Perkins School of Theology

“To prepare women and men for faithful leadership in Christian ministry.”
Description of PhD Program
The Graduate Program in Religious Studies (GPRS) at Southern Methodist University comprises programs of study leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. The primary goal of both degree programs is to prepare persons for academic leadership in the field, and hence for professional careers as teacher-scholars in colleges, universities, and schools of theology.

Faculty members from Perkins School of Theology and from the Department of Religious Studies in Dedman College as well as the holders of the two University Chairs in Ethics constitute the faculty of the program. It is supported by the University’s extensive library system, especially the renowned Bridwell Library, which has distinctive collections in religion and theology along with state-of-the-art research facilities.

Specialization is offered in one of the following areas:
Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
New Testament
History of the Christian Tradition
Religious Ethics
Religion and Culture
Systematic Theology

Tuition & Housing Costs

Dedman College of Humanities & Science

Per Credit Hour

Graduate Studies

$1,704 + general student fee*

IEP (English as a Second Language)

Tuition CORE

$2,355 per course

Tuition COMM

$1,395 per course

Books and supplies (may vary per course)

$150

Books and supplies (may vary per course): part-time study

$95

General Student Fee

  • Beginning Fall 2021, the general student fee is $285 per term credit hour*, $3,386 maximum.
  • Students paying the maximum general student fee of $3,386 are eligible to receive the Sports Pack.
  • Students paying less than the maximum general student fee may receive the Sports Pack for an additional $90.

*Charges are based on the student’s academic career/primary academic program.

Please check the Course Fees section for additional specific course fee charges.

Graduate/Family Housing

Grad House (graduate only) $5,360.00 $5,360.00
Hillcrest Manor 1BR Large $5,755.00 $5,755.00
Hillcrest Manor 1BR Medium $5,455.00 $5,455.00
Hillcrest Manor 1BR Small $5,455.00 $5,455.00
Hillcrest Manor 1BR Efficiency $3,940.00 $3,940.00
Hillcrest Manor 2BR Large $6,180.00 $6,180.00
Hillcrest Manor 2BR Small $6,180.00 $6,180.00
3216 Daniel $5,755.00 $5,755.00
New Senior Housing Apartments $5,656.00 $5,656.00
Tuition Assistance
The GPRS offers financial aid at the doctoral levels as departmental fellowships. These Fellowships include tuition grants of the full amount of tuition and fees for the academic year for the length of the program.
Financial Aid Fellowships
Departmental Fellowships of the Graduate Program in Religious Studies include tuition grants up to the full amount of tuition and fees for the academic year and stipends up to $16,000 for the academic year. The stipends are renewable for a total of four years with eligibility for a $10,000 dissertation fellowship in the 5th year. Other fellowships are available through the university up to an additional $10,000 to $15,000 a year. In addition, Teaching and Research Assistantships are available to doctoral students through Perkins School of Theology and the SMU Religious Studies Department.
Hispanic/Latine Faculty

Paul Barton
Director, Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program

Rev. Dr. Isabel Docampo
Director, Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions
Co-Director of the Intern Program
Professor of Supervised Ministry

Carlos F. Cardoz-Orlandi
Director, Doctor of Ministry Program
Professor of Global Christianities and Mission Studies

Ángel J. Gallardo
Associate Director of the Perkins Intern Program

Hugo Magallanes
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Director, Hispanic-Latin@ Ministries Program (MAP)
Director, United Methodist Regional Course of Study School for Local Pastors                                                      
Professor of  Christianity and Cultures

Harold J. Recinos
Professor of Church and Society

Hispanic Centers and Programs
  • The Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program was founded in 1974 to prepare church leaders with the knowledge and skills for effective ministry in Spanish-speaking and bilingual contexts and cultures. The program remains committed to recruiting, preparing and providing continuing education for people in ministry with Hispanics/Latin@s. It is at the heart of Perkins School of Theology’s leadership as a vibrant center of Hispanic/Latin@ theological thought and writing and a vital advocate before the general church with and in behalf of Hispanic/Latin@ congregations and ministries.
  • The central mission of The Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions at Perkins School of Theology is to promote a deeper understanding of the varieties of religious life and expression within the Latino/a communities in the United States and in Latin America. Building upon the rich history of its Mexican American Program, Perkins seeks to strengthen its engagement with Latino/a realities through its educational programs, the generation and conduct of research, and the dissemination of knowledge. The Center will address topics and issues related to the Latino/a religious experience within a broader ecumenical and religious context, as well as with attention to international dynamics and realities.
Yearly Events
The Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions has sponsored Visiting Scholar lectures, and Annual Workshop, and Interdisciplinary Dialogues each year, and will continue to do so as long as funds are available.
Library Resources-Special Collections
Bridwell Library Special Collections houses the EDICIONES DOS AMIGOS COLLECTION, an official repository for all publications of the outstanding private press of Buenos Aires, Argentina for which the collection is named. In addition, the Central University Digital Collections features Latin America and the Caribbean: Photographs, Manuscripts and Imprints.
Other Resources

L@s Seminaristas is an ecumenical student organization dedicated to serving Christ by strengthening and encouraging student leadership. The group has a focused interest in various aspects of Latino/a ministry including Christian worship, preaching, outreach, evangelism, and mission.

HTI Scholars

Paul Barton 

Ángel J. Gallardo

Julián Andrés González 

José Santana

Grace Vargas

Fellipe Do Vale

Matthew Esquivel

Chance Juliano

Yolanda Michelle Santiago Correa

Noemi Vega Quiñones

Contact Information

The HTI person to contact for information on PhD studies at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University is:

Name:    Pamela Hogan
Title:       Coordinator for the Graduate Program in Religious Studies
Phone:   214.768.2432 (office of Pamela Hogan) or 1.888.THEOLOGY (press 2, 3)
Email:    gradreli@smu.edu