Southern Methodist University

What you'll study

This PhD combines rigorous training in musicology, liturgical theology and ethnographic or historical research methods. Typical areas of study include the history of Western and non-Western sacred music, hymnology and congregational song, theology of worship, ritual studies, ethnomusicology of religious practice, worship leadership and the relationship of music to liturgy and pastoral care.

Coursework normally includes advanced seminars in research methods (qualitative and historical), courses in music theory and analysis where relevant, specialised seminars in sacred repertoire and hymnody, and theological courses addressing worship theology and pastoral issues. Students prepare for comprehensive examinations and then undertake an original doctoral dissertation that contributes to scholarship in religious music and worship. Many candidates also complete a practical component such as a lecture-recital, documented liturgical practicum or portfolio of church music work, depending on supervisory arrangements and programme regulations.

• History of sacred music and hymnody
• Worship theology and liturgical studies
• Ethnomusicological approaches to religion
• Advanced research methods and dissertation preparation
• Performance practice and lecture-recital options (where applicable)
• Practical ministry or congregational practicum

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant postgraduate degree such as a Master of Music, Master of Sacred Music, MPhil or equivalent in theology, religious studies or music. Strong candidates demonstrate both academic preparation in music or theology and experience in worship leadership or church music practice. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a research proposal outlining doctoral interests, letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae, and representative work such as recordings, concert programs or written sample(s).

Admission decisions weigh the fit between the applicant's research interests and available faculty supervision. Where appropriate, applicants may be asked to provide evidence of language competence for research (e.g. German, Latin, Greek, or other languages relevant to the proposed project) and to attend an interview with potential supervisors. Specific departmental requirements and assessment of professional experience are set by the relevant SMU schools involved in the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates of a PhD in Religious Music and Worship pursue a range of careers in academia, church leadership, and cultural institutions. Common pathways include university or seminary teaching and research, denominational and congregational music leadership, hymn-writing and editorial roles in hymnals and liturgical resources, and specialised consulting in worship design and liturgical renewal.

Other career options include roles in archives and libraries with sacred music collections, positions in music publishing, arts and faith organisations, museums with liturgical holdings, and continued performance and recording work that bridges scholarship and practice. The degree prepares graduates for grant-funded research, curatorial work, and leadership in interfaith and community arts collaborations focused on music and worship.

Why study at Southern Methodist University

SMU offers an environment suited to interdisciplinary study of religious music through collaboration between the Meadows School of the Arts and the Perkins School of Theology. Students benefit from access to specialised resources such as the Bridwell Library's rare liturgical and hymnological collections and performance facilities and faculty expertise in both music and theology.

Located in Dallas, SMU provides proximity to a rich and diverse religious and musical landscape, enabling practical partnerships with congregations, denominational bodies and arts organisations across the city and region. The university's combination of strong scholarly supervision, performance opportunities and archival resources makes it a good setting for doctoral research that integrates academic study with practical engagement in worship and church music.