Doctor of Theology

Trinity Offers Five Degrees at the Doctor of Theology level:

• Doctor of Theology in Biblical Theology
• Doctor of Theology in Systematic Theology
• Doctor of Theology in Nouthetic Counseling
• Doctor of Theology in Theological Apologetics
• Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Theology

General Th.D. with Focus Information
Prerequisite for Th.D with Focus Core: Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (equivalent of 48 Masters Level credits).

Total Credits Required = 49 credits. The Th.M must be earned before progressing to the next stage. All courses are 3 semester credit hours unless noted otherwise. Courses may be taken in any order unless otherwise specified. Transfer credit is on a case-by-case basis at the doctoral level. The transfer must be relevant to the student’s program of study and equivalent in both content and degree level of doctoral courses. Transfer (grades of “B” or above) must satisfy the requirements of the program. Awarding degree credit for experiential learning is not available at the doctoral level.

Doctor of Theology in Biblical Theology

ThM Stage

RW 001 Trinity Tutorial – 0 credits Focus Core – 15 credits

• BS 718 Contemporary Biblical Hermeneutics
• BS 828 Studies in the New Testament Use of the Old Testament
• TH 733 Issues in New Testament Theology
• TH 783 Issues in Old Testament Theology
• BS 877 Research in Primary Source Studies

Spiritual Formation Core – 3 credits

• SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
• SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
• SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective

Academic Presentations – 2 Credits

• RW 721 Academic Presentation I
• RW 722 Academic Presentation II

QP 801 Doctoral Qualification Module – 0 Credits

ThD Stage

Research Core – 12 credits

• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study

Academic Presentations – 2 Credits

• RW 723 Academic Presentation III
• RW 724 Academic Presentation IV

RW 725 Writing for Christian Scholarship – 3 credits

RW 720 Prospectus Development and Hearing – 0 credits

ThD Candidacy Stage

RW 828 Academic Monograph or Thesis – 12 credits

49 credits

Doctor of Theology in Systematic Theology

ThM Stage

RW 001 Trinity Tutorial – 0 credits Focus Core – 15 credits

• BS 718 Contemporary Biblical Hermeneutics
• TH 803 Christian Theology I
• TH 804 Christian Theology II
• TH 733 Issues in New Testament Theology
• TH 783 Issues in Old Testament Theology

Spiritual Formation Core – 3 credits

• SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
• SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
• SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective

Academic Presentations – 2 Credits

• RW 721 Academic Presentation I
• RW 722 Academic Presentation II

QP 801 Doctoral Qualification Module – 0 Credits

ThD Stage

Research Core – 12 credits

• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study

Academic Presentations – 2 Credits

• RW 723 Academic Presentation III
• RW 724 Academic Presentation IV

RW 725 Writing for Christian Scholarship – 3 credits

RW 720 Prospectus Development and Hearing – 0 credits

ThD Candidacy Stage

RW 828 Academic Monograph or Thesis – 12 credits

49 credits

Doctor of Theology in Nouthetic Counseling

ThM Stage

RW 001 Trinity Tutorial – 0 credits Focus Core – 15 credits

• • TH 803 Christian Theology I
  • TH 804 Christian Theology II
  • BC 713 Advanced Principles of Biblical Counseling
  • BC 774 The Problem of Suffering: Inquiry and Research
  • BC 804 Counseling Families in the Church

Spiritual Formation Core – 3 credits

• SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
• SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
• SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective

Academic Presentations – 2 Credits

• RW 721 Academic Presentation I
• RW 722 Academic Presentation II

QP 801 Doctoral Qualification Module – 0 Credits

ThD Stage

Research Core – 12 credits

• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study

Academic Presentations – 2 Credits

• RW 723 Academic Presentation III
• RW 724 Academic Presentation IV

RW 725 Writing for Christian Scholarship – 3 credits

RW 720 Prospectus Development and Hearing – 0 credits

ThD Candidacy Stage

RW 828 Academic Monograph or Thesis – 12 credits

49 credits

Doctor of Theology in Theological Apologetics

ThM Stage

RW 001 Trinity Tutorial – 0 credits Focus Core – 15 credits

• • AP 840 Contemporary Apologetics I
  • AP 841 Contemporary Apologetics II
  • TH 803 Christian Theology I
  • TH 804 Christian Theology II
  • PH 766 Christian Theism and the Problem of Evil

Spiritual Formation Core – 3 credits

• SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
• SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
• SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective

Academic Presentations – 2 Credits

• RW 721 Academic Presentation I
• RW 722 Academic Presentation II

QP 801 Doctoral Qualification Module – 0 Credits

ThD Stage

Research Core – 12 credits

• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study

Academic Presentations – 2 Credits

• RW 723 Academic Presentation III
• RW 724 Academic Presentation IV

RW 725 Writing for Christian Scholarship – 3 credits

RW 720 Prospectus Development and Hearing – 0 credits

ThD Candidacy Stage

RW 828 Academic Monograph or Thesis – 12 credits

49 credits

Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Theology

ThM Stage

RW 001 Trinity Tutorial – 0 credits Focus Core – 15 credits

• • PM 741 Applied Research in Theology of Ministry
  • PM 794 Research and Analysis of Ministry and Contextualization
  • LD 700 Advanced Topics in Strategic Planning for the Church
  • TH 803 Christian Theology I
  • TH 804 Christian Theology II

Spiritual Formation Core – 3 credits

• SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
• SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
• SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective

Academic Presentations – 2 Credits

• RW 721 Academic Presentation I
• RW 722 Academic Presentation II

QP 801 Doctoral Qualification Module – 0 Credits

ThD Stage

Research Core – 12 credits

• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study
• EL 762 Elective Related to Focus of Study

Academic Presentations – 2 Credits

• RW 723 Academic Presentation III
• RW 724 Academic Presentation IV

RW 725 Writing for Christian Scholarship – 3 credits

RW 720 Prospectus Development and Hearing – 0 credits

ThD Candidacy Stage

RW 828 Academic Monograph or Thesis – 12 credits

49 credits

From Our Students

"I believe the school and the president are doing fine work.  I believe he has a vision for moving Trinity to new levels.  The school has always delivered quality theological education at very low prices.  In fact, some might say that it should be raised.  But I'm on-board for whatever the school leadership thinks is right.  If the president continues to allow his  steps to be ordered by God, I'm convinced it all work out for the good  of those who love the Lord. He should probably just continue  to keep doing the fine job he's doing."

John Ward

2015-06-11T16:07:23-05:00

John Ward

"I believe the school and the president are doing fine work.  I believe he has a vision for moving Trinity to new levels.  The school has always delivered quality theological education at very low prices.  In fact, some might say that it should be raised.  But I'm on-board for whatever the school leadership thinks is right.  If the president continues to allow his  steps to be ordered by God, I'm convinced it all work out for the good  of those who love the Lord. He should probably just continue  to keep doing the fine job he's doing."

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/quality-theological-education/

"Highly personal and highly spiritual describe my experience in my studies through Trinity Theological Seminary. I found their leadership devoted to God's leadership in expanding the Kingdom. The encouragement and practical application of years of experience on the "front lines" make Trinity a great building block in fulfilling one’s call. I recommend your consideration!"

Brent Lay, D. Min.
Associate Pastor
Englewood Baptist Church
Jackson, Tennessee

2015-06-11T13:21:06-05:00

Brent Lay, D. Min.
Associate Pastor
Englewood Baptist Church
Jackson, Tennessee

"Highly personal and highly spiritual describe my experience in my studies through Trinity Theological Seminary. I found their leadership devoted to God's leadership in expanding the Kingdom. The encouragement and practical application of years of experience on the "front lines" make Trinity a great building block in fulfilling one’s call. I recommend your consideration!"

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/highly-personal-and-highly-spiritual/

"The Trinity program enabled me to complete my theological seminary training while in ministry. It also opened the door for a new ministry in the educational field. I found the Trinity program to be academically sound, ministry driven and relevant in application."

James Clark, Pastor,
Grace Baptist Church (Grandview, MO)

2015-06-11T15:59:26-05:00

James Clark, Pastor,
Grace Baptist Church (Grandview, MO)

"The Trinity program enabled me to complete my theological seminary training while in ministry. It also opened the door for a new ministry in the educational field. I found the Trinity program to be academically sound, ministry driven and relevant in application."

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/4822/

"In 2015 I graduated with a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. I felt prepared for the graduate work from my undergraduate degree at Trinity, and more so the admissions committee favored my past education. Trinity's state of accreditation did not impact my ability to attend a top ranked graduate level university."

-Jenn Menn,
BA in Biblical Counseling 2011

2016-03-17T12:09:34-05:00

-Jenn Menn,
BA in Biblical Counseling 2011

"In 2015 I graduated with a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. I felt prepared for the graduate work from my undergraduate degree at Trinity, and more so the admissions committee favored my past education. Trinity's state of accreditation did not impact my ability to attend a top ranked graduate level university."

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/trinity-prepared-jenn-menn/

"As a graduate, I got a world class administration degree at a master level education. The quality of information, the one day webinars, or independent study classes were great and worked out well for me a working dad and minister."

Jon Krause, 
2013 Graduate

2015-06-11T16:15:38-05:00

Jon Krause, 
2013 Graduate

"As a graduate, I got a world class administration degree at a master level education. The quality of information, the one day webinars, or independent study classes were great and worked out well for me a working dad and minister."

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/world-class-administration-degree/

"My time at Trinity has been both informative and rewarding. I feel more equipped for ministry than ever before. Trinity formats their class schedule to enhance, not hinder, your ministry. I have never had to neglect my church responsibilities in order to finish my degree. It seems strange for someone to NEGLECT their calling in order to be educated FOR their calling. Trinity understands this and has done a great job of helping pastors reach their educational goals without breaking the bank or slowing down the ministry to the local church."

Preston Cave, 2012 Graduate

BA/MA Christian Education

2015-06-11T16:40:27-05:00

Preston Cave, 2012 Graduate

BA/MA Christian Education

"My time at Trinity has been both informative and rewarding. I feel more equipped for ministry than ever before. Trinity formats their class schedule to enhance, not hinder, your ministry. I have never had to neglect my church responsibilities in order to finish my degree. It seems strange for someone to NEGLECT their calling in order to be educated FOR their calling. Trinity understands this and has done a great job of helping pastors reach their educational goals without breaking the bank or slowing down the ministry to the local church."

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/i-feel-more-equipped-for-ministry-than-ever-before/

“I want to take a moment to thank the faculty and staff of Trinity College and Seminary as well for their assistance in training several key staff people at my church, myself included. I was personally able to gain valuable knowledge and spiritual wisdom that has enabled me to become a more effective leader. Regardless of your denominational background, Trinity can help train you for a lifetime of ministry. I wholeheartedly recommend Trinity College and Seminary for everyone.”

Dr. Ted Denny
Senior Pastor
Bethel Baptist Church
Palrnyra, Tennessee

2015-06-11T15:58:18-05:00

Dr. Ted Denny
Senior Pastor
Bethel Baptist Church
Palrnyra, Tennessee

“I want to take a moment to thank the faculty and staff of Trinity College and Seminary as well for their assistance in training several key staff people at my church, myself included. I was personally able to gain valuable knowledge and spiritual wisdom that has enabled me to become a more effective leader. Regardless of your denominational background, Trinity can help train you for a lifetime of ministry. I wholeheartedly recommend Trinity College and Seminary for everyone.”

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/training-for-a-lifetime/

"In 1991, I received my Doctor of ministry from Trinity. It opened up a new area of ministry for me. My dissertation was on church and state and after my degree I continued to pursue the topic. As a result of the work I began at the school, I have been invited to speak at several engagements and have written for several national and local newspapers, magazines and web sites. Thanks Trinity."

Dr. Don S. Wilkey
First Baptist Church
Onalaska, Texas

2015-06-11T13:22:05-05:00

Dr. Don S. Wilkey
First Baptist Church
Onalaska, Texas

"In 1991, I received my Doctor of ministry from Trinity. It opened up a new area of ministry for me. My dissertation was on church and state and after my degree I continued to pursue the topic. As a result of the work I began at the school, I have been invited to speak at several engagements and have written for several national and local newspapers, magazines and web sites. Thanks Trinity."

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/it-opened-up-a-new-area-of-ministry-for-me/

"The opportunities at Trinity are world class. Excellent teachers, wise course disciplines, and virtual fellowship with students. An enjoyable and enriching experience which becomes humbling when those you serve testify to recognizing growth in you as a person and as a teacher of the Word. I chose Trinity because of their Christian worldview and their financial options that gave me a truly wonderful education. I notice that when I read God's Word or am preparing a biblical message, my thinking has been deepened and my mind sharpened. I realize now how much more there is to learn, and enjoy taking further studies through Trinity."

Paul Robinson
2014 Graduate

2015-06-18T14:43:45-05:00

Paul Robinson
2014 Graduate

"The opportunities at Trinity are world class. Excellent teachers, wise course disciplines, and virtual fellowship with students. An enjoyable and enriching experience which becomes humbling when those you serve testify to recognizing growth in you as a person and as a teacher of the Word. I chose Trinity because of their Christian worldview and their financial options that gave me a truly wonderful education. I notice that when I read God's Word or am preparing a biblical message, my thinking has been deepened and my mind sharpened. I realize now how much more there is to learn, and enjoy taking further studies through Trinity."

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/the-opportunities-at-trinity-are-world-class-paul-robinson/

"My school’s ethos is centered on the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This includes the curriculum, teaching, learning and everything the school does. This has been consistent over the past decade and is still going strong. Every single course is aimed at dealing with the realities that occur in the 21st century church and the communities. The courses are tailor-made to prepare ministry leadership to both teach the word of Jesus Christ effectively and also to tackle 21st century church issues."

Dr. Michael Andam,
2014 Graduate

2015-06-18T14:34:03-05:00

Dr. Michael Andam,
2014 Graduate

"My school’s ethos is centered on the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This includes the curriculum, teaching, learning and everything the school does. This has been consistent over the past decade and is still going strong. Every single course is aimed at dealing with the realities that occur in the 21st century church and the communities. The courses are tailor-made to prepare ministry leadership to both teach the word of Jesus Christ effectively and also to tackle 21st century church issues."

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/centered-on-the-truth-of-the-gospel/

"I am grateful to God for the good people at Trinity! I was able to complete my degree with much help from the staff and faculty ! Online education has worked well for me simply because of the hustle and bustle of being a Pastor. This experience has allowed me to continue in full time ministry while finishing this degree. As a graduate I would like to encourage each alumni to give back to our school monthly to help them continue to facilitate an awesome quality distance education."

Jeffery Thompson,
2014 Graduate

2015-06-18T14:40:23-05:00

Jeffery Thompson,
2014 Graduate

"I am grateful to God for the good people at Trinity! I was able to complete my degree with much help from the staff and faculty ! Online education has worked well for me simply because of the hustle and bustle of being a Pastor. This experience has allowed me to continue in full time ministry while finishing this degree. As a graduate I would like to encourage each alumni to give back to our school monthly to help them continue to facilitate an awesome quality distance education."

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/quality-distance-education/

"As a result of studying under the Trinity program, my knowledge and revelations about God and His Word increased tremendously. I believe that this program equipped me to be more effective in my ability to minister in the field of Christian Education. I look forward to implementing many of the truths, methods and ideas which I have learned into my own ministry setting where I serve."

Venandee L. Hennington, Minister
Tarrant, AL

2015-06-11T16:01:20-05:00

Venandee L. Hennington, Minister
Tarrant, AL

"As a result of studying under the Trinity program, my knowledge and revelations about God and His Word increased tremendously. I believe that this program equipped me to be more effective in my ability to minister in the field of Christian Education. I look forward to implementing many of the truths, methods and ideas which I have learned into my own ministry setting where I serve."

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/knowledge-and-revelations/

"It has been one of the highest privileges of my life to have studied at Trinity College of the Bible and Trinity Theological Seminary. I studied at Trinity because the theological stance held there has been that which I have held to for most of my life. It was discovered to me that the courses which I studied were both informative and rigorous. The persons who marked my work were exacting in what was required and yet at the same time I was given guidance on any matter that it was felt needed further attention. It has taken me three years to complete the first of my degrees (Doc. R. St.) and a further five years to complete the second (P. D.) During the time of study, even though I lived a hemisphere away from Trinity at all time I was kept in close contact by Trinity and it staff. Its programme of distance and on line study helped me consistently and enabled speedy solution to any problems that I was encountering."

Graham Harris; CRK. Dip.Th. (Lond), Dip.Th. (Melb), B.A., M. Litt.St.(Qld), M.A. Ph.D. (Col. Pac), M.Phil. (Syd), Doc. R. St, Ph.D.(Trinity)

2015-06-11T16:10:10-05:00

Graham Harris; CRK. Dip.Th. (Lond), Dip.Th. (Melb), B.A., M. Litt.St.(Qld), M.A. Ph.D. (Col. Pac), M.Phil. (Syd), Doc. R. St, Ph.D.(Trinity)

"It has been one of the highest privileges of my life to have studied at Trinity College of the Bible and Trinity Theological Seminary. I studied at Trinity because the theological stance held there has been that which I have held to for most of my life. It was discovered to me that the courses which I studied were both informative and rigorous. The persons who marked my work were exacting in what was required and yet at the same time I was given guidance on any matter that it was felt needed further attention. It has taken me three years to complete the first of my degrees (Doc. R. St.) and a further five years to complete the second (P. D.) During the time of study, even though I lived a hemisphere away from Trinity at all time I was kept in close contact by Trinity and it staff. Its programme of distance and on line study helped me consistently and enabled speedy solution to any problems that I was encountering."

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/the-courses-were-both-informative-and-rigorous/

"I originally began studies at Trinity with the purpose of being trained to encourage others in ministry. But I enjoyed the studies so much I continued on. What I appreciate most is how Trinity taught me to be a better student of Scripture. The education I received prepared me for the ministry I am now in. I only wish I would have started sooner. Because of their commitment to excellence in each field of study, I have no hesitation recommending Trinity to prospective students and especially to those who cannot afford the time or cost to attend seminary. I will always be thankful God led me to Trinity."

Rick Beard, 
2013 Graduate

2015-06-11T16:18:51-05:00

Rick Beard, 
2013 Graduate

"I originally began studies at Trinity with the purpose of being trained to encourage others in ministry. But I enjoyed the studies so much I continued on. What I appreciate most is how Trinity taught me to be a better student of Scripture. The education I received prepared me for the ministry I am now in. I only wish I would have started sooner. Because of their commitment to excellence in each field of study, I have no hesitation recommending Trinity to prospective students and especially to those who cannot afford the time or cost to attend seminary. I will always be thankful God led me to Trinity."

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/prepared-me-for-the-ministry/

"Throughout my 57 years of life, the Lord has opened many doors for me for which I am most thankful and grateful. For the last several years I had pondered working on my doctoral degree, not out of any career necessity, but to enhance my educational and research skills. Trinity has provided for me a program of study which I feel will exceed my original educational objectives. I have found everyone on Trinity's staff to be very helpful, courteous, and possessing an attitude of genuine caring. This is indeed rare in today's world. "

Rev. Vince Kern, CPA
(Ph.D. student in Ministry Leadership)

2015-06-11T16:03:14-05:00

Rev. Vince Kern, CPA
(Ph.D. student in Ministry Leadership)

"Throughout my 57 years of life, the Lord has opened many doors for me for which I am most thankful and grateful. For the last several years I had pondered working on my doctoral degree, not out of any career necessity, but to enhance my educational and research skills. Trinity has provided for me a program of study which I feel will exceed my original educational objectives. I have found everyone on Trinity's staff to be very helpful, courteous, and possessing an attitude of genuine caring. This is indeed rare in today's world. "

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/enhanced-my-research-and-educational-skills/

"I fully advocate Trinity as a university for those who prefer to study by distance and online, whether in the Unite States or abroad. Trinity's courses are demanding, but extremely rewarding in terms of what they teach you and the breadth and depth of understanding that you reach. What you learn will prepare you for ministry and service within the Body of Christ. Trinity is a well-run seminary that is efficient in helping students finish their degree programmes and is kindly flexible with those who may run into difficulties that prevent them from studying as much as they would like. This is truly a Christian college within the great tradition of Christian universities in the United States."

Peter Harris, 2014 Graduate
MA in Christian Theology

2015-06-11T16:45:32-05:00

Peter Harris, 2014 Graduate
MA in Christian Theology

"I fully advocate Trinity as a university for those who prefer to study by distance and online, whether in the Unite States or abroad. Trinity's courses are demanding, but extremely rewarding in terms of what they teach you and the breadth and depth of understanding that you reach. What you learn will prepare you for ministry and service within the Body of Christ. Trinity is a well-run seminary that is efficient in helping students finish their degree programmes and is kindly flexible with those who may run into difficulties that prevent them from studying as much as they would like. This is truly a Christian college within the great tradition of Christian universities in the United States."

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/study-by-distance-and-online/

"God gave me the wonderful opportunity to study for the ministry through Trinity College of the Bible and Trinity Theological Seminary from which I received five earned degrees. From the very beginning, the Word of God was exalted and my confidence in the Word of God grew stronger. President Dr. Harold Hunter is a dear friend and brother in the Lord. My heart is thrilled to know him personally and that he is leading Trinity to even higher ground!"

Danny Burnley, D. Min.
West Gantt Baptist Church
Greenville, South Carolina

2015-06-11T13:22:38-05:00

Danny Burnley, D. Min.
West Gantt Baptist Church
Greenville, South Carolina

"God gave me the wonderful opportunity to study for the ministry through Trinity College of the Bible and Trinity Theological Seminary from which I received five earned degrees. From the very beginning, the Word of God was exalted and my confidence in the Word of God grew stronger. President Dr. Harold Hunter is a dear friend and brother in the Lord. My heart is thrilled to know him personally and that he is leading Trinity to even higher ground!"

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/god-gave-me-the-wonderful-opportunity/

"As a recent graduate of Trinity Theological Seminary (August, 2014), with a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Counseling, I feel a responsibility and obligation to heartily recommend Trinity to any aspiring Christian of any age interested in formal education, training and continued preparation to battle for the truths of God’s Word."

James Roy Dykes, Jr.
Founder and Director, Biblical Counseling of Greater Atlanta
2014 Graduate

2015-06-11T16:51:47-05:00

James Roy Dykes, Jr.
Founder and Director, Biblical Counseling of Greater Atlanta
2014 Graduate

"As a recent graduate of Trinity Theological Seminary (August, 2014), with a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Counseling, I feel a responsibility and obligation to heartily recommend Trinity to any aspiring Christian of any age interested in formal education, training and continued preparation to battle for the truths of God’s Word."

https://trinitysem.edu/testimonials/4834/