Graduate programs

Doctor of Pastoral Music (D.P.M.)

Advance your vocation in music ministry through theological reflection, artistic excellence, and innovative leadership.

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Program format

In person or hybrid/online

Commitment

Full time

Duration

3-plus years

Overview

The Doctor of Pastoral Music (D.P.M.) degree is designed for experienced church musicians, worship leaders, and arts practitioners seeking advanced professional and theological formation. The program equips students to address contemporary challenges in worship and church music through deeper engagement with liturgy, theology, cultural diversity, congregational song, contextual analysis, and artistic leadership. 

Students remain actively engaged in ministry while completing a cohort-based doctoral program that integrates theological reflection, practical ministry, musical excellence, and applied research.

Areas of Study 

Students engage advanced work in: 

  • Liturgical theology 
  • Congregational song 
  • Church music leadership 
  • Worship renewal 
  • Cultural diversity in worship 
  • Contextual musical analysis 
  • Music and arts in ministry 

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Student success

This Program Prepares You For 

  • Senior church music leadership 
  • Worship ministry leadership 
  • Sacred arts administration 
  • Congregational music development 
  • Liturgical planning and formation 
  • Music ministry education 
  • Consulting and denominational leadership 

This program prepares you to excel in the following areas and professions:

  • Graduates will:
  • Identify and address critical issues in pastoral music ministry.
  • Integrate research in worship, liturgy, hymnody, and culture.
  • Demonstrate advanced musical and leadership competencies.
  • Apply theological and musical methodologies within congregational and community settings.

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.

International students

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Application questions

Find answers to Perkins School of Theology application questions.

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Requirements

  1. An accredited (NASM/ATS) MM, MSM, MCM degree (48 credit hrs.) or equivalent with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale (B=80) in addition to graduate courses in music theory, musicology, applied music study, and a minimum of five courses in Bible (6 credit hrs.), theology (3 credit hrs.), liturgy (3 credit hrs.), and hymnology (3 credit hrs.).
  2. Significant experience and demonstrated competence in ministry, as attested by four references.
  3. A minimum of five years of full-time experience following completion of the master’s degree (or its equivalent).
  4. The ability to reflect theologically and communicate effectively as reflected in short essays.
  5. Minimum 3.0 GPA

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

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Tuition and financial aid

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for graduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

The D.Min program requires 30 credit hours including the completion of a writing project. 

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for graduation. 

The D.Min. degree is a 3 year program. Under extraordinary circumstances, a student may petition for a one year leave of absence. The director may approve a one year leave of absence, but such a leave is not guaranteed. During the writing of the thesis, a student may petition for an additional year to complete the thesis. The director may approve an additional year to complete the thesis, but such an extension is not guaranteed. 

Featured courses

CM 9373

Issues in Liturgical Theology and Practice

Examines the relationship between Christian ritual practices, theology, history, and contemporary worship.

CM 9324

Issues in Pastoral Music

An in-depth exploration of church music genres, theological foundations, and liturgical practice.

CM 9344

Music in Worship and Renewal

Investigates contemporary worship trends and strategies for strengthening congregational song.

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Outside the classroom

Faculty

Marcell Silva Steuernagel

Associate Professor of Church Music
Director of the Master of Sacred Music Program
…

Facilities

M.Div. and M.A.M. students benefit from the historic Bridwell Library at Perkins School of Theology.

Bridwell Library

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