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.