The Master of Arts Concentration in Christian Thought (MA/CT)

MA/CT Concentration Purpose

The MA/CT is designed for persons who desire a research degree in interdisciplinary theological studies emphasizing more than one theological discipline. Participants in the MA/CT select an emphasis from one of the following areas, with a cognate in a second: Biblical and Systematic Theology, Bioethics, Christianity and Contemporary Culture, Church History and the History of Christian Thought, and the Philosophy of Religion.

MA/CT Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

The admission requirements for the MA/CT are those described in the Admissions section of the catalog and those specific to the MA/CT program as outlined below. At the time of application, the applicant must indicate the emphasis and cognate they wish to pursue. The applicant should note also the following prerequisite undergraduate course work required in each emphasis.

An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

Emphasis in Biblical and Systematic Theology:

Systematic Theology: 12 semester hours undergraduate
Bible: 12 semester hours undergraduate (beginning languages are not considered Bible courses)

Emphasis in Bioethics:

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this program there are no additional prerequisites; however, applicants must have a background relevant to bioethics.

Emphasis in Christianity and Contemporary Culture:

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this program there are no additional prerequisites; however, applicants must have a background relevant to Christianity and contemporary culture.

Emphasis in Church History and the History of Christian Thought:

History: 12 semester hours undergraduate

Emphasis in Philosophy of Religion:

Philosophy: 12 semester hours undergraduate

MA/CT Candidacy Requirements

Admission to the Master of Arts programs must be followed by achievement of candidacy for the degree. Program candidacy occurs when

A minimum of 12 hours in the program is completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5 after admission to the program.
All entrance deficiencies and conditions are removed.
After a review of student files for continued progress toward meeting graduation requirements, formal action is taken by the faculty to grant candidacy for the degree.

MA/CT Residency Requirement and Statute of Limitation

Twenty-four hours must be completed on the Deerfield Campus of Trinity. Generally two to three semesters of full-time course work and comprehensive exams are followed by one year of thesis writing.
The final 8 hours must be taken through Trinity.
All requirements in the Master of Arts programs 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.

MA/CT Graduation Requirements

In addition to the General Graduation Requirements for all master’s programs, the following are required for the MA/CT:

Completion of all course work in the program, including required Field Education, with a minimum cumulative grade point average for program course work of 2.5, with no course work graded below a “C-” applicable to the degree. A maximum of 20 percent of course work may be completed in an independent study format (Reading, Guided Research, and Distance Education courses).
Meet the general comprehensive requirements in Old Testament, New Testament, and two in Systematic Theology. See the Academic Handbook for details.
Successfully write the major comprehensive exam in both the emphasis and cognate areas of study
Complete a Master of Arts capstone project for the MA/CT, which is research and write an acceptable thesis on an approved topic, exhibiting the ability to do competent research, to think critically, and to communicate effectively in the area of emphasis. The thesis may be for 0-3 hours credit, applicable to the student’s program.