The Perkins Certificate in Practical Ministry is designed to equip students with relevant, applicable, practical knowledge and tools to empower them in their life-long spiritual journey and ministry.
The certificate program is great for both lay and clergy students looking to expand and enhance their education related to ministry both within and without the walls of the church.
Church Staff seeking training opportunities to expand their theology and ministry toolbox for the ministry context within which they serve.
Laity looking for theological educational opportunities that feed their desire for lifelong learning and expand their theological understanding in practical, applicable ways.
Current Perkins Students desiring concentrated study in a ministry area outside of their current curricular opportunity at Perkins School of Theology.
Perkins Alumni interested in continuing education opportunities in applicable ministry areas.
Undergraduate Students serving in ministry roles or feel a current call to ministry and would like to experience graduate theological education.
See the specializations page to read more about the courses required for each specialization.
Specializations can be combined to create unique certification areas. For example, you can combine Children's and Youth Ministry or Youth and Young Adult Ministry specializations to create a specialization in "Student Faith Formation" or "Student Discipleship." These combinations will be considered on a case by case basis by the certification staff.
*cohorts must have at least eight students to begin a specialization track.
January 6-14 May 19-27
January 5-13 May 18-26
January 11-19 May 16-24
Courses will either be three-day or five-day intensives within the eight-day term. A three-day and a five-day course can be taken concurrently. Some courses will require virtual meetings after the intensive. Specific course dates will be shared each term.
Core courses are offered each year, in alternating terms. Specialization courses are offered in consecutive terms.
You can complete the program at your own pace, based on the availability of your courses. The program is designed for students to complete the program at a pace that fits their work and life schedule, whether they take one class a term, January only, or May only, they can complete the whole program in two - five years. The certificate must be complete within eight years of a student's first course.
All certificate courses will take place on the SMU campus at Perkins School of Theology.
Hybrid courses are indicated on the course page.
Online courses will be offered occasionally throughout the rotation, and will be indicated on the course page.
Our lunchtime virtual info sessions happen twice a month and give you an opportunity to learn about the program, ask your questions, and get excited about the possibilities.
Application Fee
In celebration of the launch of the new Certification in Practical Ministry, the application fee will be $50 through August 31, 2022! Additionally, applications to start in the January 2022 courses will be accepted through November 30, 2021!
No more annual application! All students need only apply ONCE for the certificate program.
January Term start: June 1 - October 31
May Term start: November 1 - March 31
These responses should be well-thought-out should be about 400-600 words. You are encouraged to write your responses in a separate document and then copy and paste them into the application.
Of the three recommendation letters needed, at least one must be from your pastor or spiritual leader. Other letters of recommendation can come from ministry volunteers, church leaders, small group leaders, co-workers, Sunday school teachers, parents, friends, etc. Please be sure to contact your recommenders prior to submitting your application. The letters must answer the following questions:
Letters of recommendation can be emailed to theoexternalprograms@smu.edu.
We do not offer scholarships through our office. We encourage you to contact your employer, local church, district, conference, denominational body, and any special interest groups that may have scholarship funds to support your continuing educational opportunities.
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.
