Move fully into the life of service to which God has called you.
In person or hybrid/online
Full time or part time;
internship required
1.5-plus years
The Master of Arts in Ministry degree is an ideal pathway for those who are called to ministry leadership in their church or community, but are not called to ordination in their denomination (although it may be acceptable for ordination in some denominations).
The M.A.M. degree program is intended to prepare students for faith-based ministry. The goal of the program is to increase students’ knowledge about the heritage of the Christian faith, the church and its ministries.
This accessible program is online with four required in-person immersion experiences.
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For academic year 2023–2024, 97.1% of reporting graduates were employed, in the military, enrolled in continuing education, or engaged in volunteer service.
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of Perkins graduate students receive scholarships
denominations represented
A proud native of Puerto Rico discovered her calling to ministry after an unexpected shift toward theology.
Calyn believes that if anyone has the opportunity to work in the office of student engagement, they should take it.
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Find answers to Perkins School of Theology application questions.
Under extraordinary circumstances, Perkins School of Theology may consider admitting an applicant to a master’s program without a completed bachelor’s degree per the Association of Theological Schools. Such exemptions are not guaranteed and are rigorously evaluated against the standards for admission on a case-by-case basis.
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NT 8365
An exploration of views on evil, suffering, death and afterlife evinced by various New Testament authors.
PS 8365
“Faith of our fathers (and mothers) living still” is the focus of this seminar exploring Christian models, spiritual mentors and religious leaders.
ST 8359
An examination of modern process and relational understandings of God and creation in response to the problem of sin against creation.
Gain practical experience for faithful leadership within a congregation or agency.
Explore interests, develop leadership skills and connect with like-minded peers.
Discover unique opportunities that cultivate connection.
Perkins professors will help you clarify your own understanding of the Christian faith, challenge you to examine ideas new to you, and prepare you for faithful leadership in the church of the 21st century.
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Perkins’ facilities offer sacred spaces for instruction in preaching and teaching.
This historical library includes a full range of theological, biblical and historical materials relating to the development of Christianity
The chapel plays a vital role in the spiritual formation and education of those preparing for leadership in the Christian church.
Request more info about the Master of Arts in ministry degree
The Master of Arts in ministry degree is an ideal pathway for those who want to become an ordained deacon in The United Methodist Church or another Christian denomination but do not want to be the lead minister of their church (although it may be acceptable for lead pastor in some denominations).
Those seeking ordination as a deacon in The United Methodist Church will need to take a worship course (three credit hours), United Methodist studies courses (six credit hours) and an evangelism course (three credit hours).
Graduates of the master’s degree in ministry have many nontraditional career options, including working in roles in nonprofits, community outreach, humanitarian aid, grant writing and fundraising, Christian ministry, working as a volunteer director, and more.
Additionally, students may pursue Perkins’ Global Theological Education, which offers students a study of theology, Scripture, missions, and ministry or interreligious relationships in a cultural context different from the students’ own – usually outside the United States. These elective courses give special attention to the role of theological reflection in an environment affected by globalization in all its dimensions through focused, on-site study in a particular culture or region of the world.
These programs have different timelines, areas of vocation, and goals and outcomes. The M.Div. is the most rigorous program, with 75 credit hours and a mandatory internship. A graduate from this program desires to be an elder or ordained minister. The M.A.M. requires 36 credit hours plus an internship and is for those seeking to be a ministerial leader in the church.
In the Perkins internship, students integrate the knowledge and theological reflection disciplines learned in the classroom with the practical demands of providing faithful leadership within a congregation or agency.
Internships are structured as a one- or two-semester placement with options as to type (church or agency), community (urban, suburban, rural) and denomination (in most cases in the student’s own tradition).
SMU offers a range of financial aid options that can help you pursue your vocation without being burdened by a large debt. Ninety-eight percent of Perkins students seeking a master’s degree receive a scholarship. Additionally, Perkins offers a free financial literacy program for all students.
At Perkins, hybrid/online means that almost three-fourths of studies will be completed online, allowing students to continue to serve in their ministry context while continuing with their education. In-person degree requirements are completed through two weeklong immersions, fostering connection through learning communities. Immersion courses are offered not just in Dallas but in various ministry settings across the nation.
Perkins acknowledges the longing for connectedness at seminary and fulfills that longing by providing the immersion experiences that foster togetherness. In the hybrid/online program, you will build relationships from afar and in person.
The week-long immersions will include course instruction, shared meals, worship, engagement with ministries/leaders, and free time for study, relaxation and building community and relationships with other students.
The M.A.M. degree requires 36 credit hours of academic credit, inclusive of a supervised internship. Each student will also complete and submit artifacts for assessment.
All requirements for the M.A.M. degree must be completed within five calendar years from the time of initial registration.
A minimum of two courses (six credit hours) must be taken as in-person courses, typically through intensives or immersions.
