Program Overview

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Doctorate in Applied Theology

Why Earn Your Applied Theology Degree at Saint Leo University?

Saint Leo's online Doctor of Theology in Applied Theology at Saint Leo University is a rigorous scholarly degree for those engaged in ministry or education within the American Catholic Church and other ecclesial contexts. Through this program, students will critically engage theological methods, contexts, concepts, and practices. This theological formation will assist our students in developing more rigorous research, writing, and communications skills that are oriented toward how to apply these skills and content knowledge to real-world theological situations. It is aimed at continued professionalization for those who are already actively shaping the church of the 21st century.

Program Details

Overview

The 60-credit hour online Doctor of Theology in Applied Theology program explores:

• Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the content and methods of applied theology.
• Students will be able to apply theological knowledge to ministerial, educational, and/or other professional contexts.
• Students will be able to integrate the questions and insights of the Catholic intellectual tradition with the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.
• Students will be able to conduct research in applied theology.

Format

This program is offered online. It is the only accredited Th.D. offered fully online by a Catholic university in the United States. The program includes a four-day residency at Saint Leo's main campus during July at the end of their first year.

Duration

Est. Time to Complete: 4 years

Credit Hours

60 hours

Degree Requirements

• 60 credit hours, which include 42 hours of coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation.

Prerequisites

• A 3.5 or higher GPA in a master of theology program (e.g., MA, MTS, or M.Div.) or related field.
• Two letters of recommendation from instructors or professional colleagues.
• Current résumé or curriculum vitae.
• Statement of professional goals, including specific area of interest.
• 10-15 page writing sample.
• Official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate degrees.
• Four years of documented, related work experience.

Career Outlook

Throughout this program, you will receive discipline knowledge from expert professors, plenty of opportunities to connect your coursework with professional development, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready to strengthen your career and improve your community following your graduation.

Skills Learned

You may come to the program with different beliefs and objectives from your classmates, or perhaps with no background in academic theology, but you will also leave spiritually enriched, with a critical knowledge of biblical, systematic, historical, pastoral, and moral theology.

Career Paths

Earning the Th.D. in Applied Theology will aid graduates in a number of different career paths, including but not limited to:

• Director of Religious Education
• Higher Education Administration
• Parish and Diocesan Management
• Non-Profit Leadership
• Catholic Schools Administration

Top Theology Degree Jobs

• Director religious activities: $63,390 per year
• Clergy: $56,560 per year
• Religion teacher: $90,160 per year

College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services

The College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services at Saint Leo University offers students a broad education that lays a durable foundation for critical and independent thinking. The essential spirit of the liberal arts is a cornerstone of the varied degree programs. From biology to English to sociology, students enjoy a nice selection of in-demand degree programs for all interests.

Accreditation

Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.