Areas of Concentration in the ThM Program

Within each of the areas listed below, you may design a course of study in consultation with your faculty advisor. Your studies should build on your previous theological education and lead you toward fulfilling your academic and vocational goals.

The ThM Concentration in Church History (24 hours)

The concentration in church history serves seminary graduates who desire greater knowledge of the history of doctrine and the church. You may include in your program up to 8 semester hours of courses that are broadly related to the field of church history but are offered through other departments. Also, you are expected to know those languages necessary for the satisfactory completion of the thesis or major research papers when appropriate.

The ThM Concentration in Mission and Evangelism (24 hours)

The concentration in mission and evangelism is designed for seminary graduates who desire a one-year program that will enhance the effectiveness of their service overseas or as they teach mission and evangelism in a theological school in the U.S. or abroad. In this concentration you will complete a minimum of 16 semester hours of advanced-level mission and evangelism course work. You may include in your program relevant courses offered through other departments, to a maximum of 8 semester hours.

The ThM Concentration in New Testament (24 hours)

The concentration in New Testament provides you with a year of advanced research and study in the field of New Testament. You must have a firm grasp of biblical content, languages, and theology because these areas of knowledge will be integral in your courses and research. Other than ID 7900 Theological Research Methods, all course work must be within the New Testament Department.

The ThM Concentration in Old Testament (24 hours)

The concentration in Old Testament offers you a year of advanced research and study in the field of Old Testament and Semitic Languages. You must have a firm grasp of biblical content, languages, and theology because these areas of knowledge will be integral in your courses and research. Other than ID 7900 Theological Research Methods, all course work is to be within the Old Testament and Semitic Languages Department.

The ThM Concentration in Pastoral Counseling and Psychology (24 hours)

The concentration in pastoral counseling and psychology is ideal for the person who seeks in-depth training in counseling techniques for utilization in the pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, or related areas, and who is interested in the integration of psychology and theology.

In this concentration you will take CO 7900 Psychological Research Methods instead of ID 7900 Theological Research Methods. You will also take CO 5210, CO 6710, and CM 6572. (These are exceptions to the restriction that ThM courses be limited to the 7500 level or above.) You will also select 9 semester hours of limited electives from CO courses in the 7500-8999 range. You may include in your program up to 3 semester hours of courses outside the Counseling Department, but they must be relevant to your area of research and vocational interest.

This degree is not a professional counseling credential. If you desire such a credential, you should pursue the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program.

The ThM Concentration in Pastoral Theology (24 hours)

The concentration in Pastoral theology is well-suited for those who have completed their basic theological education and wish to pursue further study in ministry-related areas, as well as those who desire further preparation for teaching in the field of practical theology. In this concentration you must take a minimum of 16 semester hours of homiletics and/or pastoral theology. You may take up to 8 semester hours in any appropriate department as approved by your faculty advisor. All students in the concentration must include PT 7280 Christian Worship in their program of studies.

The ThM Concentration in Systematic Theology (24 hours)

The concentration in systematic theology is designed for seminary graduates who wish to pursue further studies in theological disciplines, including biblical and systematic theology, historical theology, ethics, and philosophical theology and apologetics. In addition, the concentration also serves those who wish to prepare for a teaching career in these fields. You may take related courses in any department at Trinity up to a maximum of 8 semester hours outside the Biblical and Systematic Theology Department.

Updated to 2008-09 Catalog