of the changing demands of the music ministry. The D.P.M. Program is designed for experienced church musicians who have achieved a Master of Sacred Music degree or its equivalent and who are devoted to increasing their effectiveness in broadening their vision of the pastoral dimensions of music ministry into the larger community.
Request more information
Wondering if Perkins is a good fit for your vocational or lay ministry needs? If you want to learn more about any of our programs or how Perkins can help you answer your calling, just fill out the form to connect with a representative.
Looking for other ways to connect?
Explore our upcoming events below.