MA/Theological Studies
42 credit hours | 2-3 years
Why study Theological Studies at TEDS?
Our MA/ TS draws from a broad curriculum in biblical, theological, historical, and global areas, combined with a substantial number of elective hours that enable each student to uniquely shape their coursework. It is our most flexible program, both in focus and delivery method. It can be completed entirely at our extension sites, in combination with online courses, or in summer coursework at the Deerfield campus (as well as traditional full- or part-time formats).
MA/TS Application
WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES FOR
ADMISSION TO THIS PROGRAM?
In addition to the requirements for general admission, you’ll need the following:
- A baccalaureate degree, or the educational equivalent, from a recognized accredited institution. In some cases, admission with deficiencies is possible with fulfillment of those deficiencies at Trinity.
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. However, GPA isn’t always an accurate indication of a student’s abilities, so those with a lower GPA are encouraged to talk to an admissions counselor. Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) are required if your GPA is less than 2.5.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
The flexibility of this program means that your course options will vary widely according to your interests, what’s available at particular Extension Sites, and courses you can take by cross-registering with other seminaries in the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) consortium. You’ll want to pay attention to the most recent version of the Academic Catalog as well as to the course schedules for your Extension Site. Courses you’ll take will include the following:
BIBLICAL / THEOLOGICAL / HISTORICAL CORE: 21–23 HOURS
Biblical Studies: 7–12 hours
|
| Recommended: |
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| OT 5000 |
Introduction to the Old Testament |
4 hours |
| NT 5000 |
Introduction to the New Testament |
3 hours |
Theological Studies: 9–12 hours
|
Recommended:
|
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| ID 5000 |
Biblical Theology and Interpretation |
3 hours |
| ST 5201 |
Theology I: The God of the Gospel |
3 hours |
| ST 5202 |
Theology II: The Gospel of God |
3 hours |
Historical & Global Studies: 5–9 hours
|
| Recommended: |
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| CH 5051 |
History of Christianity I |
3 hours |
| CH 5052 |
History of Christianity II (or CH 5060: American Church History) |
3 hours |
| ID 6500 |
Understanding Social and Cultural Contexts of Ministry |
3 hours |
| ME 6410 |
History of Missions in the Modern World |
3 hours |
| ME 6760 |
Theology of Mission & Evangelism |
3 hours |
| ME 7710 |
Contextualization |
3 hours |
ELECTIVES: 5–17 HOURS
| Custom: |
| These courses may focus in a department or area of interest, or you can select courses from across the curriculum. This is one of the main strengths of the MA/TS: it is very customizable depending on whether you want a broader or more focused program. |
SPIRITUAL FORMATION, FIELD ED, AND CAPSTONE: 4 HOURS
| Required: |
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| PT 5100 |
Spiritual Formation for Ministry |
2 hours |
| Select One: |
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| PT 5090 |
Field Education (Two Semesters) |
0 hours |
| PT 5090 & IT 5080 |
Field Education (One Semester) & Formation Group (Two Semesters) |
0 hours |
| ID 7468 |
MA/Theological Studies Capstone Project |
2 hours |
FIELD EDUCATION
All MA/TS students, regardless of degree completion format, also have to complete field education requirements. Learn more about field education here.
WHERE CAN THIS DEGREE TAKE ME?
If you fit any of the following profiles, this degree may be for you:
- You’re passionate about the church and deepening your knowledge of God, but you’re not in full-time vocational ministry (so you’re not interested in “professional” ministry credentials, like an MDiv). You might also live within commuting distance of an extension site.
- You’re already involved in ministry, you want to be a more faithful steward of that ministry through education, and you want to explore courses in your particular area of interest, but you don’t need the credentialing of an MDiv. Your ministry might also be within commuting distance of an extension site, and you love having the opportunity to get a solid education without having to leave your ministry context.
- You’re enrolled in another one of our masters’ programs and want to add a second, flexible degree that allows you to intently focus on a specific biblical-theological or ministry area.
- You think that you might want to complete an MDiv but aren’t sure about theological education – perhaps you wonder about the length of the MDiv, or whether an MDiv is what you need. An MA/TS is a great introduction to theological education. Furthermore, someone who completes the MA/Theological Studies may later apply all of those credits to an MDiv (this takes care of about 1/3 of the MDiv coursework), and this is true even if you earned your entire MA/TS at an extension site.
The MA/TS is a broad, flexible foundation for different sorts of future academic or ministry pursuits.
CERTIFICATE IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES
Interested in seminary coursework, but not ready to enroll or don’t qualify for admission? Our Certificate in Christian Studies is a flexible, non-degree program that may interest you.
DOUBLE DEGREE
Students in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MA/TS) can add a Master of Arts in Bioethics without substantially lengthening their stay at Trinity. Learn More.
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