Other Academic Programs

Audit Programs

People desiring to audit a course must secure permission from the registrar and the course instructor through Audit Permit form and must pay an audit fee before completing registration. The fee is listed under "Administrative Fees and Deposits" as part of the graduate Financial Information Bulletin.

Basic Graduate Theological Studies (BGTS)

The basic graduate theological studies required for those seeking ordination as deacons in the United Methodist Church include courses in the areas of Old Testament, New Testament, church history, theology, mission, worship, preaching (requirement effective January 1, 2025), evangelism and United Methodist history, doctrine and polity. These courses are offered regularly on the Dallas campus and online.

The following courses satisfy these requirements:

OT 6300 Interpretation of the Old Testament
NT 6300 Interpreting the New Testament
HX 6300 The Christian Heritage
ST 6303 Interpretation of the Christian Message
WO 6313 Introduction to Christian Worship
PR 6300 Introduction to Preaching (requirement effective January 1, 2025)
MT 6300 Christian Ethics in Social Context (fulfills mission requirement)
EV 7307 The Theory and Practice of Evangelism
HX 7565 United Methodist History
CA 7013 United Methodist Polity
ST 7034 United Methodist Doctrine

Non-Degree Programs

Persons who wish to take courses for credit but who do not wish to enter a degree program may seek admission to Perkins as a non-degree seeking student. The student must submit a completed application.

Admission as a non-degree seeking student is for one year (two terms) only. A student desiring to continue beyond the one-year limit must formally ask the associate dean for academic affairs to continue beyond the two terms. Admission as a non-degree seeking student does not guarantee, nor does it preclude, later admission to any degree program offered by Perkins. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for any form of financial assistance from the school.

Non-degree seeking students who declare an interest in a future degree program may be considered Exploratory students. Exploratory students are eligible for institutional aid for up to two courses to be taken within a single twelve-month period. 

Students duly enrolled in other degree programs in Southern Methodist University may be permitted to register for Perkins courses upon the approval of their respective deans. They must have at least junior class status and a B average. That student should contact the registrar for specific information about the process.