Program of Study

122.     The Department of Theology, along with its programs for exclusively civil degrees, offers programs for the degrees of Bachelor in Theology, Licentiate in Theology, and Doctor of Theology.

123.1.  The program of studies leading to the S.T.B. degree consists of a six‑semester curriculum. It provides the student with the opportunity to attain a general theological orientation. It is an academic, not a ministerial, program.

123.2.  A detailed program of courses is required, with specific requirements in dogmatic theology, moral theology, Sacred Scripture, and liturgical, historical, and canonical studies.

123.3.  Courses in each of these areas may be taken beyond the program requirements in accord with departmental regulations.

123.4.  The degree is awarded to those students who have achieved the requisite cumulative average from all required courses and who successfully complete a comprehensive examination in all disciplines toward the end of the curriculum.

124.1.  The program of studies leading to the S.T.L. degree consists of a four‑semester curriculum. It provides specialization in one discipline and further exercise in the appropriate method of scientific investigation.

124.2.  The Department of Theology offers licentiate‑level specialization in dogmatic theology, moral theology, Sacred Scripture, historical theology, and liturgical studies.

124.3.  The course requirements are determined by the student's chosen area of specialization.

124.4.  The student is also required to register for three terms of research guidance under one of the major professors and to complete a dissertation which demonstrates the ability to pursue scientific investigation in the chosen field.

124.5.  Toward the end of the curriculum, the student must pass a comprehensive examination in the chosen area of specialization. To qualify for the comprehensive examination, the student must maintain the requisite cumulative average in required courses.

124.6.  The candidate for the degree must have demonstrated reading proficiency in Latin, Greek, a modern language appropriate to theological research, and Hebrew if the area of specialization is sacred scripture.

125.1.  The program of studies leading to the S.T.D. degree consists of a four‑semester curriculum. Its aim is to allow the student to develop ability in scholarly research.

125.2.  The Department of Theology offers doctoral‑level specializations in systematic theology, moral theology, and historical theology.

125.3.  The program consists of doctoral seminars and ongoing direction from a faculty advisor chosen or assigned at the time of admission.

125.4.  In addition to course requirements, the candidate must complete and defend a dissertation that by accepted standards in the field contributes to the advancement of theological research. The dissertation must be written under the guidance of a major professor.

125.5.  Prior to the defense of the dissertation, the student is required to complete a comprehensive examination based on the origin, history, and contemporary status of the major area suggested by the topic of the dissertation.

125.6.  In addition to the language requirements for the S.T.L. degree, the candidate for the S.T.D. must demonstrate a reading proficiency in both German and French.

126.1.  The Department of Theology has a division called the Pastoral Center whose primary concern is with questions of practical ministry. Students for the ecclesiastical degrees may take courses in this Center, in addition to the courses required for the respective degree programs, and may participate in the practical seminars directed by its staff.

126.2.  One level of the program is geared to preparation for ministry, the other to discernment and refinement of ministerial skills.

126.3.  Exposure to pastoral experience is achieved by the student's involvement in multiple supervised field experiences and related didactic seminars.

126.4.  Courses for formation in ministry include dynamics of personal growth, human sexuality, family life, urbanization, rural dynamics, death and dying, dimensions of religious education, preaching, and the ministries of reader and acolyte workshops.

126.5.  Courses for development in ministry include pastoral counseling, basic and advanced supervised ministries, advanced preaching, liturgy and celebration, and dynamics of spiritual change.