THE DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY (Th.D.) DEGREE IN CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY
The doctoral dissertation may be on any topic in theology; however, since we have a highly specialized faculty dedicated to the thought of Augustine, the Augustinian tradition and the influence of Augustine on philosophy and theology, the student is encouraged to either focus on Augustine of Hippo, or make some connection with Augustine and the Augustinian tradition. The dissertation written may be in English, Italian, French, Spanish, German or Dutch depending upon the competency and permission of the supervising professor. The doctoral student is required to demonstrate competency in the necessary original and scholarly languages of his or her research. The doctoral program usually takes between two and four years to complete, depending upon the student. As with most of our degrees, the doctoral program in theology is a non-residential, research degree under the supervision of a directing professor.
THE MASTER OF THEOLOGY (Th.M.) DEGREE IN CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY
This degree has three specializations: 1) Historical Theology, 2) Patristic Theology and 3) Systematic Theology, which normally requires two years, a year of supervised research followed by a year dedicated to the writing of the thesis.
While the Master of Theology degree generally involves a year of supervised research followed by a year dedicated to the writing of a thesis under the supervision of a professor, this degree can sometimes be completed in a one year when a student is accepted in advanced standing, by dispensation, or by examination. Nevertheless, generally when a thesis has been accepted by the supervisor, student is required to be examined on his or her thesis by a tribunal of professors who grade it.
THE BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY (Th.B.) DEGREE IN CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY
In order to pursue this degree, one must already possess a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree or possess the Bachelor of Philosophy (Ph.B.) degree. This degree provides a foundation in theological sources, and it requires a minimum of eight papers and a Baccalaureate thesis at the end of the program. Advanced standing can be awarded by the Dean.
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MINISTRY FORMATION PROGRAM
For those seeking ordination within the Old Catholic Church or within the Anglican Communion or its Continuum, postulants are generally enrolled in the Ministry Formation Program with the ecclesiastical endorsement of their respective bishop or ordinary.
The Ministry Formation Program provides theological and pastoral education along with spiritual formation, liturgical and sacramental praxis, with special scholarships for seminarians and postulants for holy Orders. Through the Ministry Formation Program, seminarians and clergy may be eligible to be enrolled in the canonical degree programs leading to the S.T.B., S.T.L. or S.T.D. degrees. While these canonical degrees are conducted by supervised research, spiritual formation, pastoral, sacramental and liturgical studies are conducted through clergy mentorship in person at our House of Studies in Mohnton, Pennsylvania.
