The Doctor of Theology at Trinity is an advanced degree program designed to enhance the analytical, practical, interpersonal, and professional skills of our adult learners and provide them with superior ability for positions of leadership and ministry. Through the completion of relevant courses and thorough analysis of precedent literature and current issues and trends, students discern how to interpret and respond to contemporary theories and practices, and how to deploy their knowledge, understanding, and skills to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Project: A Th.D. student will successfully complete a Thesis or Academic Monograph. In addition to the Focus Courses, a Research Project is designed to expand the knowledge of the field in the focus area of study, and to demonstrate that the degree candidate has conducted independent scholarly analysis and implementation of research findings in a ministry context.
Purpose: To develop ministry leaders through curriculum based on a biblical worldview.
Learning Competencies:
- Learners will develop a focused program of study in a specific area.
- Learners will interact with the content of the chosen program through analysis, critical evaluation, and synthesis, culminating in a Dissertation.
- Learners will conduct independent scholarly analysis and implement research findings in ministry context.
Trinity Offers the following 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
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- BS 891 Hermeneutics and Interpretation
- BS 892 New Testament Use of the Old Testament
- TH 891 New Testament Theology
- TH 892 Old Testament Theology
- BS 893 Primary Source Studies
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Spiritual Formation Core – 3 credits
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- SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
- SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
- SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
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Academic Presentations – 2 Credits
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- RW 721 Academic Presentation I
- RW 722 Academic Presentation II
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QP 801 Doctoral Qualification Module – 0 Credits
ThD Stage
Research Core – 12 credits
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- 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
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Academic Presentations – 2 Credits
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- RW 723 Academic Presentation III
- RW 724 Academic Presentation IV
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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
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- BS 891 Hermeneutics and Interpretation
- TH 893 Systematic Theology 1
- TH 894 Systematic Theology 2
- TH 891 New Testament Theology
- TH 892 Old Testament Theology
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Spiritual Formation Core – 3 credits
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- SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
- SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
- SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
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Academic Presentations – 2 Credits
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- RW 721 Academic Presentation I
- RW 722 Academic Presentation II
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QP 801 Doctoral Qualification Module – 0 Credits
ThD Stage
Research Core – 12 credits
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- 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
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- RW 723 Academic Presentation III
- RW 724 Academic Presentation IV
RW 800 Research Within a Christian Worldview – 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
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- TH 893 Systematic Theology 1
- TH 894 Systematic Theology 2
- BC 891 Biblical Counseling Foundations
- BC 892 The Problem of Suffering
- BC 893 Counseling Families in the Church
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Spiritual Formation Core – 3 credits
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- SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
- SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
- SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
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Academic Presentations – 2 Credits
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- RW 721 Academic Presentation I
- RW 722 Academic Presentation II
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QP 801 Doctoral Qualification Module – 0 Credits
ThD Stage
Research Core – 12 credits
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- 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
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Academic Presentations – 2 Credits
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- RW 723 Academic Presentation III
- RW 724 Academic Presentation IV
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RW 800 Research Within a Christian Worldview – 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
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- AP 891 Contemporary Apologetics
- AP 892 Cultural Apologetics
- TH 893 Systematic Theology 1
- TH 894 Systematic Theology 2
- PH 897 Problem of Evil
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Spiritual Formation Core – 3 credits
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- SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
- SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
- SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
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Academic Presentations – 2 Credits
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- RW 721 Academic Presentation I
- RW 722 Academic Presentation II
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QP 801 Doctoral Qualification Module – 0 Credits
ThD Stage
Research Core – 12 credits
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- 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
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Academic Presentations – 2 Credits
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- RW 723 Academic Presentation III
- RW 724 Academic Presentation IV
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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
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- PM 891 Theology of Ministry
- PM 892 Ministry and Contextualization
- LD 891 Strategic Planning for the Church
- TH 893 Systematic Theology 1
- TH 894 Systematic Theology 2
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Spiritual Formation Core – 3 credits
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- SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
- SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
- SF 700 Spiritual Formation Elective
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Academic Presentations – 2 Credits
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- RW 721 Academic Presentation I
- RW 722 Academic Presentation II
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QP 801 Doctoral Qualification Module – 0 Credits
ThD Stage
Research Core – 12 credits
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- RW 892 Readings Related to Focus of Study
- RW 892 Readings Related to Focus of Study
- RW 892 Readings Related to Focus of Study
- RW 892 Readings Related to Focus of Study
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Academic Presentations – 2 Credits
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- RW 723 Academic Presentation III
- RW 724 Academic Presentation IV
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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 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
"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
"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
"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
"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
“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
"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