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. (Note that admission to a particular program at TEDS does not ensure admission to another, if a student should decide to switch programs. Consult an admissions counselor for guidance on the appropriate program to make application.)
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:
- Certificate in Children and Family Ministries
- Certificate in Christian Counseling
- Certificate in Christian Tradition
- Certificate in Educational Ministries
- Certificate in Greek Exegesis
- Certificate in Hippocratic Healthcare Ethics
- Certificate in Leadership in Mission
- Certificate in Ministry Care
- Certificate in Old Testament Hebrew
- Certificate in Organizational Leadership
- Certificate in Prolife Advocacy and Engagement
- Certificate in Scripture
- Certificate in Teaching and Learning
- Certificate in Theological Studies
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, drawing from the breadth of the curriculum
Master of Arts (Academic Discipline) Concentrations:
Church History: specializing in the history of the Christian church
New Testament: an emphasis upon intensive study of the New Testament
Old Testament and Semitic Languages: concentrates on the study of Old Testament, Semitics, Near Eastern languages and literature, and the cultural background of the Jewish people
Systematic Theology: specialized study in Christian doctrine its biblical grounding, historical development, logical coherence, and contemporary context
Specialized Concentration: by special application when curriculum objectives significantly extend beyond one department
Master of Arts in [specialized ministry] Programs
A second group 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 Bioethics (MA in BE): a program specializing in analysis of bioethical issues in healthcare and biotechnology and engaging bioethical challenges in relevant contexts.
Master of Arts in Chaplaincy and Ministry Care (MA in CMC): a program designed to develop pastoral and spiritual life counseling skills.
Master of Arts in Educational Ministries (MA in EM): a program specializing in educational ministry in the church/parachurch context
Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies (MA in ICS): a program designed to prepare or further equip participants for the task of Christian missions through bridging cultures both at home and abroad
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 two tracks:
- Church and Parachurch Ministries
- Academic Ministries
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. TEDS’s ThM offers concentrations in each of the eight departments, and an interdepartmental specialized concentration as arranged at the time of application. Specifically:
- Church History
- Counseling
- Educational Ministries
- Mission and Evangelism
- New Testament
- Old Testament
- Pastoral Theology
- Systematic Theology
- Specialized Concentration
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.
- Strategic Leadership
- Missional Engagement
- Pastoral Ministry
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 5000 | Introduction to Bioethics: Matters of Life and Dignity | 3 |
| BE 5100 | Intensive Bioethics Institute | 3 |
| BE 5499 & BE 5500 | The Public Policy Context and Bioethics and Public Policy | 3 |
| BE 5900 | Bioethics National Conference | 2-3 |
| BE 6300 | Bioethics, Human Dignity, and the Church | 3 |
| BE 6500 | Advanced Bioethics Institute | 3-4 |
| CO 6120 | Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| EM 5560 | Adults in Congregations | 2-3 |
| ID 7375 | Clinical Pastoral Education | 1-2 |
| ME 8312 | Christian Encounter with World Religions | 3 |
| PT 6300 | Intro to Chaplain Ministries | 2 |
| PT 7870 | Ministry of Mercy & Justice | 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 three ways:
- as Field Education credit;
- as MDiv Internship credit; or
- as 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 credit 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 hours of MDiv Internship, or 1-2 semester hours (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 hours 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.