Master of Theology (ThM)
ThM Program Purpose
The Master of Theology (ThM) program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in theological research, critical analysis, and ministry practice. Students focus on a particular discipline as well as taking a variety of courses across the curriculum to encourage integrative thinking and preparation for further ministry or academic study.
Program Outcomes
Students graduating with a Master of Theology degree will be able to:
- Integrate theological knowledge with practical ministry issues, addressing contemporary challenges in church, community, or global contexts.
- Engage deeply with theological scholarship, demonstrating the ability to interpret biblical texts, theological traditions, and current literature with critical insight and precision.
- Synthesize theological ideas with clarity and purpose, effectively communicating complex concepts for diverse audiences in academic, ministry, or public settings.
MDiv and ThM Combinations at TEDS
MDiv and ThM course work may not overlap; however, students may take up to 9 units of 7000 level (and above) courses not applied to their MDiv during their final year and apply those units to their ThM requirements upon matriculating into the ThM program.
ThM Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
In addition to the general admission requirements described in the Admission section of the catalog, the following further requirements are specific to the Master of Theology program:
- Possess an earned Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited school that maintains academic standards similar to those of Trinity. (Master of Divinity equivalence is defined as an earned master’s degree, including at least 74 units of graduate study in areas closely parallel to Trinity’s MDiv curriculum.)
- The applicant’s graduate grade point average for all graduate coursework completed must be a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Possess and demonstrate proficiency in the biblical and modern languages appropriate to work in the selected area of concentration. Students who have obtained a TEDS MDiv within the previous five years may be exempted from taking the proficiency exam.
ThM Residency Requirement and Continuation
Students must complete a minimum of 18 units of their coursework through Trinity. Students must complete the final 8 units of coursework at Trinity. These courses may be any combination of courses at the Bannockburn campus, or online synchronous or asynchronous courses offered by Trinity, subject to the availability of each desired course in a particular location or format. This program is offered in both a residential and online format. Not all courses will be available in all modalities. While students will be able to graduate without taking courses in a residential format, they may have fewer choices for elective courses.
ThM Statute of Limitation
All Master of Theology program requirements must be completed within five years of matriculation into the program. Petition to extend the statute of limitation may be made by a student to the Academic Exceptions Committee.
ThM Graduation Requirements
The following requirements must be completed to earn the Master of Theology degree:
- Removal of all entrance deficiencies and conditions.
- Completion of the General Graduation Requirements for All Master’s Programs.
- Completion of 24 units of advanced graduate level coursework (normally 7000-8999 level if not a core requirement or capstone in another master’s program) in the area of concentration with a minimum cumulative grade point average for program coursework of 3.0, with no coursework graded below a “C” applicable to the degree.
- Completion of a 4-unit Capstone which includes the following:
- Writing 2 major papers in conjunction with regular coursework.
- Writing and oral defense of a ThM Integrative Paper which combines work from the students focus area with their other coursework to address a specific question or topic.
ThM Areas of Concentration and Curriculum
The ThM is a post-MDiv degree program. As such, coursework required to meet MDiv graduation requirements is not applicable to the ThM program. Specific coursework is developed in consultation with the department faculty. The criterion against which applicable coursework is defined is the intent of the program to provide advanced theological study in one discipline beyond what is normally provided at the MDiv level.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Core | ||
| Select 20 units across the curriculum connected to student goals and context 1,2 | 20 | |
| ThM Capstone 3,4 | ||
| ___ 8980 | ThM Major Research Paper (must be repeated to total 2 units) | 2 |
| ID 7475 | ThM/MA Integrative Paper Preparation (Optional) | 0 |
| ID 8050 | ThM Integrative Paper | 2 |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
- 1
Advanced courses related to the program of study (normally 7000-8999 level).
- 2
Specific courses are chosen from the Catalog curriculum in consultation with the faculty. Generally this includes a research course.
- 3
If all advanced courses have been completed without major papers, additional coursework is required to facilitate completion of this capstone option.
- 4
By permission of the applicable faculty and the TEDS Dean’s Office, students can do a single thesis (__ 8985) for 4 units instead of the 2 major papers and the integrative paper.