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Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) Degree

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Description

 

The Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) is a research degree. The Th.D. is an extension of seminary-based master’s programs and is designed to prepare the student to teach in a seminary or university environment and to publish research in theological or scholarly publications. Historically this doctorate is dedicated to the church’s text, theology, liturgy, and development of canon. It is the highest degree designed to prepare clergy for scholarly research.

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Objectives

 

Upon completion of the Doctor of Theology program, graduates will have:

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  • Prepared to conduct research in primary and secondary sources on a specific theological or biblical topic,

  • Equipped to read and publish research in theological journals and other scholarly publications,

  • Contribute new models and teachings based on scholarly methods that will enhance the church’s understanding of theological thought, and

  • Prepared to teach in ecclesiastical educational programs.

 

Degree Requirements

 

  1. Students write a prospectus and abstract of subjects to be covered in the degree (e.g., a student interested would consult with St. Anthony's Syriac specialist and write a prospectus related to Syriac studies).

  2. All degree requirements must be completed within seven years. Further extensions may be granted for personal hardships and where the doctoral project warrants extra time for dissertation research and must be obtained from the academic dean.

  3. All assignments and exams for online courses/webinars must be submitted at the end of each semester as listed on the school calendar. Assignments for residential courses/seminars must be submitted 90 days after the completion of on-site instruction, unless otherwise stipulated in the course syllabus. Assignments for correspondence courses must be submitted within six months of the date of enrollment for each course.

  4. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

  5. Students will be required to arrange and pay for the simultaneous audio and/or video conferencing for field and comprehensive examination and for defense of dissertation.

  6. Students must contact their mentor at least once per quarter to remain in good academic standing.

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Prerequisites

 

Standard admission application process. Potential students can obtain the details online on the admissions page and will soon be able to apply online.

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  • If not already submitted as part of the admission process, potential students need to provide three letters of recommendation from other professionals about their capability to complete doctoral level work.

  • An earned master’s degree with a minimum of 90 semester units, which may be transferred from a Master’s in Biblical Studies, a Master of Divinity, or an equivalent degree (documentation required).

  • Working proficiency in at least two biblical languages, namely Hebrew and Greek, or other ancient languages related to the student’s subject of study. Modern languages may be substituted if the research project warrants their use. This requirement is designed to aid the student in reading and publishing in theological journals and other scholarly publications.

  • Selection of a proctor who will be responsible for exams.

  • A mentor will be provided by St. Anthony’s.

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Overall Credits - Estimated Cost of Degree

 

87 semester credits of six core modules each consisting of 12-15 credits - estimated cost of tuition and registration fees: approx. $3,200, excluding books, other resources, and other applicable fees (certification, professional, etc.).

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Six Core Modules

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Courses and seminars will largely be conducted in an online delivery method, except otherwise noted. A separate portal for the program will be created on Canvas where instructors may seamlessly upload materials for access by the student. Project reviews would be conducted via online conferencing, such as Zoom or Skype.

 

Note: Students wishing to study an Aramaic module must indicate their desire at the beginning of their studies. This area of concentration will greatly enhance the scholar’s ability to understand the development of the Eastern Church’s textual, canonical, historical traditions.  

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Module 1

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  • History of Biblical Theology: 3 credits

  • The Art of the Developed Theological Terrain: 3 credits

  • Critical Analysis of Theology Proper: 3 credits

 

All notes from all seminars must be submitted according to Kate L. Turabian in her A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations after the completion of the seminar before continuing to the essay phase. Students will be required to declare the style guidelines for the country in which they will be writing. The House of Studies reserves the right to set the standard in each case. 

 

  • Project: 6 credits*

 

*The project consists of a 40- to 60-page essay, which covers the student’s reaction to the subjects raised in the lecture series (seminars) in the module. This research paper is required to be double-spaced and formatted in the Turabian dissertation style.

 

Module 2

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  • Theology in Biblical Transmission: 3 credits

  • Theology in the Creeds and Councils: 3 credits

  • The Theology of the Church through Space and Time: 3 credits

  • Project: 6 credits*

 

*Same as in Module 1

 

Module 3

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  • Western and Eastern Thought Patterns: 3 credits

  • Comparative Religions: 3 credits

  • Integrated Theological Thought: 3 credits

  • Project: 6 credits*

 

*Same as in Module 1

Module 4

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  • The Art of Literary Borrowing: 3 credits

  • Theology and Cultural Context: 3 credits

  • Archaeology’s Contribution to Biblical Studies: 3 credits

  • Project: 6 credits*

 

*Same as in Module 1

 

Module 5

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  • History of Biblical Interpretation: 3 credits

  • An Examination of Historical and Critical Methods: 3 credits

  • Theology’s Impact on the Modern Critical Mind: 3 credits

  • Project: 6 credits*

 

*Same as in Module 1

 

Module 6

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  • The Bible’s Influence on Western Culture: 3 credits

  • Eastern Spiritual Wisdom: 3 credits

  • Dissertation Preparation and Research: 6 credits

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Field and Comprehensive Exams: This portion of the student’s tutorial and direction is completed by a steering committee who advises the student during the development of the dissertation project. The student will be required to submit a dissertation proposal which will provide the committee a working title and table of contents with chapter headings and subtitles. A bibliography must be provided for the committee to develop its comprehensive examination. These proceedings will consist of an oral and a written defense of the project. The dissertation style must follow the guidelines as set forth by Kate L. Turabian in her A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations and must consist of at least 50,000 words, double-spaced. Special permission must be obtained from the program advisors for a dissertation consisting of a length of over 300 pages. The advisory faculty will be asked to review 25 to 50 textbooks in each discipline in order to facilitate the field exams necessary to judge the validity of the dissertation. These submissions are taken from the proposal of the Th.D. candidate.

 

Program Changes: Changes to this program may be instituted at any time without notice as St. Anthony’s deems necessary due to the availability of staffing and faculty to meet the needs of the student body.

 

Course Descriptions: Due to the nature of this degree program, course descriptions will be featured as soon as they become available.

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