The M.Div. degree is designed primarily for students who plan to be ordained elders and serve in word, sacrament, service, and order. It may also equip a person for other specialized ministries.  The M.Div. program requires 85 term hours of academic credit:  73 term hours of course work, and 12 term hours earned through the satisfactory completion of a supervised internship.  Every M.Div. student will enroll in a Spiritual Formation Group for two terms, normally the first year of study as a part of their academic course work.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

The number of new students 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 an accredited college or university. An applicant with a degree from a non-accredited school may be considered if the Committee on Admissions deems the case 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 course work are normally considered prerequisites 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 which include grammar, composition, and creative writing)
3. Three hours of history
4. Three hours of social science
5. Thirty-nine hours additional of liberal arts.

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

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

   Persons 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.

2. A reasonable program of financial support which will enable the student to be devoted properly to the main business of his or her theological training.
3. Sound health, as evidenced by a satisfactory medical report. All new students are advised to have a physical examination performed by a physician and recorded on the permanent Medical Form mailed to new students by the Office of Admission. The completed form is to be returned to the Office of Admissions. In order to comply with state law, all students must provide proof of immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, and poliomyelitis.
4. Adequate medical and hospitalization insurance. All international students are required to carry the SMU approved health insurance policy.
5. To supplement the data furnished by transcripts, letters of reference, and so forth, a personal interview with the Director of Admissions or with a person designated by the Director may be required of the applicant.