The Master of Theology (ThM)
Concentration in Church History

ThM Program Purpose

The Master of Theology (ThM) program is intended to provide advanced theological study in one discipline beyond what is normally provided at the MDiv level. Trinity’s ThM offers discipline concentrations in Church History, Mission and Evangelism, New Testament, Old Testament, Pastoral Counseling and Psychology, Pastoral Theology, and Systemic Theology. The program can be completed in one intense year of study and includes 24 credit hours and two major research papers or a thesis. Students work with their faculty advisor in the selection of specific courses in their area of concentration.

ThM Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

In addition to the general admission requirements described in the Admissions 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 semester hours of graduate study in areas closely parallel to Trinity’s MDiv curriculum. Specifically, this should include 12 semester hours of Old Testament, 12 semester hours of New Testament, 12 semester hours of Systematic Theology, 3 semester hours of church history, and 35 semester hours of free electives).

• The applicant’s graduate grade point average for all graduate course work completed must be a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

• Possess and demonstrate proficiency in the relevant biblical and modern languages relevant to work in the selected area of concentration.

ThM Residency Requirement and Continuation

Residency requirements for the Master of Theology degree are

• The 24 hours of the ThM program must be completed on the Deerfield Campus of Trinity.

• Upon completion of all but 6 hours of course work in a program, continuous registration each fall and spring semester is required. If a student is not registered for remaining course work, a continuation fee is assessed each semester until all program requirements have been met. If the student has not completed the program after four semesters of continuation status, the fee amount is doubled for the next four semesters.

ThM Statute of Limitation

All Master of Arts 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 Candidacy Requirements

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

• A minimum of 8 hours of the program is completed with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

• All entrance deficiencies and conditions are removed.

• Formal action has been taken by the faculty to grant candidacy for the degree.

ThM Graduation Requirements

The following requirements must be completed to earn the Master of Theology degree in each concentration:

1. Complete the General Graduation Requirements for all master’s programs.
2. Complete 24 hours of advanced (normally 7000-8999 level) graduate-level course work as stipulated by the area of concentration with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0, 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).
3. Successfully write the ThM major comprehensive exam in the area of concentration.
4. Complete one of the two capstone projects below:
   a. a. Research and write an acceptable thesis (— 8985) on an approved topic exhibiting the ability to do competent research, including use of the biblical languages and modern languages when appropriate, to think critically, and to communicate effectively in the area of concentration. The thesis may be for 0-3 hours credit, applicable to the student's area of concentration.
   b. b. Write two major research papers (two — 8980) as a part of two advanced courses in the program, demonstrating evidence of competencies similar to those demonstrated in the thesis above. Examine the Academic Handbook for details related to this capstone project. Zero credit hours.

ThM Program Modifications

The program curriculum that follows for each Master of Theology concentration stipulates the required course work. Substitutions may be made within the department by the written consent of the department chair or by the mutual consent of both department chairs if the substitute courses fall outside the department of the concentration. Written signed notification of such substitutions should immediately be filed with the Records Office.

ThM Concentration in Church History and Curriculum

The ThM is a post-MDiv degree program. As such, MDiv required courses are not applicable to the ThM program. The concentration in church history serves seminary graduates who desire greater knowledge of the history of doctrine and the church.

Updated to 2008-09 Catalog