Doctorate in Sacred Theology
 

The doctoral program, which is the third cycle of theological studies, is a minimum two-year program of specialized research in systematic theology. At the University of Saint Mary of the Lake the doctoral program, like the licentiate, concentrates on the study of the doctrine of God, Christology, theological anthropology, theological method, sacramental/liturgical theology, or the spirituality of diocesan priesthood. The program presumes superior achievement at the licentiate level.

The Doctorate in Sacred Theology is the terminal research degree. Its focus is to perfect the skills of the candidate in the scientific study of theology and to develop the research skills necessary for treating theological questions in depth. As a terminal research degree, the doctorate prepares students to be university professors, researchers, expert resource persons. A graduate of the S.T.D. program is prepared to teach theology in a college, seminary, or university, to conduct independent research and publishing and to act as a theological resource for a diocese and diocesan agencies.

Admission

The doctoral program is very selective. Usually admission to the program is by invitation. Applicants will usually have received the STL magna cum laude. Further, admission is based on the appropriateness of the doctoral research to the interests of the Ecclesiastical Faculty.

The Doctoral program ordinarily extends over two years and aims at the completion of the student’s scientific formation especially through the writing of a doctoral dissertation.

Applicants must present evidence of possessing a licentiate in sacred theology (S.T.L.) or equivalent and competences in the languages and other research tools needed for their research.

Applicants with an S.T.L. degree from another faculty will have their work evaluated to assure that their preparation is substantially equivalent to the USML S.T.L. degree. In addition to the requirements connected with the dissertation (see below), there may be further requirements (e.g., course work, examination) according to the decision of the President in consultation with the Graduate Board (Statuta, Art. 57 b).

Length of Program

The third cycle is normally at least two years in duration with at least one year devoted full time to research.

doctoral Dissertation

The dissertation must be on an important theological question, selected by the candidate and approved by a professor who is an expert in the field with the consent of the Graduate Board.

The dissertation must be a specimen of the candidate’s erudition, judgment, and knowledge of Catholic doctrine, demonstrating his or her skill in positive and speculative theology and the ability to do scientific investigation which is original and contributes to the advancement of theological knowledge. It must be of sufficient length to constitute a truly scientific study. Normally, the dissertation will be not less than 150 pages or more than 400 pages. Any exceptions must have the approval of the President.

It is normally expected that the candidate will write the dissertation in English. With the approval of the director and the President, he or she may write in a language other than English. Currently, the approved languages of the faculty are English, Spanish, Italian, French or German.

Three copies must be submitted to the President at least two months before the public defense. The President in consultation with the director will appoint two readers expert in the field. The dissertation must be approved by the director and at least one of the two readers.

Public Defense

The candidate must pass an examination on his or her dissertation given by five professors appointed by the President. Three of these professors will be the director and the two readers. The examination will be public, last at least 90 minutes and include questions ex corona. Successful completion of the examination requires a passing grade from at least four of the five examiners. The Chancellor of the University or his delegate will be invited to preside.

Final Grade

In the case of those simply doing the dissertation, their grade will be based on the dissertation and its defense. In the case of those who earned their STL elsewhere than at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, if further course work and/or an examination were required by the President (see above), then the final grade for the students’ work will be based on the grades received in the seminars (1/4) and the grades received for the special examination and the public defense (3/4).

Publication

The candidate is to consign five copies of the hard bound dissertation to the library. One copy will be sent to the Congregation for Catholic Education. The doctoral candidate then publishes with University Microfilms (UMI), Ann Arbor, Michigan.