FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Anna Martinez
214-768-4474
annam@cox.smu.edu
DALLAS (SMU) – Perkins School of Theology and Cox School of Business announce the creation of cooperative, sequenced degree programs between the two Southern Methodist University graduate schools. The programs, designed for students interested in either careers in ministry with a strong business focus or for students interested in a business career with a strong theological focus, include two sequences: the Master of Divinity (MDiv) and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) or the Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM) and the MBA. The programs will begin with the 2020-21 academic year.
Tuition for the Cox MBA program will be significantly discounted, although University and Cox fees will still apply.
Students pursuing the sequenced degrees would first complete the Perkins two-year MAM. or three-year MDiv degree, followed by either the standard two-year or the full-time one-year Cox MBA degree.
The sequencing of MDiv/MAM and MBA provides a coherent course of study that combines training in theological studies, administration, and leadership.
Both Perkins Dean Craig C. Hill and Cox Dean Matthew Myers emphasize the potential for recruitment of students for the sequenced programs, which signal that theology takes seriously the leadership and business dimensions of ministry and that business takes seriously the theological and spiritual dimensions of business.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for a select group of students who anticipate that they will need the skills taught in the Cox MBA,” said Perkins Dean Craig C. Hill. “Moreover, this agreement is a tangible demonstration of the exceptional degree of cooperation that exists amongst the schools of SMU. We look forward to developing more joint-degree programs in the future, taking further advantage of our location in a great research university.”
“The Cox School is pleased to partner with the Perkins School in creating an important business learning opportunity that has the potential to broaden career options for graduate students pursuing careers in ministry or theology,” said Matthew B. Myers, dean of the Cox School of Business. “With the addition of these offerings, Cox now has cross-campus, interdisciplinary degree partnerships with five of SMU’s current degree-granting schools: Dedman School of Law, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education, and now Perkins School of Theology. These partnerships truly help SMU shape today’s students into tomorrow’s world-changers.”
Cohorts for the Cox full-time one-year MBA start in May of each year, while students enrolled in the standard MBA program may begin classes at any time. Requirements for the Perkins MDiv or MAM degrees must be completed prior to enrollment in Cox and students anticipating a May graduation may begin with a Cox cohort simultaneous with their final exams at Perkins.
For information about the admission processes of Perkins School of Theology, visit https://www.smu.edu/Perkins/Admission and for Cox School of Business, visit smu.edu/cox. MDiv and MAM questions should be addressed to Perkins School of Theology at 214-768-2293 and PerkinsEnrollment@smu.edu. MBA questions should be addressed to the Cox full-time MBA Program at mbainfo@cox.smu.edu, phone 214-768-1214 or 1-800-472-3622.
About Perkins School of Theology
Perkins School of Theology, founded in 1911, is one of five official University-related schools of theology of The United Methodist Church. Degree programs include the Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Music, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Pastoral Music as well as the Ph.D., in cooperation with The Graduate Program in Religious Studies at SMU's Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.
About SMU Cox
In 2020, the Cox School of Business celebrates 100 years of business education at SMU. The Cox School of Business is committed to influencing the way the world conducts business via prolific research that provokes innovation, change and global thought leadership. SMU Cox offers a full-range of business education programs including BBA, Full-Time MBA, Professional MBA (part-time), Executive MBA and Master’s degree programs, as well as Executive Education. Consistently ranked among the world’s leading business schools, SMU Cox maintains an active alumni network in more than 80 countries. SMU Cox is accredited by AACSB.
For additional info, contact:
Rev. Connie Nelson, Executive Director of Public Affairs
and Alumni/ae Relations
Perkins School of Theology
214-768-2335, clnelson@smu.edu
Anna Martinez, Executive Director of Communications
SMU Cox School of Business
214-768-4474, annam@smu.edu
