Doctor of Philosophy
Theological Studies
CREDITS
60 Hours
60 Hours
FORMAT
Residential
Residential
Alumni from the PhD (Theological Studies) have gone on to a diverse set of vocations that include academic teaching and writing and various forms of church, parachurch, and denominational leadership. You will graduate from this program having made a significant contribution to original research in your field of concentration.
Program design
The PhD (THS) program is designed on a four and a half year, full-time model, consisting of at least two and a half years of course work followed by an additional two years of comprehensive exams and dissertation research and writing. The program may be completed in four years if the student has exceptional biblical and modern language skills and no entrance deficiencies; however, the current average time to complete the program is 5-6 years.
Language Proficiency
Proficiency in the biblical languages and into German and French (or other language, if approved) must be demonstrated prior to or during your first year of study. (This often requires attendance at courses/exam sessions prior to your actual matriculation date.)
Why TEDS?
Trinity has been entrusted with the Gospel since 1897, and every day we are called to live with purpose. Our purpose as a divinity school is to know the Gospel, live the Gospel and make the Gospel known. In today’s ever-changing culture, Trinity immerses students in a community of biblical orthodoxy and practical living. The Trinity faculty is among the most widely published in evangelical academia and has deeply influenced the leaders shaping the present and future of evangelical Christianity across the globe.
About this Program
Hear from Dr. Dana Harris share her experience as a graduate and now Professor of the PhD in Theological Studies program.
Concentrations
Complete original work in one of these four concentrations: Church History/Historical Theology, New Testament Exegesis and Theology, Old Testament, or Systematic Theology.
Church History
The Church History Department at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School is a vibrant community of faculty members, master’s students, and doctoral students committed to rigorous historical scholarship in service to Christ and his Church.
The teaching faculty includes three experienced historians, Drs. John Woodbridge, and Scott Manetsch, as well as a group of talented part-time teaching faculty who offer specialized courses in the history of the theology, institutions, and practice of the Christian church from the period of the early church to the present day. Our department is an exciting place to pursue graduate studies in church history!
New Testament
The NT (THS) program exists to provide students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the New Testament in its original contexts. Students will gain a general competency in the interpretation of various corpuses within the New Testament canon while acquiring the ability to address specific issues in New Testament studies. Emphasis is given to understanding the New Testament in its historical and cultural contexts, acquiring a particular competency in reading Hellenistic Greek texts, exploring theological developments within the New Testament, and developing the ability to evaluate critically the contributions of modern interpreters. Through these tools, students are expected to make original and significant contributions to the area of New Testament scholarship. Such contributions should in turn make an impact on the wider theological and ecclesiological contexts.
Old Testament
The Old Testament Department acquaints students with the content and teaching of the Old Testament Scriptures and introduces them to the tools they need for a lifetime of effective independent study of these Scriptures. Attention is given to problems of Old Testament history and criticism. The value of the Old Testament for preaching and for understanding the New Testament is stressed. Students are also introduced to the historical and cultural backgrounds of biblical literature, provided an understanding of ancient Near Eastern cultures, have light shed on the interpretation of the Bible in its historical setting, and shown support for the biblical record of the history of the Jewish nation in its interrelationship with the peoples of the ancient world. The focus in OT Hebrew, Literature, and Exegesis (60 hours) specifically focuses on matters of translation, theology, canon, and linguistics.
Systematic Theology
This concentration (60 hours total) focuses on the content and methods of systematic theology. Special attention is paid to the use of Scripture in theology, dialogue with historic and global theological traditions, and engaging broadly within your specific research area from a robustly critical-evangelical perspective.
Financial Aid
Did you know that nearly 95% of our students receive some form of financial aid? At Trinity we offer scholarships, grants, rebates, and other aid options to help pay for the cost of schooling. Learn more about what is available below or by contacting the Financial Aid Office at [email protected].
Prerequisites
Applicants for the PhD (THS) program must meet the following requirements:
- Have earned a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
- Have documented evidence of competency in biblical Greek and Hebrew.
- Present evidence of potential for original academic research at the doctoral level by submitting a sample of an exemplary research paper or thesis.
- Have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in previous graduate studies.
- Provide recommendations from 3 Professors of recent graduate study and 1 Pastor or Church Official.
Curriculum
Church History/Historical Theology Concentration
- Advanced Theological Prolegomena
- The Theological Scholar
- Colloquium in Historical Methodology I & II
- Interdisciplinary Seminar I & II
- Principles of Higher Education
- Advanced Electives (30 hours)
New Testament Concentration
- Advanced Theological Prolegomena
- The Theological Scholar
- N. T. Research
- Interdisciplinary Seminar I & II
- Principles of Higher Education
- Advanced Electives (30 hours)
Old Testament Concentration
- Advanced Theological Prolegomena
- The Theological Scholar
- O. T. Research & Methods
- Interdisciplinary Seminar I & II
- Principles of Higher Education
- Advanced Electives (28 hours)
Systematic Theology Concentration
- Interdisciplinary THS Seminar I
- Advanced Theological Prolegomena
- The Theological Scholar
- Principles of Higher Education
- Advanced Electives (32 hours)
International Applicants
All international PhD/THS program students, including students from Canada, are now required to enter the United States with an F-1 visa, even if attending a single modular class. PhD/THS students are normally expected to enroll in a full-time residential status (i.e., living in Deerfield and registered for full-time attendance) and therefore must comply with the same visa requirements as residential master’s-level applicants (see Admissions). Exceptions to this requirement must be cleared in advance with the Program Director and the International Students Office.
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Combining unrivaled academic rigor with a wholehearted commitment to gospel fidelity and an abundance of flexible options, TEDS offers a theological education that equips you to serve Christ with wisdom and grace, in truth and love.