The Trinity College program of graduate studies provides an opportunity for men and women who wish to continue their studies in a part-time evening graduate program. Although extant hand-written records suggest that Trinity may have awarded the Master of Arts degree as early as 1829, a formal graduate program dates back to 1888, and the evening schedule was instituted in 1927, when women as well as men were admitted to candidacy.
As a result of its experience with part-time graduate study, Trinity incorporated the following conditions into its program, enabling its students to earn a Master's degree that represents superior accomplishment:
- a faculty of scholar-teachers;
- a student body that is capable, mature, and highly motivated;
- courses that make efficient use of the students' limited time and
work schedules;
- small classes that meet at the College;
- exceptional library resources;
- excellent computing facilities;
- opportunities for independent research;
- individualized counseling for adult students.
Currently, courses are offered that lead to the Master of Arts degree. The following majors are available: American Studies, Economics, English, History, and Public Policy Studies. Almost all courses are scheduled in the evening and are offered in the summer, as well as during the academic year. Men and women who hold the Bachelor's degree may enroll in courses for which they are qualified even though they have not matriculated in the program.