Master of Arts in ministry

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.

• Christian Education
• Christian Worship
• Christianity and Society
• Church Administration
• Church Music
• Evangelism
• General Ministries
• Christian Ministry
• Pastoral Ministry
• Pastoral Care
• Prayer and Spirituality
• Preaching