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Graduate Announcements > School of Theology and Religious Studies > Degree and Certificate Programs > Civil Degrees

Civil Degrees

Description

The following description of the M.A. and Ph.D. programs in the School of Theology and Religious Studies (STRS) provides a general outline of these degree programs across the School.

Degrees Offered: Civil Degrees

Master of Arts (M.A.) in the following areas of concentration:

• Biblical Studies
• Catechetics
• Church History
• Religion and Culture
• Theology
• Liturgical Studies & Sacramental Theology
• Moral Theology & Ethics

M.Phil in Theology and Religious Studies

• This degree is awarded to any Ph.D. student who has completed the comprehensive exam.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the following areas of concentration:

• Biblical Studies
• Catechetics
• Church History
• Historical Theology
• Liturgical Studies
• Moral Theology & Ethics
• Religion and Culture
• Spirituality
• Systematic Theology

Master of Arts (M.A.)

The M.A. program introduces the student to scholarship and research in a selected area of theology and religious studies. The goal of the program is to help the student develop critical literacy in the chosen area. The M.A. program promotes a broad and solid grounding in the various academic areas while also allowing for a measure of concentration according to personal preference. The degree program provides a thorough and rigorous foundation for further graduate studies and appropriate theological training for ministerial preparation.

1. Admission Requirements:

a. A B.A. degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with at least some coursework in theology/religious studies or philosophy. Applicants to the M.A. in Biblical Studies should have already completed 6 credits each of Hebrew and Greek. Applicants to Historical and Systematic Theology must have completed at least 12 credits each in theology/religious studies and philosophy. Applicants with less prior coursework may be admitted provisionally and required to complete these in tandem with the M.A. requirements.

b. Superior achievement, appropriate preparation, and the ability to pursue graduate work as indicated by official transcripts from previous institutions of study.

c. A completed online application through the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA).

d. A Statement of Purpose: In an essay of 500-700 words, applicants state their purpose in undertaking graduate study in theology and religious studies. The essay also includes the applicant's academic objectives, research interests, and career plans as well as related qualifications, including: collegiate activities, professional experience, community involvement, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form.

e. Official Transcripts: Applicants should contact the registrar of every post-secondary school previously attended and request an official transcript be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA). The University also accepts transcripts which are sent electronically from a former institution. Please note: OGA provisionally accepts Unofficial Transcripts to help complete the application process; a Provisional admit hold will be placed on the applicant's record, which will prevent them from obtaining a copy of their transcript or receive their diploma. Enrollment in university graduate courses for students completing their final year of undergraduate or graduate degree study is contingent upon the receipt of the final transcript showing the conferral of the degree.

Note: All transcripts issued from outside the United must be certified by a recognized evaluator of international education records (such as WES or AACRAO), even if in the English language. Education completed at institutions outside of the United States, as shown by official documents, may be accepted as equivalent to educational experience in the United States.

f. Three Letters of Recommendation: Submit three confidential letters of recommendation using the electronic form sent from the Office of Graduate Admission. Along with the form, it is highly recommended to include a letter from the recommender. Recommendations should come from former or present college or university instructors giving evidence of personal aptitude for, as well as interest in and motivation for, the field of theology and religious studies.

g. Applicants to the degree programs of the School of Theology and Religious Studies (STRS) who are priests, deacons or members of religious communities are required to submit a letter of endorsement from their Bishop or Religious Superior (in addition to their three letters of recommendation) with their application. All applicants who will be funded for their studies by a diocese or religious community are required to submit a separate letter from their superior attesting to this financial support.

h. Nonrefundable Application Fee

i. An academic writing sample must be submitted.

j. International Students: Applicants from non-English speaking nations and some from nations where English is one of the official languages whose previous education has not been at institutions of higher education in the United States are required to certify their proficiency in English by submitting scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Duolingo Exam, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum score on the TOEFL of 92 (Internet-based) is expected. On the IELTS an overall band score of 6.5 or higher is required.

k. The admission process is handled through the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA). Please contact OGA with any questions you may have regarding the admission process 202-319-5057.

2. Coursework Requirements:

a. If the faculty determine that a student requires additional preparation, he/she may be required to take prerequisite courses which do not count towards the degree program.

b. For most areas of concentration, the M.A. program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, including either a thesis (6 credit hours) or 2 major research papers. As part of these 30 credit hours, areas of specialization have specific requirements. Biblical Studies students complete 9 credits each of Hebrew and Greek and 6 credits in exegetical seminars. Church History students are required to take TRS 722A, “Ancient and Medieval Church History”; TRS 621C, “Church History from the High Middle Ages to the Present”; and TRS 724, “Methods in Church History and Historical Theology”; and at least two seminars that require research papers. Historical and Systematic Theology students must complete TRS 660A, “Introduction to Theology,” as well as 9 credits of Systematic Theology, 3 credits of Historical Theology/Church History, 3 credits of Moral Theology, and 3 credits of Biblical Studies. Liturgical Studies students must complete TRS 741A, “Liturgy: Theological and Historical Perspectives”; TRS 741A, “Liturgy and Culture”; TRS 740, “Liturgical Sources”; and TRS 744, “Eucharist: A Liturgical Theology.” Moral Theology students must complete TRS 630A, “Foundations of Christian Moral Life”; TRS 632A, “Christian Social Ethics”; 3 credits in methodology (e.g., TRS 660, TRS 661, TRS 760, or TRS 780); and 3 credits in another Moral Theology/Ethics course. The M.A. in Catechetics requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, including either a thesis (6 credit hours) or two research papers. Students must complete 24 of these credit hours in Catechetics, Liturgical Catechetics, and Theology. The remaining 12 credit hours are electives determined in consultation with the student’s advisor

c. All M.A. students are required to complete EITHER 2 research papers OR 1 thesis. Please see below for more detailed information:

d. Research Paper Option: M.A. students writing 2 research papers are reminded that 1 paper must show familiarity with pertinent works in either an ancient or modern foreign language.

e. Thesis Option: M.A. students who choose to write a thesis must register for 2 semesters of M.A. Thesis Guidance. The thesis itself should demonstrate the following: a) the student's ability to do research by making a modest contribution to knowledge involving a limited but significant topic of investigation; b) demonstrate the student's familiarity with basic methods of research; c) mastery of the limited subject matter; d) ability to exercise sound judgments involving analysis comparison and/or criticism; and e) the capacity to draw appropriate and accurate conclusions. The length of the thesis is primarily governed by the nature of the subject matter and the research involved but ordinarily should be 75-100 pages. Students should consult their advisor for more information.

f. M.A. students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to remain in good standing in the program. A student wishing to be considered for advancement into doctoral study should maintain a GPA of 3.3 or higher.

g. STRS accepts up to 6 transfer credits at the M.A. level as deemed appropriate by the faculty in the area of concentration and the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies.

3. Language Requirements:

a. In addition to ancient language requirements, normally reading proficiency in Greek or Latin, related to areas of specialization, M.A. students must demonstrate proficiency in a modern foreign language (ordinarily in French, German, or Spanish), as determined by the faculty of the student's academic concentration. A reading knowledge of German is required for Biblical Studies students and a reading knowledge of French is required for Liturgical Studies. Church History students must be able to read works in both German and French. Full-time students must satisfy languages requirements by the beginning of their second year of study.

b. Please refer to the school Policies & Procedures Manual for more details.

4. Comprehensive Examination:

a. The M.A. comprehensive examination is written and administered on two successive days. In Church History one exam covers general knowledge and one covers an area of concentration within Church History.

b. The M.A. comprehensive examination is normally taken in the last semester of coursework, on the dates set by the School.

c. In most academic areas of study, a reading list is provided to assist the student's preparation.

d. The examination may be repeated once in the case of failure. Students should consult with their advisors in arranging for the examination.

5. Residency Requirements:

The M.A. program requires at least one year of residency.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

In keeping with the University's role as a major Catholic research institution, the Doctor of Philosophy degree program is designed to prepare students for careers as scholars and teachers, and for service to the Church. To this end, it combines rigorous study and research with training in languages and the possibility of mentored teaching practice in order to provide a complete program of professional preparation.

1. Admission Requirements:

a. An M.A. degree in a relevant area of study from an accredited university or seminary. At the doctoral level, historical theology and systematic theology are distinguished and students may choose to specialize in either. Students in Moral Theology/Ethics will also choose a minor area of theology.

b. Superior achievement, appropriate preparation, and the ability to pursue advanced graduate work, as indicated by official transcripts from previous institutions of study. Promising applicants who are deficient in some area of preparation may be admitted with requirements for additional work. Students holding a licentiate may be eligible for advanced standing. Applicants to Biblical Studies must demonstrate reading knowledge of either French or German as well as the equivalent of 9 credit hours each in Hebrew and Greek.

c. A completed online application through the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA).

d. A Statement of Purpose: In an essay of 500 to 700 words, applicants state their purpose in undertaking graduate study in theology and religious studies. The essay also includes the applicant's academic objectives, research interests, and career plans as well as related qualifications, including: collegiate activities, language proficiencies, professional experience and community involvement, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form. Finally, applicants should state the reason they believe STRS can help them achieve their objectives.

e. Official Transcripts: Applicants should contact the registrar of every school previously attended and request an official transcript be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA). The University also accepts transcripts which are sent electronically from a former institution. Please note: OGA provisionally accepts Unofficial Transcripts to help complete the application process; however, a provisional admit hold will be placed on the applicant's record, which will prevent students from obtaining a copy of their transcript or receiving their diploma. Enrollment in university graduate courses for students completing their final year of a graduate degree study is contingent upon the receipt of the final transcript showing the conferral of the degree.

Note: All transcripts issued from outside the United must be certified by a recognized evaluator of international education records (such as WES or AACRAO), even if in the English language. Education completed at institutions outside of the United States, as shown by official documents, may be accepted as equivalent to educational experience in the United States.

f. Three Letters of Recommendation: Submit the three letters of recommendation using the electronic form sent from the Office of Graduate Admission. Along with the form it is highly recommended to include a letter from the recommender. Recommendations should come from former or present college or university instructors giving evidence of personal aptitude for, as well as interest in and motivation for, the field of theology and religious studies. Applicants to the degree programs of the School of Theology and Religious Studies (STRS) who are priests, deacons, or members of religious communities are required to submit a letter of endorsement from their Bishop or Religious Superior (in addition to their three letters of recommendation) with their application. All applicants who will be funded for their studies by a diocese or religious community are required to submit a separate letter from their superior attesting to this financial support.

g. Standardized Test Scores: applicants must submit GRE scores dated within the last five years. If applying for University scholarships, you must submit GRE scores from within the last five years. Test scores and all other required application materials must be received by the University no later than January 8. The Catholic University of America code for the GRE is 5104).

h. Nonrefundable Application Fee.

i. International Students: Applicants from non-English speaking nations and some from nations where English is one of the official languages whose previous education has not been at institutions of higher education in the United States are required to certify their proficiency in English by submitting scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Duolingo Exam, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum score on TOEFL of 92 (Internet - based) is expected. On the IELTS an overall band score of 6.5 or higher is required.

j. Writing Sample: for those students applying to a Ph.D. program a writing sample is required unless they earned their M.A. in the school.

2. Coursework Requirements

a. If the faculty of an academic specialization determines that a student requires additional preparation, he/she may be required to take prerequisite courses which do not count towards the degree program.

b. In Biblical Studies, at least 30 credit hours of coursework are required beyond the M.A. degree, including 12 credit hours in the student’s major Testament and 9 credit hours in the minor Testament. In addition to Greek and Hebrew, students must complete 2 semesters of a third ancient language, selected in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor. Credits earned towards the third ancient language do not count towards the required credit hours.

c. In Catechetics, students must complete 30 credit hours if the student’s M.A. is from Catholic University of America, 36 credit hours if the student’s M.A. is from another institution. Students must complete 15 credit hours in Catechetics or related disciplines and 9 credit hours in a minor area and another 9 hours in an allied area, both determined in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor.

d. In Church History, Historical Theology, Systematic Theology, Liturgical Studies/Sacramental Theology, and Moral Theology/Ethics, students must complete 36 credit hours, In Church History, students are required to complete TRS 724, “Methods in Church History and Historical Theology,” and 15 credit hours in Church History.

e. In Historical Theology and Systematic Theology students must complete 24 credit hours in their discipline, including TRS 760A, “Theological Foundations.” Students in Historical Theology are encouraged to minor in Church History (6 credit hours) and students in Systematic Theology may minor in a related discipline as well.

f. In Liturgical Studies/Sacramental Theology, students are expected to have completed TRS 741A, TRS 740, and TRS 744. Students in this area must complete 18 credit hours in liturgical studies/sacramental theology and 12 credit hours from a related discipline.

g. In Moral Theology/Ethics students must complete 18 credit hours in moral theology/ethics, including TRS 830A, “Ethics and Politics in St. Augustine”; TRS 835B, “The Moral Theology of St. Thomas”; TRS 737E, “Freedom, Law, Rights”; and TRS 737D, “Twentieth-Century Theological Ethics.” Students must also complete 9 credit hours in a designated minor area.

h. All Ph.D. students must take the Proseminar TRS 799 during their first semester.

i. All Ph.D. students are required to take at least 4 doctoral seminars. The student is required to write a research paper for each doctoral seminar. Please note: if the student has received his/her M.A. at the Catholic University of American only 3 research papers are required.

j. Ph.D. students must maintain a minimum 3.3 grade point average to remain in good standing. Recipients of School scholarships must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4. Students who fall below the minimum GPA will be put on academic probation for one semester, and dismissed if they fail to meet the minimum by the end of that semester.

k. STRS accepts up to 24 transfer credit hours at the Ph.D. level as is deemed appropriate by the faculty in the area of specialization and the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies.

3. Language Requirements:

Requirements for ancient languages are determined by the faculty of a student’s area of specialization. Students in Historical Theology or Systematic Theology must demonstrate competence in Latin by the end of their first semester. All doctoral degree programs require demonstrated proficiency in a minimum of 2 modern languages with the exception of Moral Theology/Ethics, which requires either French or German. Ordinarily these will be French and German, but students may request the substitution of another modern language if it is important for their research. Faculty may determine that additional languages are required for a student to pursue a given research agenda. Full-time students must satisfy at least two languages requirements by the beginning of their second year of study. More information about language requirements may be found in the school Policies & Procedures Manual.

4. Comprehensive Examinations:

a. Ph.D. students will be required to complete written comprehensive exams within the various academic areas given over the course of three days in at least three distinct areas of study. Areas of examination and their related bibliographies are determined by the faculty in each academic specialization. The three days of examination are normally scheduled within a 7-day period, though faculty in an area of specialization may opt for a different scheduling format.

b. Faculty in an academic specialization will determine the modality of comprehensive exams for their students.

c. Individual areas of specialization may require an oral examination.

d. The purposes of the comprehensive examination include: a) examining the student's knowledge acquired within coursework; b) providing students with the opportunity to study areas not touched upon by coursework; c) deepening knowledge of areas already studied; and d) synthesizing and interrelating areas of theological knowledge.

e. Those students who pass their comprehensive examinations will be awarded a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) degree in course. The M.Phil. degree will be automatically conferred upon approval of the Academic Senate. Those students who wish to receive a diploma and to participate in the Commencement exercises in the Spring semester must apply for graduation via Cardinal Station.

f. Students must register for either TRS 998A or 998B to sit for comprehensive examinations. Students must be registered for the semester in which the exam is to be taken. Students can only register for comprehensive exams twice. A student must request special permission from the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies to register for comprehensive exam more than twice.

g. The M.Phil. degree is awarded to all Ph.D. students upon successful completion of comprehensive exams.

5. Candidacy:

Upon successful completion of comprehensive exams, students apply to the faculty in their area of specialization for admission to candidacy. Candidacy is not presumed by completion of the comprehensive exams, but is an independent judgment of the faculty regarding the suitability of the student to continue in the program.

6. Dissertation:

The dissertation proposal must be submitted and approved within 2 years of admission to candidacy. Within 5 years of admission to candidacy a student must defend the dissertation according to School policies and University procedures. A student may request a 1-year extension with cause.

7. Residency Requirements:

A minimum of 4 semesters of full-time residence is required.