Nontraditional Degree Options

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School offers several ideal paths for nontraditional learners who are interested in pursuing a program marked by breadth, depth and flexibility. For mature learners who are unable to relocate to Trinity's Deerfield campus for theological education, Trinity offers the Master of Arts in Christian Studies (MA/CS), the Master of Arts in Ministry (MA in Min), Master of Arts in Urban Ministry  (MA in UM), and the Certificate in Christian Studies. Both the 42 semester hour Master of Arts in Christian Studies and the 24 semester hour Certificate enable you to deepen your biblical and theological knowledge base, while broadening your ministry scope through relevant course work in any or all of our departments at Trinity. Your goals, effectiveness in ministry and impact in the secular workplace will be significantly enhanced by the training you receive in these quality programs.

A most attractive feature of both the Certificate and the MA/CS is their flexibility. These programs allow you to either devote your large number of electives to concentrated study in one or two areas of interest, or to develop a comprehensive program from Trinity's broad selection of course offerings which have been drawn from several master's level programs, including the MDiv. You will have the opportunity to pursue study of both theoretical and practical concerns, integrating the two for deeper Christian growth and ministry effectiveness.

Another appealing feature for many nontraditional learners is that either program can be pursued in a nontraditional educational format. Course work can be done through Distance Education courses (DE). Further, if you are within driving distance to one of our Extension sites, you can complete the majority of the MA/CS degree at the extension site, with a minimum of three hours to be done at the Deerfield campus. The Certificate can be completed entirely at any of our extension sites or by Distance Education. Also, it is possible to complete both programs during summer sessions at our Deerfield campus. A program advisor is able to help design a plan for you to complete the program of your choice through a combination of these options. Call Trinity Extension at (800) 588.7705 to begin your path to theological education.

What You Can Do with Your Degree

The MA/CS may be the ideal degree for you if you are:

• already involved in ministry and do not need a professional program such as the Master of Divinity,

• seeking seminary education but cannot leave your place of ministry or employment and move to Deerfield,

• desiring to start the MDiv degree, but cannot relocate to Trinity now. Up to 50% of the MA/CS course work can be applied to your MDiv degree (if you choose not to complete the MA/CS, a higher percentage may be applicable),

• seeking to be better equipped for lay leadership in the church,

• desiring to be a more effective witness in the marketplace,

• interested in specialized ministries both overseas and in the United States. The training you receive in the MA/CS will be most beneficial in reaching those ends.

The Certificate serves some of the same purposes as the MA/CS, yet on a smaller scale and with less extensive training. It is ideal if you desire a "trial year" in seminary to more clearly define your goals and to determine if you would like to pursue one of our degree programs in the future. Moreover, the Certificate is often earned by students who are preparing for missionary service and need to satisfy their mission board's requirement for one year of seminary training.

Flexible Options to Earn the MA/CS and the Certificate

• All of the Certificate and the majority of the MA/CS (except for three hours at the Deerfield campus) can be taken at any of our extension site locations throughout the country, or by Distance Education.

• Begin work on the MA/CS and Certificate through Distance Education courses from the comfort of your home.

• Continue work through our 1, 2, or 3-week long modular summer sessions at the Deerfield campus

• Take classes as a daytime or evening student on our Deerfield, IL campus during the regular academic year.

To design a plan for you, please contact the Office of Extension and Affiliated Education at (800) 588.7705 or (847) 317.6550.