In most fields of study there is a single means of searching for doctoral dissertations--a database known as Dissertation Abstracts (DA). Two limited-feature versions of DA, known as Dissertation Express and ProQuest Digital Dissertations, are freely accessible on the Web. The producers of DA make provisions for researchers and libraries to obtain copies of desired documents, though the cost is somewhat prohibitive. DA does provide access to dissertations related to theological research, but it is not the only available resource. Fortunately for theological researchers, graduate research in theology is somewhat more accessible than that in other fields.

Theological Research Exchange Network (TREN) database lists several thousand theses and dissertations written by masters and doctoral students at dozens of seminaries. All of the documents listed in the database may be purchased on microfiche for a very reasonable price. However, TREN is limited in size, consistency, and ease of use. All things considered, though, the existence of TREN is a great asset to theological research. Discovery of another thesis in one’s field of research can be the key to opening wide the bibliographic realm on which effective research is necessarily dependent. The TREN database is available on the Web for both searching and downloading.

Another means of accessing doctoral research related to the theological curriculum is the Research in Ministry (RIM) database available from the American Theological Library Association.

Other tools for locating dissertations include bibliographies of research in particular fields of study. One such work, Religion and the American Experience, the Twentieth Century, lists more than 4,200 dissertations on religion in the United States.

Last Updated: August 8, 2007