Master of Arts in Systematic Theology

Deerfield, IL

Trinity’s Master in Systematic Theology will teach you to engage theological ideas in the world today. Studying here will give you a strong biblical, evangelical foundation, while also perspective on our diverse theological heritage.

As you come to divinity school, Trinity will provide you opportunities to engage in conversations with theologians actively engaged in the academy and deeply invested in the life of the church. Their shared commitment to the Gospel and diverse theological perspectives will challenge you to deepen your study of God and enrich your biblical practices. The curriculum intentionally prepares you to address contemporary questions – as you study the doctrine of God, church history, historical theology, and Biblical teachings.

SEE COURSES

MA in Systematic Theology (36 Hours)

BIBLICAL AND SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGICAL CORE: 9 HOURS
Course	Title	Credits
ID 5000	Biblical Theology and Interpretation	3
ST 5201	Theology I: The God of the Gospel	3
ST 5202	Theology II: The Gospel of God	3
Note: Students who have taken the equivalent of the above courses with a grade of B or above are encouraged to take at least two advanced doctrinal courses such as the following:
ST 8210	Divine Action and the Doctrine of Providence	3
ST 8211	God in Biblical Theology and Systematic Theology	3
ST 8213	Models of Sanctification	3
ST 8214	Justification	3
ST 8215	Pneumatology	3
ST 8220	Christology: Classical Formulations and Contemporary Issues	3

CONCENTRATION CORE: 19-26 HOURS
ME 8300	Global Theologies	3
ST 7505	Use of Scripture in Theology	3
Select one course in Biblical Theology such as:
OT 7090	Old Testament Theology	3
NT 8640	New Testament Theology	3
Select two courses in Historical Theology and/or Contemporary Theology such as:
CH 8320	Luther	3
CH 8330	Calvin	3
CH 8361	Jonathan Edwards	3
ST 8100	Essentials of Reformed Theology	3
ST 8101	Karl Barth as Theological Interpreter of Scripture	3
ST 8102	Analytic Theolog3	3
ST 8103	Bonaventure	3
ST 8104	Anselm and the Victorines	3
ST 8105	Arminius and Arminianism	3
ST 8310	Theology of Augustine	3
ST 8360	Karl Barth	3
ST 8390	Recent & Contemporary Theologians	3
ST electives		6–12
Note: Up to 3 hours of the Capstone Project may be applied MA/ST students should work with their faculty advisor to ensure course work provides adequate background for the capstone comprehensive exam and writing projects.

ELECTIVES: 10–11 HOURS
After satisfying the above-mentioned requirements, students who have not taken a total of 36 hours may take further elective course work in a secondary area related to the Concentration (e.g., Apologetics; Ethics; Philosophy of Religion; Bioethics).

FIELD EDUCATION & CAPSTONE: 0–3 HOURS
PT 5090	Field Ed (two semesters)	–or–
ID 5080	ID 5080 Formation Group (two semesters)	0 hours
Note: All MA/ST students must complete a field education requirement.

MA/ST Capstone (1–3 hours)
ST 7477	MA Major Comprehensive Exam	1

Select one of the following:
ST 7980	MA Major Research Paper (Two)	0–2
ST 7485	MA Thesis*	0–2

“In my very first course, my professor emphasized the importance of listening generously. I now think about that every single day. How we can be generous listeners in conversations with one another and in our engagement with theological texts—searching for the question underneath the question so that we can become better communicators. TEDS taught me how to be an excellent rhetorician and communicator of the gospel.”

Aleana Saldaña ’21

LEARN FROM THE BEST

Experience a classroom setting like none other. At Trinity, you will study under leading theologians, experts, and renowned authors in their specific field. Our professors will not only teach you but invest in your life. Hear from Dr. Vanhoozer how the Systematic Theology program prepares you for your academic and ministry goals.

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.

WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES FOR ADMISSION?

In addition to the requirements for general admission, you’ll need the following:

An undergraduate major in Bible and/or theology, or a minimum of 12 hours of undergraduate work in biblical and/or theological studies
An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and Miller Analogies Test (MAT) required if your GPA is under 3.0

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