Degree Program Options
TEDS offers a number of accredited degree programs to enable Christians to pursue God’s calling for their life of ministry. Each program, or group of programs, has specific objectives, and the student should consider these when selecting a program to pursue. Programs are briefly outlined below, followed by a fuller description in the order they appear below. Admission to a particular program at TEDS does not ensure admission to another, if a student should decide to switch programs. Consult an admission counselor for guidance on the appropriate program.
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs are not degree programs but are designed for persons who desire to take seminary coursework without enrolling in a program. They are also appropriate courses of study for persons who have not yet decided on a degree program or for those who simply want to enrich their Christian understanding. Courses may be taken in many of the certificate programs in such a way that they later apply to a degree program. TEDS offers the following certificates:
Master of Arts Programs
The Master of Arts (MA) is considered an academic degree in general theological studies designed to provide a basic understanding of particular theological disciplines for further graduate study or for general educational purposes. It is designed on a two-year model for program completion, dependent upon prerequisites completed. Often the MA is a prerequisite degree for enrolling in a public university-based terminal degree or doctoral program, though this is not always the case. Many universities accept students into a master’s/doctoral program track that will award the student a master’s degree while admitting them later to a doctoral program. Students anticipating future terminal degree work are advised to consult with the institution where they anticipate undertaking doctoral studies to ensure that their graduate-level preparation will be appropriate for doctoral admission. Often such students may be required to devote the capstone project in their master’s program to the writing of a thesis that demonstrates ability to do academic research.
Master of Arts (Theological Studies)
With the objective of providing a basic understanding of Christianity for general educational purposes, draws from the breadth of the curriculum.
Master of Arts in [specialized ministry] Program
A second type of master’s degrees is explicitly designed to equip persons professionally for competent leadership in some form of specialized ministry in congregational or other settings. These degrees, designed on a two-year full-time model for program completion, are designated Master of Arts in [specialized ministry]. TEDS offers the following:
- Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling (MA in MHC): a professional licensure track program with the intent to train students to become licensed mental health professionals.
Master of Divinity Program
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree is the normative degree to prepare persons for ordained ministry and for general pastoral and religious leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings. The MDiv is also the required prerequisite degree for Doctor of Ministry programs and is the recommended graduate theological degree for those intending to pursue advanced theological research degrees (ThM, PhD). As such, the MDiv carries two roles: first, to prepare persons for ministerial leadership and possibly future Doctor of Ministry studies, and, second, to provide theological training for those anticipating enrolling in a Master of Theology or Doctor of Philosophy program when that program is housed in a private theological school. Trinity’s distinction is that our MDiv as a ministerial leadership degree heavily emphasizes general theological studies. Those persons anticipating ministerial leadership in the local church and other settings are likely best served by the MDiv degree. TEDS has recently revised the entire MDiv curriculum which allows for selection of one of four tracks:
- Academic Ministries
- Chaplaincy
- Church and Parachurch Ministries
- Missions and Cultural Engagement
Master of Theology Program
The Master of Theology (ThM) degree is intended to provide advanced theological study beyond the MDiv in one discipline. The ThM may strengthen study toward future doctoral-level studies, help prepare for some forms of teaching, provide enhancement of ministerial practice, or offer a context for disciplined reflection upon a specialized function of ministry.
Doctor of Ministry Program
The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program is a professional program intended for persons engaged in full-time vocational Christian ministry, such as pastors, associate pastors, Christian educators, missionaries, workers in parachurch organizations, chaplains, and evangelists. The DMin program is designed to enhance professional ministry competencies with concentrations in the following six areas. See the Doctoral Programs section of the Catalog for a further description.
- Missional Engagement
- Pastoral Ministry
- Strategic Leadership
Doctor of Philosophy Program
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at TEDS is specifically designed for persons who wish to pursue advanced study and research in a field of interest. TEDS offers three areas of research study as follows. See the Doctoral Programs section of the Catalog for further description.
- Educational Studies
- Intercultural Studies
- Theological Studies
Additional Areas of Focused Study
TEDS degree programs are offered in the disciplines above; however, many additional areas of focused study integrate coursework offered across disciplines, in a variety of departments, or on the basis of current course offerings (many times by visiting faculty). These course offerings fit into degree programs in varying ways, and students are encouraged to consult with their faculty advisor or department chair to blend course selections particular to their needs and interests. The topic areas noted below may be completed as outlined or may be completed as specialized areas in the MDiv program.
Chaplaincy Studies
Chaplains bring the presence of Christ to persons and situations that are often inaccessible to traditional pastors, missionaries and parachurch workers. Chaplaincy ministry is incarnational by nature, and a chaplain’s parish ranges from battlefields to airfields, hospital rooms to break rooms, prison chapels to ships at sea. Though chaplains are often associated with military forces or hospitals, chaplains may also serve in a number of different situations including disaster relief (first responder), corporate, fire departments, police departments, airports, race tracks, sports teams, nursing homes, hospice, and correctional. Additionally, though many chaplains serve in a full-time capacity, a number of pastors have enhanced their community outreach by serving as reserve chaplains or as volunteers with their local police or fire departments. The opportunities for chaplaincy ministry are indeed plentiful.
Trinity recognizes the value of chaplaincy studies and offers a variety of classes designed to introduce students to chaplaincy vocational options, and then train further those who desire to specialize. Since most chaplaincy programs require a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent, students desiring to become chaplains are encouraged to enroll as MDiv students, then use their electives to specialize as appropriate.
Trinity is unique in its ability to offer not just basic chaplaincy courses, but specialized study options in related subjects including bioethics, counseling, and philosophy of religion (essential to those who will serve in pluralistic environments). Additionally, Trinity’s proximity to a major military installation (Naval Station Great Lakes), major hospitals (including the nation’s first Federal Health Care Center), an abundance of nursing home, multi-level care facilities, and other chaplaincy-related organizations make this an ideal location to pursue chaplaincy training.
Prospective chaplains may choose the following courses or others relevant to the specialization:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BE 5100 | Intensive Bioethics Institute | 2-3 |
| BE 5499 | The Public Policy Context | 1 |
| BE 7650 | Bioethics, Human Dignity, and the Church | 2-3 |
| CO 6120 | Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| ID 7375 | Clinical Pastoral Education | 1-2 |
| ME 8380 | Religion in the Modern World | 2-3 |
| PT 6300 | Introduction to Chaplain Ministries | 2 |
Field education and internship credit may be earned in a variety of ways, including attendance at Chaplain Basic Officer Training (Army, Navy or Air Force) held at Fort Jackson, SC.
Clinical Pastoral Education
The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) (www.acpe.edu) is a multicultural, multifaith organization devoted to providing education and improving the quality of ministry and pastoral care offered by spiritual caregivers of all faiths through the clinical educational methods of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
Some denominations require CPE units for ordination, and others require CPE for chaplaincy (check with your denomination). Recognizing the value of CPE, and the desire of Trinity students to participate in the experience, Trinity will grant academic credit for student participation in any one of three ways:
- Field Education credit.
- MDiv Internship credit.
- Elective credit by enrolling in ID 7375 .
Students wishing to complete CPE for Field Education and/or MDiv Internship should contact the Supervised Ministry Office, and students wishing to complete CPE for elective units should contact the Dean’s Office for details before they begin the CPE experience. One completed CPE unit is equivalent to two Field Education units, 2 semester units of MDiv Internship, or 1-2 semester units (student choice) of elective credit. (Note: One CPE unit equals 400 clock hours.)
Before the CPE experience begins, students should meet with the Supervised Ministry or Dean’s Office with the following information in hand: completed site CPE, notice of approval of acceptance by CPE trainer, start and end date for experience, number of hours being completed per week during the experience, number of Trinity credit units desired. The Trinity portion of the experience will conclude with a debrief meeting and/or paper, presentation of the ACPE’s Certificate of completion, and course registration (at completion) for the experience.