Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.)
As the culminating degree in the three-degree ecclesiastical sequence, the Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) prepares scholars to combine broad knowledge of a particular theological area with critical knowledge of theological methodology to produce original research in their chosen field.
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CSTM is one of only seven ecclesiastical faculties in the United States empowered to offer the Doctorate in Sacred Theology.
At a Glance
This program typically takes three years to complete.
Demonstrate proficiency in Latin and in one modern research language beyond that required for the S.T.L.听
Master key areas related to your field and dissertation topic as you prepare for oral and written exams.
Complete a doctoral thesis that makes a contribution to the progress of theological studies.听
Choose and work closely with a faculty advisor based on your academic interests.听
Upon enrollment, opportunities for pedagogical training and teaching assistantships will be discussed with students.听
Students gather each semester to present and discuss their research as well as to engage in pedagogy formation.
Option to participate in a range of retreats, days of reflection, and faith-sharing groups offered at CSTM.
Academic Program
Year One: Foundation and Language Requirement
First-year S.T.D. students complete four advanced courses (three in the fall and one in the spring) and the Pro-Seminar, which focuses on the Research Readiness Review process. They also pass the modern language requirement for further doctoral work.
In completing these requirements, students will deepen their knowledge of a chosen area of specialization, become more familiar with the 集美麻豆faculty who may serve on their qualifying examinations and/or dissertation committees, and develop the mastery of scholarly research and writing needed to move through the remainder of the program.
In the second semester of their program, students will begin preparations for their qualifying exams.
Year Two: Qualifying Examinations and听Dissertation Preparation
In September, students will complete their qualifying examinations, through which they will demonstrate a deep, integrated knowledge of both a general field of study and the pertinent literature in their chosen area of specialization, which will be further developed in the dissertation.
Students will acquire important skills that they will then employ to draft, write, and defend the dissertation.听
Students will submit their dissertation proposal within a month of the qualifying exams and then begin writing.
Year Three:听Complete and Defend Dissertation
Students will be expected to complete and defend their dissertations by the end of Spring of the Third Year of the program.
At the end of the S.T.D. program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of the student鈥檚 area of concentration
- Articulate how the student鈥檚 area of specific interest relates to the area of concentration, including global and contextual scholarship in the field
- Contribute to the scholarly life of the Church and academy through an original and constructive dissertation
Careers
Most S.T.D. graduates teach as members of university faculties, seminaries, and theological centers. They also contribute to Church administration and pastoral work, using their extensive study, training, and expertise as resources for diverse communities.听
Application Requirements
PrintFall 2024 Deadline: January 15, 2025
S.T.D. students are typically only permitted to begin their studies in the fall semester. If you have an extenuating circumstance that