Preprofessional Programs

Dedman College offers a wide spectrum of degree options that can give you a thorough understanding of social, religious, or philosophical issues depending on your personal goals. Keep in mind that ministers should be analytical, intelligent, inquisitive, compassionate, well-versed in history, and keenly aware of societal issues. For instance, consider ethnic studies if you plan to minister to a multicultural community, or a degree in philosophy if your calling involves advising on ethics and contemporary moral problems. Consult with the preministerial academic adviser for additional guidance, including seminary admission requirements.

Highlights

Here are some majors that work particularly well for preministerial studies students:

Foreign Languages or International Studies
Useful in ministering to ethnic groups or those in foreign countries. Many religious documents and services are in Latin; a number of courses are offered in this area.

History
Useful in gaining knowledge of past events that have shaped religions

Philosophy
Useful in gaining expertise on moral and ethical issues

Psychology
Useful in pastoral counseling

Religious Studies
Useful in understanding many different religions

Sociology
Useful in gaining a global perspective on social issues

Careers

SMU preministerial students have gone on to graduate programs at such schools as Perkins School of Theology at SMU, Candler School of Theology at Emory University, Bethel Seminary, and Duke Divinity School.

Faculty

Because preministerial studies is interdisciplinary, students will have the opportunity to take courses from professors in many different departments and disciplines. These include English, foreign languages, history, philosophy, psychology, religious studies, and sociology.

Internships & Study Abroad

There are a number of internship opportunities available to give preministerial studies students hands-on insight into the emotional, spiritual, and day-to-day responsibilities of the clergy. Other opportunities – volunteer and paid – are available through the Hegi Family Career Development Center.

Preministerial studies students will find that spending time abroad opens their eyes to a more global perspective of religion, history, and other subjects. There are many exciting credit-earning possibilities through the SMU Study Abroad Program. Choose from yearlong, semester, or summer programs at locations around the globe. Depending on what degree you intend to pursue, many of these programs are particularly beneficial to preministerial studies students: SMU-in-Australia, SMU-in-Copenhagen, SMU-in-Paris, SMU-in-Japan, SMU-in-Spain, SMU-in-Taipei, SMU-in-Oxford, SMU-Summer-in-Paris, SMU-in-Germany, and SMU-in-Taos.