Perkins School of Theology

Overview

Perkins School of Theology, established in 1911, is one of the original schools of Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. In 1945, it was renamed to honor benefactors Joe J. and Lois Craddock Perkins. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Perkins offers a range of theological degree programs and is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

Location

Perkins is situated on the main campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Additionally, it offers hybrid-extension programs in Houston-Galveston, providing flexible learning options for students in different regions.

Denominational Affiliation

Perkins is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is one of the denomination's 13 seminaries. This affiliation offers students opportunities for interdisciplinary learning within the context of Methodist traditions.

Degree Programs

Perkins offers a variety of degree programs to prepare students for diverse roles in ministry and theological scholarship:

Master of Divinity (M.Div.): Prepares students for ordination and various forms of ministry.
Master of Arts in Ministry (M.A.M.): Focuses on faith-based ministry and leadership roles.
Master of Sacred Music (M.S.M.): Combines music and theology for roles in church music leadership.
Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.): Offers a foundation in theological disciplines for personal enrichment or further academic study.
Master of Theology (Th.M.): Provides advanced study for those with prior theological education.
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.): Advanced professional degree for experienced ministers.
Doctor of Pastoral Music (D.P.M.): Designed for experienced church musicians seeking to enhance their pastoral and musical skills.

Faculty

Perkins boasts a distinguished faculty with expertise across various theological disciplines. Notable faculty members include:

Dr. O. Wesley Allen, Jr.: Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics.
Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles: Professor of New Testament and Director of the Baptist House of Studies.
Dr. Ruben L. F. Habito: Professor of World Religions and Spirituality and Director of Spiritual Formation.
Dr. Roy L. Heller: Professor of Old Testament and Director of the Graduate Program in Religious Studies.
Dr. Susanne Scholz: Professor of Old Testament.

Tuition and Fees (2024-2025 Academic Year)

Tuition: $795 per credit hour for graduate programs.
General Student Fee: $316 per term credit hour, with a maximum of $3,770 per term for students enrolled in Dallas courses.
Distance Learning Fee: $100 per term credit hour for students enrolled in the Hybrid Program.
Doctoral Programs:
- Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.): $928 per credit hour, plus general student fees.
- Doctor of Pastoral Music (D.P.M.): $854 per credit hour, plus general student fees.

Financial Aid

Perkins is committed to making theological education accessible:

Scholarships: Approximately 98% of master's degree-seeking students receive scholarship assistance.
Average Annual Award: The average annual scholarship award for full-time, degree-seeking students is $14,310.
Application Process: Scholarship decisions are typically communicated within two weeks of submitting a completed application.

Additional Resources

Bridwell Library: A leading theological research collection with over 385,000 volumes, including rare books, Bibles, and manuscripts.
Specialized Study Areas: Students can concentrate in areas such as African American Church Studies, Anglican Studies, Church/Nonprofit Management, Hispanic Studies, Pastoral Care, Social Innovation and Nonprofit Engagement, Urban Ministry, and Women's and Gender Studies.

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