Master of Sacred Music

The Master of Sacred Music (M.S.M.) degree program is jointly sponsored by Perkins School of Theology and the Division of Music of Meadows School of the Arts to cultivate skilled music and arts ministry leaders who integrate theological discernment and advanced musical abilities, empowering them to design and lead transformative worship experiences. 

Recognizing the existence of many models of professional church music leadership, this program provides a wide range of graduate-level training in performance, professional and academic skills across both schools. High priority is placed upon the preparation of the church musician as enabler of congregational singing and conductor of various ensembles in both the church and the community. 

Graduates will possess the pedagogical and organizational skills to foster vibrant faith communities through music and the arts and engage in scholarship at the intersection of music and theology.

Perkins, a community devoted to theological education and research in the service of the church of Jesus Christ, is Wesleyan by tradition, United Methodist by affiliation, inclusive of diverse Christian expressions, and welcoming of all. 

The oldest graduate professional school at SMU, the School of Theology seeks to make theological education accessible through in-person, hybrid and distance learning to students from the region, the nation and around the world.

Worship is a central element in the life of the school. During fall and spring terms, community worship is held on campus Tuesdays and Thursdays. Various worship opportunities are made available for students in our hybrid programs. Community lunches/dinners are offered Tuesday through Thursday. Common meals, celebrating holidays, or highlighting special groups or themes, take place several times throughout each academic year.

Positions in the church or synagogue include choral conductor, piano or organ musician, music director, and cantor. There is a wide variety of career paths in the worship music vocation, including worship arts director, creative arts pastor, choir director, orchestra director, arranger, composer, worship leader, program director and much more.

The M.S.M. course of study includes work taken in common by all sacred music students, courses that fulfill the requirements of one of the seven concentrations, and work that is designed to serve the individual student’s particular needs and interests. Each student elects one of seven options for concentration study:

Applied concentrations:

• Choral conducting
• Composition and arranging
• Keyboards
• Organ

Admission to these concentrations requires that the applicant demonstrate performance proficiencies adequate to their selected concentration. This requirement will be fulfilled through an in-person audition, digital submission of performance materials, or submission of a portfolio, according to audition requirements.

Academic concentrations:

• Music education
• Worship arts
• Liturgical musicology

The Master of Sacred Music degree will prepare students for professional music leadership in the church and academic work in church music. Music and theology courses, professional practicum and leadership development, and other opportunities prepare students to engage with a wide range of literature, performance practices and skills, and to apply this learning in both academic and church settings.

Graduates will possess the pedagogical and organizational skills to foster vibrant faith communities through music and the arts and engage in scholarship at the intersection of music and theology. The research and academic fields also offer career opportunities for scholars of sacred music.

The requirements for the M.S.M. total 48 credit hours and may be completed in two years (usually including summers), depending on the results of the Graduate Diagnostic Examinations. Through these examinations, administered online by the Division of Music, students are expected to demonstrate skills and knowledge in music history, aural skills, and theoretical materials equivalent to those of graduating seniors who have met general requirements in these areas at SMU.

All requirements for the M.S.M. degree must be completed within seven calendar years from the time of initial registration.

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 of theological studies receive a scholarship. Additionally, Perkins offers a free financial literacy program for all students.

In addition to the financial aid described above, a limited number of scholarships, fellowships and work grants are available specifically to M.S.M. students. Inquiries should be addressed to the director of the M.S.M. program. In addition, most M.S.M. students are employed by a local congregation as a part of the supervised practicum requirement for the M.S.M. degree.