Degree Requirements
At least thirty six (36) credit hours of coursework are required beyond the MA degree, not including the proseminar, dissertation direction, and dissertation defense. Twenty-four (24) credit hours in their major concentration (Catechetics, Biblical Theology, Historical Theology, Dogmatic/Systematic Theology, or Moral Theology) are to be taken in courses at the 700 level (lecture) and 800 level (seminars). At least 12 of these 24 credit hours are to be taken in 800-level seminars in their concentration.
-
Students concentrating in Historical Theology must take one course covering the following historical eras: early, medieval, and modern.
-
Students concentrating in Biblical Theology must take at least one course in OT and one in NT.
All students will take nine (9) credit hours of electives in any of the academic areas of Theology (Catechetics, Biblical, Historical, Dogmatic/Systematic, and/or Moral theology); students may also take graduate courses in Philosophy and Bioethics. Students are encouraged, when possible, to take a minor concentration (6 credit hours) in an area other than their major concentration: Catechetics, Biblical Theology, Historical Theology, Dogmatic/Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Philosophy, or Bioethics.
| THE 699 | Proseminar in Graduate Theology | 1 |
| THE 892 | The Ecclesial Vocation of the Theologian | 3 |
| THE 994 | Dissertation Direction | 3 |
| THE 995 | Dissertation Defense | 3 |
THE
| Concentration Courses | 24 |
THE/PHL
| Electives | 9 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 43 |
Concentration Courses - Eight (8) courses in the student’s major area of concentration from THE 700 - THE 800 level courses. At least four of which must be 800-level doctoral seminars.
Elective Courses - Three (3) elective courses from THE 700 - THE 800 level courses and/or PHL 800 level courses.
Residency Requirement
A minimum of four semesters of full-time residence is required of PhD students.
First Year Review
Toward the end of a student’s second semester in the PhD program, and prior to registration for the next semester, each student will have a review meeting with his/her advisor and other faculty members to review the student’s progress to date, to plan remaining course selection, and to prepare themselves for comprehensive examinations in view of the student’s major area and dissertation topic.
Language Requirement
In general, proficiency in two ancient and two modern languages (usually Greek, Latin, French, and German) demonstrated by the end of the second semester of coursework is required. Note -requirements for specific concentrations may vary.
Students concentrating in Biblical Theology must take advanced reading seminar or directed study courses in both biblical languages, one in Hebrew and one in Greek. They must also take one directed study course in an ancient cognate language (Ugaritic, Coptic, Syriac, Aramaic, Akkadian, etc.). Reading knowledge of German and French is required (another Romance language may be substituted for French with the consent of the candidate’s director).
Comprehensive Examination
PhD students are required to take comprehensive examinations in order to demonstrate their knowledge in their major area of concentration, in their minor area of concentration (when applicable), and regarding the particular topic on which the student intends to write a dissertation. The examination will take place according to the schedule specified by the Department of Theology. The comprehensive examinations are intended not simply to examine a student about the knowledge acquired through coursework, but also to provide an opportunity to study areas not treated in their courses, as well as to deepen knowledge of areas already studied, and to synthesize and interrelate areas of theological knowledge. The time for comprehensives should be seen as independent study in collaboration and consultation with faculty members.
Admission to Candidacy
Admission to the PhD program does not imply admission to candidacy for the degree. To be admitted to candidacy for the PhD, students must:
- fulfill the language requirements;
- complete the coursework;
- complete minor requirements (when applicable);
- pass the comprehensive examination;
- make a formal application in writing to the PhD Committee chair;
- be recommended by the director of the specified academic area.
Admission to Candidacy
Within five years of being admitted to candidacy a student defends a dissertation according to departmental policies and University procedures. A student may request a one year extension with cause. Students should choose a dissertation director, with the approval of the area chair, as early as possible in their program. Each candidate must prepare and successfully defend a dissertation written under the guidance of a director. The dissertation is expected to demonstrate: (A) technical mastery of the subject; (B) the ability to engage in scholarly research; and (C) formulation of conclusions significant to the academic theological community.