Perkins School of Theology is a diverse and nurturing community. In an increasingly polarized world, Perkins is a unique place where servant leaders gather together as a hospitable community in Christ and learn from each other across differences and boundaries.
Our distinctive locus within Southern Methodist University, our partnerships with vibrant and unparalleled ministries in Dallas and Houston-Galveston, and our setting within the Southwest U.S. provides students with an extraordinary range of unique opportunities to pursue rigorous study, expand their horizons, and encourage their creativity.
Perkins students receive all of the benefits afforded to SMU students, including academic concentrations that comprise coursework at other top-ranked graduate schools at SMU, and access to SMU’s state-of-the-art facilities and notable events.
At Perkins, we challenge students to discern, test and nurture their gifts as servant leaders and thereby to realize the full potential of their calling. Balancing theological formation with practical and innovative leadership experiences, Perkins prepares both those pursuing traditional ministry and those committed to new and entrepreneurial forms of service to the local community, church and world.
Learn more about some of our unique programs including Global Theological Education, Baptist House of Studies and others below.
63% United Methodists with more than 20 other denominations represented
Student body of more than 300 students
Located in Dallas, Texas, with a hybrid extension program in Houston-Galveston
Approximately 54% female, 46% male students
42% of students represent minority ethnic groups
Alumni/ae network across the globe, from Australia to Zimbabwe
Our groundbreaking Intern Program allows students to transform classroom knowledge into actual practical experience before graduation.
We believe cross-cultural immersion experiences best teach students to build intercultural relationships, resolve cultural conflicts and guide intercultural ventures.
The combination of courses taught by renowned scholars with a diverse list of degree programs best prepares students for a wide variety of roles in ministry.
