PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Systematic Theology

The Ph.D. program in Theology encompasses the fields of doctrinal and moral theology, which is focused on the Roman Catholic faith tradition while adopting a decided ecumenical and global orientation. Students in this program seek to better understand the Catholic tradition by studying its biblical roots, historical development, and interaction with the religions and cultures of the world, and by listening to the other voices of human learning, including history of religion, philosophy, anthropology, spirituality, sociology, and physical sciences. Learning Outcomes: Students will master and articulate contemporary theological systems and schools of thought at a very sophisticated level. Students will demonstrate knowledge of foundational areas of Catholic theology so as to secure a teaching position in colleges and universities. Students will bring ecumenical and global dimensions of Christian theology into dialogue with Catholic thought. The doctoral coursework, consisting of 30 credit hours in Bible, Doctrine, and Ethics, is designed to equip students with a broad and sound knowledge of the field. At the conclusion of the coursework, students undergo a rigorous Ph.D. comprehensive exam, which ensures that they have a secure grasp of the fundamentals in the various theological areas. In the third year of their matriculation, doctoral students are given the opportunity to teach undergraduate courses and thereby accumulate valuable classroom experience. Each candidate for the Ph.D. in Theology is required to take a comprehensive examination upon completion of course work and satisfaction of the language requirements. Normally this exam is taken within one year of finishing course work. The comprehensive exam includes a research component, a written component and an oral component in each of four areas: Systematic Theology, Ecclesiology and Sacraments, General Moral Theology and an area of specialization chosen by the student and approved by the faculty.