Southern Methodist University
SMU

DEGREE PROGRAMS

Master of Divinity

Purpose

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree is designed primarily for students who plan to be ordained clergy and serve in Word, sacrament, service and order. It may also equip a person for other specialized ministries.

Requirements for Admission

The number of new students to be admitted each year is determined by policies of selection established by the faculty. The following considerations are decisive:

1. Seriousness of purpose, emotional stability and likelihood of satisfactory performance in the degree program and of responsible membership in the Perkins and Southern Methodist University community

2. Presence of and potential for growth in those emotional. moral and spiritual qualities requisite for the profession of ministry and the absence of patterns of personal behavior tending to be seriously disabling to ministry

3. Academic ability as shown by a minimum G.P.A of 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale) in a well-balanced curriculum. Normally, an applicant must hold the B.A. or equivalent degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting body (MSA, NASC, NCA, NEASC-CIHE, NEASC-CTCI, SACS, WASC-Jr. or WASC-Sr.). An applicant with a degree from a nonaccredited school may be considered if the case is exceptional. It is particularly important that the student have an adequate liberal arts preparation. In keeping with the recommendations of the Association of Theological Schools concerning pre-theological studies, the following 60 hours of liberal arts coursework are highly recommended for admission to the M.Div. degree program:

  1. Three hours of philosophy (preferably historical or introductory courses or logic)
  2. Twelve hours of English (especially courses that include grammar, composition and creative writing)
  3. Three hours of history
  4. Three hours of social science
  5. Thirty-nine additional hours of liberal arts

The following are considered highly desirable for admission to the M.Div. degree program:

  1. Three hours of a natural science or mathematics
  2. Six hours of a foreign language
  3. Six hours in religion (e.g., Bible, church history, history of religions, theology or ethics)

People who have already graduated from college or who are considering the ministry as a second career are given special consideration by the Admissions Committee, especially in regard to the adequacy of their pre-theological curriculum.

Beyond the evidence of ability furnished by transcripts, applicants may be asked to demonstrate their preparation for theological study by adequate performance on either the Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogies Test.

4. A reasonable program of financial support that will enable the student to be devoted properly to the main business of his or her theological training

5. To supplement the data furnished by transcripts, letters of reference and other written material, a personal interview with the director of Student Services or with a person designated by the director may be required of the applicant.

Requirements for Graduation

The M.Div. program requires 85 term hours of academic credit: 72 term hours of coursework and 12 term hours earned through the satisfactory completion of a supervised internship. Each M.Div. student will also enroll in a Spiritual Formation Group for two terms, normally the first year of study, for one term hour of credit for the second term.

Course Requirements

The course requirements, totaling 72 term hours are:

I. Thirty term hours of Basic Theological Studies:

  1. Twelve term hours in biblical studies, as follows:
    1. Three term hours in OT 6301 Interpretation of the Old Testament I
    2. Three term hours in OT 6302 Interpretation of the Old Testament II
    3. Three term hours in NT 6301 Interpretation of the New Testament I
    4. Three term hours in NT 6302 Interpretation of the New Testament II
      Students choosing to study one or both of the biblical languages have the following options: (a) Those taking GR 7300, 7301 and 7302 (Greek I and II and Greek Exegesis) are not required to take NT 6302 and (b) those taking HB 7300, 7301 and 7302 (Hebrew I and II and Hebrew Exegesis) are not required to take OT 6302.
  2. Six term hours in the history of Christianity, as follows:
    1. Three term hours in HX 6305 The Christian Heritage I
    2. Three term hours in HX 6306 The Christian Heritage II
  3. Twelve term hours in theology, as follows:
    1. Three term hours in ST 6300 Introduction to Theology
    2. Six term hours in ST 6301, 6302 The Interpretation of the Christian Message
    3. Three term hours in MT 6303 Moral Theology

II. Twelve term hours of Basic Ministerial Studies, as follows:

  1. Three term hours in PR 6300 Introduction to Preaching
  2. Three term hours in WO 6313 Word and Worship
  3. Six term hours in two 7300-level courses in two areas of ministry other than preaching and worship

III. Six term hours of Contextual Studies, as follows:

  1. Three term hours in XS 6310 The Church in Its Social Context (this course must be taken prior to or concurrently with the first courses in ministry)
  2. Three term hours in HR 6302 World Religions and Christianity: A Global Perspective

IV. Twenty-four term hours of electives, with the following stipulations:

  1. At least nine term hours of elective work must be from courses within Divisions I, II or III or must be an integrative course with a significant component of advanced theological studies
  2. At least three term hours of elective work must be taken within Division IV at the 7000 level or above

Grade Requirements

A minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 on all coursework is required for graduation to the M.Div. degree. A minimum cumulative average of 2.0 is likewise required for continuation beyond the second term and for continuation in school beyond the fourth term.

Admission to Candidacy

M.Div. students will be reviewed for admission to formal candidacy for the degree in the spring term following the completion of 27 term hours of academic work. A student will be admitted to candidacy provided he or she is not on probation and is not disqualified for having given insufficient evidence of fitness for ministry (See the “Fitness for Ministry” section.). Admission to formal candidacy signifies that the student is proceeding satisfactorily in his or her work and may be considered for the degree upon completion of all the requirements, but it does not oblige Perkins to grant the degree.

Ordination Requirements

Students preparing for ordination should become aware as early as possible of any specific educational requirements their denomination or judicatory may expect them to satisfy in the course of their M.Div. work (e.g., in the biblical languages or in denominational history, doctrine, polity and evangelism). They should explore, with their academic advisers, how best to deal with these expectations.

The requirements of the current United Methodist Book of Discipline concerning work in United Methodist history, doctrine and polity may be met by satisfactorily completing the following three courses: HX 7365 United Methodist History (three term hours), ST 7034 United Methodist Doctrine (1.5 term hours) and CA 7013 United Methodist Polity (1.5 term hours). These courses are not required for the M.Div. degree; they are provided as a means of satisfying these requirements of the church in the context of the programs. The Book of Discipline also indicates that these requirements may be met in ways other than through regular coursework, and students may wish to explore these other options.

In the United Methodist Church, the provisions for education and preparation for all forms of professional status in ministry are expressed in detail in the books The Christian as Minister, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, The United Methodist Church, Nashville, Tennessee, 1997 and Ministry Inquiry Process, GBHEM, The United Methodist Church, Nashville, Tennessee, 1997.

Spiritual Formation

All students completing the M.Div. are required to register for the program in spiritual formation. Students are required to attend a daylong orientation held in conjunction with the new student orientation program and are then enrolled in formation groups. These groups meet weekly throughout the fall and spring terms during the first year of the program.

Led by facilitators in groups of five to 10, students share in a formative experience designed to provide them with the framework of a common experience, emphasizing:

Students are evaluated and given credit by the group facilitators on the basis of attendance and engagement with the subject matter of the formation process. Students should register in both the fall and spring of the first year. Exceptions to this rule must be requested in writing from the director of Spiritual Life and Formation.

The M.Div. Internship

The M.Div. program requires the satisfactory completion of a supervised internship carrying 12 term hours of academic credit. While the student may register for six hours of internship credit during each of two consecutive terms, the internship degree requirement is satisfied only upon completion of the 12 term hours. M.Div. internships presuppose satisfactory completion of at least 39 term hours including six term hours of required biblical studies, The Church in Its Social Context (three term hours), Christian Heritage I and II (six term hours), Introduction to Theology (three term hours), Interpretation of the Christian Message (six term hours), Introduction to Preaching (three term hours) and Word and Worship (three term hours). United Methodist students, who are required by the Book of Discipline to take courses in United Methodist history, doctrine and polity, are advised to take these courses prior to the internship. Comparable advice is given to students from other traditions.

All internships are negotiated through the Intern Office. Students considering internship should contact the Intern Office during the year in which they will complete 39 hours of academic work to begin the placement process for their internship.

Internships are of three types:

1. In the full-time internship, which may be seven months (summer plus the fall term), nine months (fall and spring terms of one academic year) or 12 months in length, the intern faculty places the student in a full-time ministerial role in a setting appropriate to the student’s vocational goals. The majority of internships are served in congregations, but placements have also been negotiated in campus ministry, community service organizations, hospital and prison chaplaincy and other ministries. Students may have the opportunity to be placed in internships that serve various ethnicities, cross-cultural contexts and interethnic congregations. Serious consideration is given to the denominational preference of students during the placement process.

Full-time interns may not take any additional coursework during an internship. Students who wish to take a limited number of additional academic courses during internship may apply for the concurrent model.

The full-time intern receives a cash stipend. Because the student is doing full-time ministry, no outside employment is permitted.

NOTE: Student pastors who are appointed as the sole or senior pastor of a church may choose to apply for either the full-time or concurrent internship. If full-time, the student pastor must elect a nine-month or 12-month internship, and the student charge must be related to a nearby congregation whose pastor serves as mentor pastor. Salary replaces the mandated stipend for a full-time student pastor.

2. The concurrent internship is designed for students who are already employed on a church staff or in a student pastorate and who wish to use that setting for internship while continuing their academic work. The program extends over 12 months beginning June 1 and requires at least 20 hours per week of remunerated employment in the internship placement. During this time, the student continues academic coursework, carrying not fewer than three and not more than six hours a term in addition to the internship. The concurrent intern may take no more than three term hours in the summer and in the January term. Additional employment outside the internship placement site is strongly discouraged.

3. The Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) internship requires a full-year CPE residency (usually four units) at an ACPE approved site. Students who elect to take the first unit of CPE for six elective credit hours in Pastoral Care may not also perform a CPE residency to satisfy the internship requirement. An intern faculty supervisor will be assigned to a CPE intern and will consult with the CPE supervisor regarding satisfactory completion of the internship requirement. Students interested in including an extended CPE in their internship placement must negotiate this through an intern faculty supervisor.

The internship is designed to help students gain skill and self-confidence in carrying out the functions of ministry, learn to reflect theologically on the practice of ministry, become more effective in interpersonal relations and gain emotional and spiritual maturity, thereby increasing their ministerial self-awareness and competence.

The intern is supervised by and meets regularly with a mentor pastor. A lay teaching committee is formed in each internship setting to aid in the formulation of the learning covenant, in ongoing supervision and in the midpoint and final evaluation process. In addition, the intern meets with his or her peers in a growth group led by a consulting specialist in human behavior, in some cases assisted by the intern faculty. The intern faculty and a consultant also work with the mentor pastors to improve supervisory skills.

Early in the internship, the intern, assisted by the mentor pastor and the lay teaching committee, begins to formulate the “Covenant for Work and Learning.” This is done with the guidance of the intern faculty and is used as a basis for the ensuing evaluation of the intern’s progress.

Though not directly responsible for on-site ministerial supervision, the intern faculty is integrally involved with the internship through the placement process, the training of mentor pastors and lay teaching committees, supervision of the intern growth group, the conducting of the midpoint and final evaluations and participation at any time necessary to ensure a productive internship.

Interns are encouraged to be in relationship with the placement-area district superintendent or corresponding judicatory officer.

Perkins is committed to the principle of “open itineracy” in the United Methodist Church and will attempt to work out placement proposals in ways congruent with this commitment. The intern faculty will not consider a student’s gender, race, ethnic origin or age as ground for terminating the placement process when the student is qualified for consideration in a particular setting.

Fitness for Ministry

Beyond the formal academic requirements, each student is expected to show evidence of personal fitness for ministry. This fitness may be defined positively as the presence of emotional, moral and spiritual qualities requisite for the profession of ministry. A lack of fitness for ministry may be demonstrated by patterns of personal behavior that inhibit effective ministry. Examples of such patterns include irresponsibility in social and/or professional relations and emotional instability. Formally, the presence of patterns of personal behavior tending to be seriously disabling to ministry may be grounds for the faculty to disqualify a student from graduation with the M.Div. degree, or, if the prognosis justifies it, to defer awarding the degree until such time as the disabling pattern is overcome.

It should be emphasized that personal fitness for ministry is not defined narrowly in terms of a particular form of piety or style of personal behavior nor does Perkins assume the role that belongs properly to those agencies of the church that evaluate candidates for ordination. When asked, it assists such agencies in their evaluations.

Time Limit

All degree requirements must be completed within seven calendar years from the time of initial registration.

Master of Church Ministries

Purpose

The Master of Church Ministries (C.M.M.) degree program is intended to prepare persons for specialized church ministry. The goal of the program is to increase students’ knowledge about the church and its ministries and to foster their ability to work meaningfully and creatively in a specialized area of church ministry. Presently, the C.M.M. program has two specialized ministry tracks. Both tracks share a common core of required courses in theology, Bible, church history and the social context of ministry. Both tracks have additional specialized requirements and a supervised internship appropriate to the area of specialization. The program provides the basic educational requirements for ordination as deacon in the United Methodist Church.

The two tracks are:

1. The Christian Education track is intended primarily for those preparing for professional leadership as directors or as ministers of Christian education.

2. The Urban Ministry track is intended for those preparing to work in community ministries in urban and peri-urban settings.

Requirements for Admission

The requirements for admission to the C.M.M. degree are the same as those for the M.Div. program.

Requirements for Graduation

The C.M.M. degree requires 55 term hours of academic credit: 48 term hours of coursework and six term hours in a supervised internship in a setting appropriate to the area of specialization. Students are also required to participate in a Spiritual Formation Group for two terms, normally beginning during the first year of study, for one term hour of credit for each term.

The 48 term hours of coursework are distributed as follows:

I. Eighteen term hours of core requirements for both tracks:

  1. Six term hours in the history of Christianity, as follows:
    1. Three term hours in ST 6300 Introduction to Theology
    2. Three term hours in XS 6310 The Church in Its Social Context
  2. Six term hours in Bible, as follows:
    1. Three term hours in OT 6301 or OT 6302 Interpretation of the Old Testament I or II
    2. Three term hours in NT 6301 or NT 6302 Interpretation of the New Testament I or II
  3. Six term hours in The History of Christianity, as follows:
    1. Three term hours in HX 6305 The Christian Heritage I
    2. Three term hours in HX 6306 The Christian Heritage II

II. Thirty term hours in Christian Education track requirements:

  1. Twelve term hours in Christian Education, as follows:
    1. Three term hours in CE 7304 The Church’s Educational Ministry (This course must be taken prior to the supervised internship.)
    2. Three term hours in CE 8360 Contemporary Approaches to Educational Ministry (requires concurrent registration in or completion of MT 6303 Moral Theology)
    3. Three term hours in an age-level course (CE 8320 Ministry with Children, CE 8330 Youth Ministry, or CE 8340 Adult Ministry)
    4. Three term hours of a Christian education elective
  2. Three term hours in MT 6303 Moral Theology
  3. Fifteen term hours in unrestricted electives. Those seeking ordination as Deacon in the UM Church will also need to take Worship (three term hours), United Methodist Studies (six term hours), and Evangelism (three term hours), leaving three term hours unrestricted.

III. Thirty term hours in Urban Ministry track requirements:

  1. Twelve term hours in Urban Ministry, as follows:
    1. Three term hours in XS 7302 Issues in Urban Ministry
    2. Nine term hours in Urban Ministry courses
  2. Six term hours in ST 6301 and ST 6302 Interpretation of the Christian Message I and II
  3. Twelve term hours in unrestricted electives. Those seeking ordination as Deacon in the UM church will also need to take Worship (three term hours), United Methodist Studies (six term hours), and Evangelism (three term hours), leaving no hours unrestricted.

Spiritual Formation

All students completing the C.M.M. degree are required to register for the program in spiritual formation. Students are required to attend a daylong orientation held in conjunction with the new student orientation program and are then enrolled in formation groups. These groups meet weekly throughout the fall and spring terms during the first year of the program.

Led by facilitators in groups of five to 10, students share in a formative experience designed to provide them with the framework of a common experience, emphasizing:

Students are evaluated and given credit by the group facilitators on the basis of attendance and engagement with the subject matter of the formation process. Students should register in both the fall and spring of the first year. Exceptions to this rule must be requested in writing from the director of Spiritual Life and Formation.

The C.M.M. Internship

The C.M.M. program requires the satisfactory completion of a two-term concurrent internship in a church or agency setting appropriate to the student’s area of specialization. The internship runs from August to May and carries six term hours of academic credit. While the student registers for three hours of internship credit during each of the two consecutive terms, the internship degree requirement is satisfied only upon completion of the six term hours.

All C.M.M. internships presuppose completion of at least 18 term hours of coursework, at least 12 of which must have been completed at Perkins School of Theology. Satisfactory completion of ST 6300 Introduction to Theology (three term hours), XS 6310 The Church in Its Social Context (three term hours) and six term hours of required biblical studies also are prerequisites for C.M.M. internships.

In addition to these requirements, students in the Christian Education track must have completed CE 7304 The Church’s Educational Ministry.

All internships are negotiated through the Intern Office. Students without existing employment at a suitable site for internship will be placed in a teaching congregation or agency setting appropriate to their degree track and career goals. The program requires at least 20 hours per week of remunerated employment in the internship placement. During this time, the student continues academic coursework, carrying not fewer than three and not more than nine hours a term in addition to the internship and not more than three hours in January term. Additional employment outside the placement site is strongly discouraged.

Under certain circumstances, as when the student is serving an internship at a substantial distance from campus, C.M.M. students may be approved by the director of the Intern Program for a full-time internship in lieu of the concurrent requirement. No additional coursework or outside employment is permitted during a full-time internship.

The internship is designed to help students gain skill and self-confidence in carrying out the functions of ministry, learn to reflect theologically on the practice of ministry, become more effective in interpersonal relations and gain emotional and spiritual maturity, thereby increasing their ministerial self-awareness and competence.

The intern is supervised by and meets regularly with a mentor pastor. A lay teaching committee is formed at each internship setting to aid in the formulation of the learning covenant, in ongoing supervision and in the evaluation process. In addition, the intern meets with a peer group of C.M.M. and M.Div. interns led by a consulting specialist in human behavior and an intern faculty supervisor. The intern faculty and a consultant also meet with the mentor pastors to improve supervisory skills.

Early in the internship, the intern, assisted by the mentor pastor and the lay teaching committee, begins to formulate the “Covenant for Work and Learning.” This is done with the guidance of the intern faculty and is used as a basis for the ensuing evaluation of the intern’s progress.

Though not directly responsible for on-site ministerial supervision, the intern faculty is integrally involved with the internship through the placement process, the training of mentor pastors and lay teaching committees, supervision of the intern peer group, the conducting of the midpoint and final evaluations and participation at any time necessary to ensure a productive internship.

The intern faculty will not consider a student’s gender, race, ethnic origin or age as grounds for terminating the placement process when the student is qualified for consideration in a particular internship setting.

Grade Requirements

A minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 is required for graduation. The same average is required for continuation in the program beyond the first year.

Admission to Candidacy

C.M.M. students will be reviewed for admission to formal candidacy for the degree in the fall term following the completion of 18 term hours of academic work. A student will be admitted to candidacy provided that he or she is not on probation and is not disqualified for having given insufficient evidence of fitness for ministry (See “Fitness for Ministry” below.). Admission to formal candidacy signifies that the student is proceeding satisfactorily in her or his work and may be considered for the degree upon completion of all the requirements, but does not obligate the seminary to grant the degree.

Fitness for Ministry

Beyond the formal academic requirements, each student is expected to show evidence of personal fitness for ministry. This fitness may be defined positively as the presence of emotional, moral and spiritual qualities requisite for the profession of ministry. A lack of fitness for ministry may be demonstrated by patterns of personal behavior that inhibit effective ministry. Examples of such patterns include irresponsibility in social and/or professional relations and emotional instability. Formally, the presence of patterns of personal behavior tending to be seriously disabling to ministry may be grounds for the faculty to disqualify a student from graduation with the C.M.M. degree, or, if the prognosis justifies it, to defer awarding the degree until such time as the disabling pattern is overcome.

It is to be emphasized that personal fitness for ministry is not defined narrowly in terms of a particular form of piety or style of personal behavior. Nor does Perkins assume the role that belongs properly to those agencies of the church that evaluate candidates for ordination or for professional service to the church. When asked, it assists such agencies in their evaluation of candidates.

Time Limit

All requirements for the C.M.M. degree must be completed within five calendar years from the time of initial registration.

Ordination Requirements

Students preparing for ordination should become aware as early as possible of any specific educational requirements their denomination or judicatory may expect them to satisfy in the course of their C.M.M. work. They should explore, with their academic advisers, how best to deal with these expectations. Students who are preparing for ordination as deacons in the United Methodist Church should take as their electives HX 7365 United Methodist History, ST 7034 United Methodist Doctrine, CA 7013 United Methodist Polity, WO 6313 Word and Worship and EV 7307 Theory and Practice of Evangelism.

Master of Sacred Music

Purpose

The Master of Sacred Music (M.S.M.) degree program is jointly sponsored by Perkins School of Theology and the Division of Music of Meadows School of the Arts for the preparation of professional music leadership in the church and, if one chooses, ordination as deacon. Recognizing the existence of several models of professional church music leadership, this program provides a wide range of graduate-level training in performance, professional and academic skills.

High priority is placed upon the preparation of the church musician as enabler of congregational singing and conductor of various ensembles in both the church and the community. The Church Music Colloquium, Supervised Practicum, conducting projects and other work offered in the School of Theology and the Division of Music provide opportunities to learn a wide range of literature, performance practices and skills and to apply this learning in both academic and churchly settings.

The program is regularly enriched by the Cabe Distinguished Lectureship, through which lecturers of international reputation are resident for periods ranging from several days to full terms. Past lecturers have included Carlton Young, Nicholas Temperley, Robert Donnington, John Rutter, David Willcocks, Margaret Hillis, William Mathias, Barry Rose, Max Von Egmond, Alice Parker, Brian Wren, Thomas Troeger and Stephen Cleobury.

Outcome Objectives for the Program

Musical, Theological, and Liturgical Discernment

The objective of the program is to develop the abilities necessary to make sound judgments on the musical quality of works performed, on the theological validity and quality of the texts sung and on the liturgical appropriateness of music used in worship.

Musical Skills

Professional-level accomplishment in either organ or choral/vocal studies with a competence in the other area is required. These skills will be informed by a solid foundation that includes the history and bibliography of music, aural and analytical skills and a knowledge and application of current technologies.

Educational Process

The program will develop an understanding of pedagogical processes needed for teaching choirs of all ages and developing musical participation by the congregation.

Understanding of the Prophetic Nature of Sacred Music

The program also will develop an understanding the liturgical role music plays in attuning the emotions to the spirit of worship and in proclaiming the Gospel message.

Requirements for Admission

Applicants for the M.S.M. program must hold a Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Education degree, or its equivalent, from a regionally accredited institution. Their undergraduate preparation must include credited work in choral conducting and at least 30 term hours of courses in the liberal arts.

A cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) is required for admission to the Division of Music. Admission to the School of Theology further requires that a minimum G.P.A. of 2.75 be achieved in the student’s liberal arts work. Acceptance by both the Division of Music and the School of Theology is necessary for admission to the M.S.M. program.

The applicant is expected to bring to the program performance capabilities, in organ or choral/vocal performance, that clearly indicate he or she is ready for study at the graduate level. The applicant’s performance capabilities must be demonstrated by a personal audition or an audition tape.

Applicants who already hold graduate degrees in music or who have completed some coursework at the graduate level may, upon the approval of the director of the program, apply up to nine term hours (or the equivalent) of nonperformance graduate musical or theological study toward the M.S.M. degree. However, this work must also meet the approval of the Committee on Graduate Studies of the Division of Music (if the work is in music) or of the registrar of the School of Theology (if the work is in theology).

With the approval of the appropriate admissions committees, a student may pursue concurrently the M.S.M. and Master of Music degrees, the M.S.M. and M.Div. degrees or the M.S.M. and C.M.M. degrees. Applicants interested in such options should consult with the director of the M.S.M. program.

Requirements for Graduation

Planning a Program of Study

The course of study includes some work taken in common by all M.S.M. students and some work that is designed to serve the individual student’s particular needs and interests. Each student elects one of two options for concentration in performance study: organ or vocal/choral studies.

All entering students must take Graduate Placement Examinations administered by the Division of Music during the week of registration. These examinations aid in determining the student’s strengths and weaknesses in the areas of music history, literature, theory, aural perception and choral conducting. The results are used by the student and his or her adviser in planning a proposed course of study for the degree.

After successfully completing 12 term hours of approved coursework, each student, in consultation with his or her adviser, will prepare and submit a Proposed Course of Study to the Committee on Graduate Studies of the Division of Music and director of the M.S.M. Program. Any subsequent alterations to this proposal must be submitted in writing for approval.

Course of Study

The requirements for the M.S.M. total 48 term hours and may be completed in two years (usually including summers) depending on the results of the Graduate Placement Examinations. Those pursuing an additional graduate music degree in Meadows School of the Arts or fulfilling the requirements for deacon’s ordination in the United Methodist Church will require up to an extra year of study. The 48 hours for the M.S.M. are distributed as follows:

I. Twelve term hours in Theological Studies 1

  1. Six term hours of Bible
    OT 6301 Interpretation of the Old Testament I
    NT 6301 Interpretation of the New Testament I
  2. Three term hours of WO 6313 Word & Worship 2
  3. Three term hours of ST 6300 Introduction to Theology, or three term hours of HX 6305 The Christian Heritage I
  4. Participation in a Spiritual Formation Group for two terms during the first year

II. Ten term hours of Church Music Study

  1. Three term hours of CM 8330 Church Music Colloquium I
  2. Three term hours of CM 8331 Church Music Colloquium II
  3. Three term hours of CM 8332 Church Music Colloquium III
  4. One term hour of CM 8120 Supervised Practicum 3

III. Six term hours of study in professional skills and methods 4

  1. Three term hours of MUTH 6330 Analytical Techniques, MUTH 6300 Music of the 20th Century, MUTH 6360 Analysis of Tonal Music, or MUTH 6326 Seminar in Music Theory
  2. Three term hours of MUHI 6335 Introduction to Graduate Studies
  3. Participation for two consecutive terms within the same academic year in a Meadows Choral Ensemble, as determined by placement audition
  4. Four terms of enrollment in MUAS 6010 Recital Attendance

IV. Elective Hours in Meadows or Perkins

Six hours for Organ Concentration or five term hours for Choral/Vocal Concentration. These hours will be determined in consultation with the student’s adviser on the basis of the outcome objectives of the M.S.M. program and the student’s competency to meet these objectives. 3

V. Hours in Performance Concentration and proficiency

  1. Organ Concentration (14 hours)
    1. Eight term hours of private organ study (four two-hour terms)
    2. Two term hours of PERB 6212 Improvisation and Service Playing
    3. Three term hours of MUHI 6320 Organ History and Literature
    4. One term hour of CM 8108 Cantoring in Worship
  2. Choral/Vocal Concentration (15 hours) 6
    1. Three term hours of MUCO 6307 Conducting I 7
    2. Three term hours of MUCO 5309 Advanced Instrumental Conducting
    3. Two term hours of an elective course in choral conducting
    4. Two term hours of MUCO 6252 Vocal/Choral Techniques
    5. Three term hours of MUHI 6384 Survey of Choral Literature or an appropriate music history course as determined in consultation with the student’s adviser
    6. One term hour of CM 8108 Cantoring in Worship 8
    7. One term hour of PERB 6112 Introduction to the Organ

1 For United Methodist students pursuing deacon’s orders, these 12 hours may count toward the 24-hour requirement. It may be possible to use elective hours (See No. 4 below.) to satisfy more of the 24-hour requirement.

2 The prerequisite course, XS 6310 The Church in Its Social Context, is not required for the M.S.M. degree.

3 The Supervised Practicum includes musical/liturgical leadership in a local congregation and work with a church music mentor.

4 Placement exams in music history and theory will be administered during the week before classes begin in Meadows School of the Arts.

5 For the organ concentration, a portion of these hours may be used for choral conducting depending on the placement evaluation. Not more than three elective hours of applied study in Meadows may be counted toward the degree requirements.

6 Candidates in the M.S.M. Choral/Vocal Concentration must take a keyboard proficiency exam before classes begin during their first year. Those who are unable to pass the proficiency exam must take PERB 5107, 5108: Keyboard Skills for Choral Conductors. Information on the exam will be sent to all incoming students in this concentration.

7 This will be determined by placement evaluation with the director of Choral Activities.

8 Private vocal instruction for M.S.M. students will be offered only for those who have also been accepted into the M.M. in voice major as a concurrent degree program or by audition with the voice faculty. Private vocal instruction for M.S.M. students is subject to the availability of voice faculty.

Upon completion of the course of study, each student will be given a set of comprehensive written examinations covering the major areas of study and related fields. Satisfactory performance on these examinations and a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.00 or B on all M.S.M. work are required for graduation.

Students seeking ordained deacon status in the United Methodist Church will need 12 additional hours beyond the required coursework for the M.S.M. degree. For specific information, contact the director of the M.S.M. program.

Entrance Exams and Proficiency Requirements

All students will be required to take entrance exams in music history and music theory before beginning their first term of study. If exams are not passed, the following courses are required in the respective areas:

Spiritual Formation

All students completing the M.S.M. are required to register for the program in spiritual formation. Students are required to attend a daylong orientation held in conjunction with the new student orientation program and are then enrolled in formation groups. These groups meet weekly throughout the fall and spring terms during the first year of the program.

Led by facilitators in groups of five to 10, students share in a formative experience designed to provide them with the framework of a common experience, emphasizing:

Students are evaluated and given credit by the group facilitators on the basis of attendance and engagement with the subject matter of the formation process. Students should register in both the fall and spring of the first year. Exceptions to this rule must be requested in writing from the director of Spiritual Life and Formation.

The Supervised Practicum

Students enroll in the course CM 8120 Supervised Practicum during the spring term of their first or second year. Students should have secured positions in a local church setting by no later than the second year of study. The Sacred Music office provides assistance in securing placement in view of each student’s pedagogical and financial needs. A professor in the Sacred Music program will serve as a liaison between Perkins and the student’s church so that the student has sufficient support to meet the requirements of the practicum.

In the second or third year, with the approval of the M.S.M. faculty, the student will present a service of worship in her/his church to complete CM 8120. This service becomes the graduate project for the M.S.M. degree and will be given a pass or fail grade by an evaluating M.S.M. faculty member.

Admission to Candidacy

M.S.M. students will be reviewed for admission to formal candidacy for the degree in the spring term following the completion of 27 term hours of academic work. A student will be admitted to candidacy provided that he or she has achieved a grade average of 3.00, is not on academic probation and is not disqualified for having given insufficient evidence of fitness for ministry (See “Fitness for Ministry” below.) Admission to formal candidacy signifies that the student is proceeding satisfactorily in his or her work and may be considered for the degree upon completion of all the requirements, but it does not oblige the seminary to grant the degree.

Fitness for Ministry

Beyond the formal academic requirements, each student is expected to show evidence of personal fitness for ministry. This fitness may be defined positively as the presence of emotional, moral and spiritual qualities requisite for the profession of ministry. A lack of fitness for ministry may be demonstrated by patterns of personal behavior that inhibit effective ministry. Examples of such patterns include irresponsibility in social and/or professional relations and emotional instability. Formally, the presence of patterns of personal behavior tending to be seriously disabling to ministry may be grounds for the faculty to disqualify a student from graduation with the M.S.M. degree. If the prognosis justifies it, the committee may choose to defer awarding the degree until such time as the disabling pattern is overcome.

It should be emphasized that personal fitness for ministry is not defined narrowly in terms of a particular form of piety or style of personal behavior, nor does Perkins assume the role that belongs properly to those agencies of the church that evaluate candidates for ordination. When asked, it assists such agencies in their evaluations.

Time Limit

All requirements for the M.S.M. degree must be completed within seven calendar years from the time of initial registration.

Financial Aid

In addition to the financial aid described elsewhere in this catalog, a limited number of scholarships, fellowships, graduate assistantships and work grants are available specifically to M.S.M. students. Inquiries should be addressed to the director of the M.S.M. program.

Master of Theological Studies

The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) degree program is designed to provide a basic understanding of the theological disciplines as a foundation for further graduate study, for enhancement of lay leadership roles or for personal enrichment. The degree requirements are designed to ensure some breadth of exposure to the various disciplines of theological study, while at the same time allowing each student to fashion a plan of study that serves her or his particular interests and goals.

The requirements for admission to the M.T.S. program are the same as those for the M.Div. program, excluding 2.

The requirements for graduation are that the student must complete 48 term hours of approved coursework, with a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 and that six term hours of this work must be completed in each of three of the four divisions of the course of study. The prerequisites for each course must be met.

Students interested in one or more Perkins certificates should consult with the adviser of the certificate and formally register for the certificate through the office of the registrar.  For certificates that specify an internship, M.T.S. students will complete a major research project that addresses issues relevant to the certificate in lieu of the internship.  This project is supervised and approved by the adviser.

All requirements for the degree must be completed within six calendar years of the time of initial registration.

Master of Theological Studies
With Concentration in Church Music and Worship

This degree offers basic theological, liturgical and church music education to people who have already completed graduate work in some area of music and are seeking a vocation in church music in the parish. In the United Methodist context, these people may be seeking ordination as deacon. An M.M., M.M.E. or equivalent degree is required for admission.

Requirements for Graduation

Twenty-four hours in Basic Ministerial Studies (allowing for some variations according to denominational background, professional goals and previous coursework) are required. This will include six term hours in each of three of the four divisions of the Perkins curriculum as required of all M.T.S. students.

In addition, 24 hours in Church Music and Worship are required:

Electives

Six term hours in elective Meadows School of the Arts music courses that relate to the professional goals of church music ministry (chosen in consultation with the adviser).

Six term hours in electives in church music and worship to be selected from the list below:

Additional courses appear in the curriculum, though not in the current catalog:

Doctor of Ministry

Purpose

The Doctor of Ministry degree provides the opportunity for advanced study that integrates theological reflection and ministerial practice with a contextual focus for people in professional ministry within the church.

Areas of Study

The four areas of concentration within the Doctor of Ministry program are: Evangelism, Parish Leadership, Spiritual Formation and Urban Ministry. Students in Parish Leadership, Spiritual Formation and Urban Ministry typically will attend seminars during the fall and spring terms. Evangelism students will attend seminars during summer and January terms. Every student will complete a project practicum and a project thesis that focus on an aspect of ministry within his or her selected concentration.

Admissions Requirements

The professional nature of the Doctor of Ministry requires that students have leadership responsibilities in their ministry setting. Applicants must have all application material completed no later than two months before the beginning of the program. Applicants wishing to enter the Doctor of Ministry program must have:

1. An Association of Theological Schools-approved M.Div. degree or equivalent with a cumulative grade-point average in the master’s level program of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (B or 80). In cases of demonstrated extraordinary ability in the practice of ministry, applicants with a lower grade average may be considered for conditional admission with the requirement to complete the first term with a grade of B or better in order to be granted full admission and continuation in the program.

2. Significant experience and demonstrated competence in ministry, as attested by three references. A minimum of three years of full-time experience following completion of the M.Div. degree (or its equivalent).

3. The ability to reflect theologically and communicate effectively as reflected in a short essay addressing the proposed area for study. The essay should include: (a) a statement of objectives in pursuing the D.Min. degree, (b) a statement of the proposed area of study for the professional practicum and project thesis and (c) the anticipated contribution of the professional practicum and project thesis to the applicant’s ministry.

International applicants who hold an Religious Worker (R-1) Visa may be considered for admission. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English with a minimum score of 600 paper-based or 250 computer-based TOEFL score.

Because the Doctor of Ministry is a degree given in the context of ministry, generally no transfer credit is accepted.

Degree Requirements

The course requirements are:

I. DM 9370 The Person and Role of the Minister (three term hours) and DM 9380 Seminar in Practical Theology (three term hours) taken together at the beginning of the program in either the summer or January term.

II. DM 9014 Professional Project I (one and one-half term hours) and DM 9019 Professional Project II (one and one-half term hours) taken in sequence. The purpose of Professional Project I (topics seminar) is to identify a problem, question, issue or thesis that the student wants to develop into a practicum experience that can be explored in his or her practice of ministry. The second seminar, Professional Project II (prospectus seminar), will help the student define the necessary research to undertake a ministry practicum, design effective strategies and methods to use in a practicum and develop ways to evaluate this experience. Students must have the practicum proposal approved before participating in the Prospectus Seminar in which the Professional Project is formally approved for implementation.

III. Twelve term hours in four seminars, one each term. Each seminar emphasizes the integration of theological disciplines with the practice of ministry. Prerequisites for participation in any of these seminars are the successful completion of the DM 9370 The Person and Role of the Minister and DM 9380 Seminar in Practical Theology.

  1. Students in the seminars for Parish Leadership, Spiritual Formation and Urban Ministry concentrations meet in intensive time periods three times each term, in three-day blocks, with approximately four-week intervals between sessions. Students in the seminars for the Evangelism concentration meet for two-week periods in the summer and January terms and are given assignments to be completed in the ministry setting.
  2. Each seminar will consider a topic relevant to the practice of ministry in the contemporary church and world. It will enhance the student’s ability to reflect critically on ministry and to develop the student’s initial ideas on the project practicum and project thesis.
  3. Only course grades of 80 or higher will qualify toward meeting the requirements for graduation.

IV. DM 9396 Doctor of Ministry Practicum. The project practicum (three term hours) is the supervised experience in ministry in an agreed upon setting.

V. DM 9398 Doctor of Ministry Project (thesis). Building upon the project practicum, the written project thesis (three term hours) is a contribution to the understanding and practice of ministry through the completion of doctoral-level project/ thesis.

The Doctor of Ministry Committee

During the first year of study, the student will invite, in consultation with the director of Advanced Ministerial Studies, three people to serve on a committee to supervise the approved project practicum and the written project thesis. The committee will consist of an adviser, a reader and a field supervisor. Either the adviser or the reader must be a member of the Perkins regular faculty, with the other committee member selected from the regular or adjunct faculty. It is recommended that a Perkins regular faculty member serve as adviser. The field supervisor should be recognized as having gifts and experience in ministry that are applicable to the practicum and be available to consult with the student during the practicum as well as to evaluate the student’s practicum. The entire committee will guide, read and evaluate the student’s professional practicum and project thesis.

When the professional project is completed satisfactorily as determined by the committee in consultation with the director of Advanced Studies, the student will participate in an oral evaluation on the school campus by the committee on the professional project thesis. At a minimum, both the student and adviser must be physically present for the oral evaluation. It is recommended that all committee members be physically present with the student for the evaluation. All committee members must be present for the evaluation, either in person or by electronic means.

Project Practicum and Thesis

The professional project practicum and thesis combine research, a designed ministerial field experience and a written doctoral-level project that addresses both the nature and the practice of ministry and has the potential for application in other ministry contexts.

1. The professional project is an approved practicum experience and written thesis that articulates the theological and theoretical rationale for the practicum with theological reflection on the experience.

2. The professional project in both its parts (practicum and written thesis) should demonstrate the student’s ability to identify a specific theological topic in ministry, organize an effective research model, use appropriate resources, evaluate the results and reflect the student’s depth of theological insight in relation to ministry.

3. The written project thesis must be submitted in an approved style and format.

4. Upon completion of the professional project and with the student’s Doctor of Ministry committee’s permission, the student will sit for an oral examination administered by the project committee and open to the public covering the project and the student’s integration of her or his theology and practice of ministry. This examination will take place on campus, with at a minimum the student and adviser present. Other committee members may participate via electronic means if necessary.

At completion of the doctoral project and successful oral evaluation, the completed written project thesis will be accessioned in Bridwell Library.

Requirements for Graduation

The Doctor of Ministry degree requires 27 term hours total for graduation: 21 term hours of coursework, the project practicum (three term hours) and a professional project thesis (three term hours). Successful completion of the Doctor of Ministry will (1) demonstrate an understanding of the theological disciplines informing the exercise of ministry in the contemporary church and world and (2) demonstrate, in writing and application, the integration of theory and practice through seminars, the practicum and the professional project.

The D.Min. can be completed in three calendar years. All degree requirements must be completed within six years from the time when coursework began. Under special circumstances, the director of Advanced Studies may be petitioned in writing for an extension. People who do not complete the degree within eight years of initial matriculation will be required to repeat all coursework. All financial obligations must be met before graduation.

Inquiries and Submission of Applications

Inquiries, applications and transcripts should be sent to the director of Advanced Ministerial Studies, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, P.O. Box 750133, Dallas TX 75275-0133. Appointments can be made by calling 214-768-2124 or writing to ljhamilt@smu.edu. More information is available at Perkins School of Theology Web site at perkins.smu.edu.

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Master of Divinity
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Master of Theological Studies: Concentration in Church Music & Worship
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