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Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.)

The Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) is the culminating degree in the three-degree ecclesiastical sequence, preparing scholars to combine broad knowledge of a particular theological area with critical knowledge of theological methodology to produce original research in their chosen field.

At a Glance

• How long will it take? This program typically takes three years to complete.
• Language Requirement: Demonstrate proficiency in Latin and in one modern research language beyond that required for the S.T.L.
• Qualifying Examinations: Master key areas related to your field and dissertation topic as you prepare for oral and written exams.
• Doctoral Thesis: Complete a doctoral thesis that makes a contribution to the progress of theological studies.
• Advising: Choose and work closely with a faculty advisor based on your academic interests.
• Pedagogy Training: Upon enrollment, opportunities for pedagogical training and teaching assistantships will be discussed with students.
• S.T.D. Colloquium: Students gather each semester to present and discuss their research as well as to engage in pedagogy formation.
• Spiritual Formation: Option to participate in a range of retreats, days of reflection, and faith-sharing groups offered at CSTM.

Academic Program

The S.T.D. program is structured over three years, with specific requirements and milestones for each year.

Year One: Foundation and Language Requirement

First-year S.T.D. students complete four advanced courses (three in the fall and one in the spring) and the Pro-Seminar, which focuses on the Research Readiness Review process. They also pass the modern language requirement for further doctoral work.

Year Two: Qualifying Examinations and Dissertation Preparation

In September, students will complete their qualifying examinations, through which they will demonstrate a deep, integrated knowledge of both a general field of study and the pertinent literature in their chosen area of specialization, which will be further developed in the dissertation.

Year Three: Complete and Defend Dissertation

Students will be expected to complete and defend their dissertations by the end of Spring of the Third Year of the program.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the S.T.D. program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of the student's area of concentration
• Articulate how the student's area of specific interest relates to the area of concentration, including global and contextual scholarship in the field
• Contribute to the scholarly life of the Church and academy through an original and constructive dissertation

Faculty

The faculty at CSTM includes:

• André Brouillette, S.J., Associate Professor, Systematic and Spiritual Theology
• Daniel J. Daly, Associate Professor of Moral Theology
• Andrew R. Davis, Professor of Old Testament; Professor Ordinarius
• Dominic F. Doyle, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology
• Brian Dunkle, S.J., Associate Professor of Historical Theology
• Barton T. Geger, S.J., Associate Professor of the Practice
• Margaret Eletta Guider, O.S.F., Associate Professor of Missiology
• Angela Kim Harkins, Professor of New Testament
• Franklin T. Harkins, Professor of Historical Theology
• Mary Jo Iozzio, Professor of Moral Theology
• Richard Lennan, Professor of Systematic Theology
• Christina McRorie, Associate Professor of Moral Theology
• Stephen J. Molvarec, S.J., Assistant Professor of Church History
• Catherine M. Mooney, Associate Professor of Church History
• Daniel P. Scheid, Associate Professor of Moral Theology
• O. Ernesto Valiente, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology
• Andrea Vicini, S.J., Affiliate Member of Ecclesiastical Faculty
• Jaime L. Waters, Associate Professor of Old Testament

Careers

Most S.T.D. graduates teach as members of university faculties, seminaries, and theological centers. They also contribute to Church administration and pastoral work, using their extensive study, training, and expertise as resources for diverse communities.

Application Requirements

• Deadline: January 15, 2026
• Application Form: The application to CSTM must be completed online.
• Admission Prerequisites for the S.T.D.:
  • An S.T.L. degree (completed or near completion)
  • 3.7 G.P.A. (or its equivalent) in S.T.L. coursework
• Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $75 is required for every degree and non-degree application submitted.
• Standardized Tests: The GRE is optional, but preferred.
• English Proficiency Exam: All applicants for whom English is not their native language must also provide TOEFL or IELTS test score results.
• Transcripts: We require transcripts from all colleges, universities, seminaries, or theological schools that you have attended.
• Recommendations: S.T.D. applicants are required to submit three recommendations using the online application system.
• Writing Sample: A writing sample must be uploaded as part of the application. The sample should be an academic paper of around 25 pages.
• Résumé: The resume must be uploaded as part of the application.
• Personal Statement: The personal statement must be uploaded as part of the application. The personal statement should be three pages in length, double-spaced.