Perkins School of Theology


Perkins School of Theology is one of Southern Methodist University's three original schools and is located in Dallas, Texas. The theology school was renamed in 1945 to honor benefactors Joe J. and Lois Craddock Perkins of Wichita Falls, Texas. Degree programs include the Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Music, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Pastoral Music as well as the Ph.D., in cooperation with The Graduate Program in Religious Studies at SMU’s Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. It is one of only five university-related theological institutions of the United Methodist Church, and one of the denomination's 13 seminaries, offering opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, and accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. There is a hybrid-extension program in Houston-Galveston.

Bridwell Library

The Bridwell Library is one of the leading theological research collections in the United States. It is named for its benefactor Joseph Sterling Bridwell, an oilman and rancher who was a neighbor of the Perkinses in Wichita Falls.
The Bridwell Library houses a religious studies research collection of more than 385,000 volumes and collections of rare books, Bibles, and manuscripts.

Specialized study

Students in the M.Div., M.A.M., and M.T.S. degree programs may choose from the following areas of concentration: African American Church Studies, Anglican Studies,
Church/Nonprofit Management, Hispanic Studies, Pastoral Care, Social Innovation and Nonprofit Engagement, Urban Ministry, Women's and Gender Studies. Other programs of interest include spiritual formation and Global Theological Education.

Notable alumni/ae