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Applicants for the above degree programs must have completed an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale in a well-balanced, pre-theological curriculum. Other considerations include seriousness of purpose, potential for growth in the preparation for the profession of ministry (M.Div. and M.A.M only), emotional stability, and likelihood of satisfactory performance in the degree program.

Under extraordinary circumstances, Perkins School of Theology may consider admitting an applicant to a master’s program without a completed bachelor’s degree per the Association of Theological Schools. Such exemptions are not guaranteed and are rigorously evaluated against the standards for admission on a case-by-case basis.

A cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) is required for admission to the Master of Sacred Music program. The concentration in Liturgical Musicology requires a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.5 for admittance and that the student maintain at least a 3.5 for all graduate work. Although one application is made through Perkins School of Theology, successful applicants for the M.S.M. program are accepted by both the Division of Music in the School of the Arts and the School of Theology. 

Applied Concentrations

•Choral Conducting: Submit a 20 minute video link(s) and writing sample

•Composition and Arranging: Submit links to recordings, PDF of scores, and goal statement

•Keyboards: Register for an audition on campus or submit a recorded audition

•Organ: Register for an audition on campus or submit a recorded audition

Academic Concentrations

• Music Education: Submit a 20 minute video link(s), writing sample and schedule interview with sarahallen@smu.edu

•Worship Arts: Register and submit a writing sample

•Liturgical Musicology: Register and submit a writing sample

 Further instructions for application materials for each concentration may be found by clicking here. From this link you may select “Audition Requirements” and “Academic Concentration Requirement.”

Applicants for the Th.M. degree program must have successfully completed an Association of Theological Schools - accredited degree at the master's level requiring at least 2 years of full-time study or the equivalent credential from an institution outside the U.S. and Canada. Academic ability, as shown by a minimum GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in a previous master's-level program, is required.

(non-degree programs)

Applicants must have a B.A. or equivalent degree and who wish to take courses for credit but who do not wish to enter a degree program may seek admission to Perkins as non-degree student. Application, official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate academic work, two letters of reference and an explanation of the proposed plan of study indicating the courses desired is required.

The professional nature of the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree requires that students hold leadership responsibilities within their ministry context. The application deadline is March  15 for admission to the June cohort. Applicants to the D.Min. program must demonstrate preparation for advanced professional doctoral study through academic training, ministerial experience, and vocational discernment. 

Academic Preparation 

• An accredited master’s degree (or its educational equivalent) in an area related to the applicant’s ministry setting or vocational calling such as an M.Div. or M.A. in Ministry 
• Demonstrated academic excellence, as attested by official transcripts 

Ministerial Experience 

• Significant ministerial experience sufficient to engage as a ministry peer in an advanced professional doctoral program 
• Two references attesting to ministerial leadership, experience, and readiness for doctoral-level study 

Theological Reflection and Vocation 

• The ability to interpret Scripture and theological tradition within one’s ministry context 
• Capacity to understand and adapt ministry practice to cultural contexts 
• Demonstrated self-understanding of ministerial identity and vocational calling 
• Readiness for ongoing personal and spiritual formation 

International Applicants 

• International applicants holding a religious worker visa (R-1) may be considered for admission 
• Proof of English proficiency is required, with a minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based) 
• No federal funding  is available to international students. There is minimal Perkins-funded aid available. 

Additional financial requirements for international students may be found in the D.Min. Financial Information section. 

Because the Doctor of Ministry is a degree granted in the context of active ministry, transfer credit is approved at the discretion of the Director. 

An accredited (NASM/ATS) MM, MSM, MCM degree (48 credit hrs.) or equivalent with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale (B=80) in addition to graduate courses in music theory, musicology, applied music study, and a minimum of five courses in Bible (6 credit hrs.), theology (3 credit hrs.), liturgy (3 credit hrs.), and hymnology (3 credit hrs.). 

At least five years of full‐time music ministry experience post‐master's degree.