Citation and formatting papers in seminary can seem overwhelming. This guide provides an overview of citation and formatting, as well as specific tools and resources you can use. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at libref@tiu.edu or 847-317-4001. 

A citation is a reliable way to lead your reader back to the materials you used in your research and helps you avoid plagiarism. Why is this important? 

• You owe it to other scholars to give them credit for their ideas
• Your work might spark the curiosity of the reader who will want to learn more. Your citations will lead them to the information you found
• The reader might have doubts about your work and will want to examine your sources
• Your citations will demonstrate that you know how to use information well
• You will create credibility for your paper

Different citation styles are used in the various schools and departments of TEDS. See below for a list of styles by department. Check with your professor to be sure which style to follow for a particular class. 

TIU Style - Chicago/Turbian (most TEDS classes except counseling)

APA Style (counseling and mental health)

SBL Style (PhD THS OT & NT)

Most TEDS programs (including PhD Systematic Theology and Historical Theology) use the version of TIU style called Turabian Humanities style. This style is also known as bibliography or footnote style.

Counseling and Mental Health use APA style for both citation and formatting. 

The PhD Intercultural Studies (ICS), Educational Studies (EDS) and Doctor of Ministry (DMin) programs use the version of TIU style called Turabian Social Sciences style. This style is also known as reference, parenthetical, or author/date format. 

The PhD New Testament and Old Testament programs use the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) style reference for footnotes, bibliography and abbreviations. For all other matters, follow the TIU style - Turabian Humanities style.