Welcome to Perkins and Memphis Teach-Out Program

Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University is pleased to confirm that a teach-out agreement is fully executed and in effect between Perkins and Memphis Theological Seminary (Memphis). 

Through this agreement, currently enrolled Memphis students who are scheduled to complete their degrees after May 2026 are eligible to complete their degrees at Perkins, ensuring academic continuity, full academic integrity, and a clear path to degree completion. 

This page serves as a one-stop resource for Memphis students, providing information about eligibility, academic planning, financial considerations, and next steps under the active teach-out agreement.

 

Financial & Scholarship Considerations 

As part of the signed teach-out agreement: 

  • 100% tuition scholarships will be provided for eligible Memphis students 
  • Scholarship funding is provided as part of the Memphis teach-out agreement 
  • Students are responsible for applicable fees when due

Each student will receive individualized scholarship award letter to understand tuition coverage, fees, and billing timelines.

Student Support & Transition Services 

Perkins is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will provide: 

  • Academic advising and degree planning 
  • Enrollment and registration support 
  • Access to student services (library, advising, formation, etc.) 
  • Clear and ongoing communication throughout the transition process 
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A teach-out program is a formal agreement between accredited institutions that allows students from a closing institution to complete their degree program at another institution. 

Under the Perkins–Memphis teach-out agreement: 

  • Students continue progress toward their original degree goals 
  • All credits earned at Memphis will be accepted by Perkins, including credits Memphis awarded based on work completed at other institutions 
  • Students receive academic advising and institutional support throughout the transition 

You may be eligible if you: 

  • Are a currently enrolled Memphis student after May 2026 
  • Are in good academic and disciplinary standing at Memphis 
  • Formally elect the teach-out option at Perkins no later than March 31 

Currently, there are approximately 100 Memphis students eligible under the agreement. 

No. Participation in the teach-out program is optional. Students may choose the academic pathway that best fits their goals. 

No traditional application is required. 

Eligible Memphis students are automatically accepted by Perkins under the teach-out agreement. Students will be asked to: 

  • Formally elect the teach-out option (a form will be provided) 
  • Complete a modified Perkins online application form for record-keeping purposes 
  • No application or admission fees are required 

Yes. Eligible Memphis students in good academic and disciplinary standing who elect the teach-out option are admitted to Perkins under the terms of the agreement, provided no unforeseen disqualification arises. 

Degrees awarded will be Southern Methodist University (Perkins School of Theology) degrees. Perkins will take reasonable steps to acknowledge students’ prior enrollment and study at Memphis.

Eligible students will receive a full tuition scholarship as part of the teach-out agreement. Students are responsible for applicable fees. Financial aid in the form of a federal loan and billing support will be provided individually. 

Students must elect the teach-out option by March 31, 2026 and may matriculate no later than Fall 2026. 

Yes. Students may continue in remote and online learning formats consistent with current Memphis delivery models, with some opportunities for in-person, week-long intensives. Students are also welcome to relocate to Dallas and enroll in on-campus courses. 

Yes. Teach-out students have full access to SMU and Perkins student services and resources. 

If you have additional questions, please reach out to PerkinsEnrollment@smu.edu.

 

Last updated: January 27, 2026