Program Overview

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Theological Studies, Ph.D.

The Saint Louis University Department of Theological Studies is a community of scholars dedicated to the study of theology in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition. The Ph.D. in Theological Studies trains scholars in one of two concentrations that reflect areas of research excellence and depth among our faculty: Christianity in antiquity and Christian theology.

Overview

Students are formed as both scholars and teachers. Regardless of their concentration, students are expected to explore a wide range of methodological approaches and cultivate a range of skills vital for a career in research. Alongside equipping students to specialize within their chosen concentrations, SLU's Department of Theological Studies mentors students in the craft of teaching through a variety of opportunities and experiences, including individualized supervision, workshops, and diverse undergraduate teaching assignments.

Concentrations

• Christianity in Antiquity: The focal point of the Christianity in antiquity (CA) concentration is early Christianity, from its origins through the rise of Islam. This concentration deliberately bridges longstanding disciplinary boundaries between New Testament, patristics, and early medieval Christianity, situating Christianity within the Greco-Roman world and the broader religious cultures of the Mediterranean.
• Christian Theology: The focal point of the Christian theology (CT) concentration is Christian theology, broadly conceived. This concentration trains students to become Christian theologians by providing students with a strong background in the history of Christianity and the various subfields of Christian theology. Students in this concentration craft an integrated study plan in one of several major theological disciplines through coursework and individualized exams.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Resources for theology students at SLU include the more than 37,000 microfilms of the Vatican Film Library, the archives of the Institute of Jesuit Sources, and more than 150,000 volumes of the Divinity Library in the Pius XII Memorial Library, which contains 1.4 million books, journals, and other media. The library also provides access to many key research resources, including the Patrologia Latina, Brepolis, Early English Books OnLine, ATLA, Catholic Periodical Index, J-STOR, and Index of Christian Art, as well as electronic access to major journals and other indexing tools.

Careers

Graduates have gone on to a wide range of careers in academia, educational administration, museums, libraries, archives, and nonprofit agencies. SLU's Department of Theological Studies is committed to the professional preparation of every graduate student.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to the Ph.D. program will have earned a master's degree in theology, religious studies, ancient history, or other closely related fields.

Application Requirements

• Application form
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Curriculum vitae
• Professional goal statement that should address why you are applying to SLU's Ph.D. program, with what faculty you want to work, what you intend to contribute to your field of study, and what kinds of careers you envision for yourself once you have completed your doctorate
• A writing sample of no more than 20 pages that demonstrates an appropriately academic style of writing and contains an argument structured around a clear thesis

Requirements for International Students

All Saint Louis University admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students applying to SLU must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English language proficiency
• Academic records must include an English translation. Unofficial copies may be accepted in some cases for initial admission review, however official copies must be received prior to enrollment. Course-by-course transcript evaluations are accepted.
• Students must submit financial documents to be issued an I-20 for their F-1 visa application. Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Application Deadline

Interested students should apply by Jan. 1.

Review Process

Applications are reviewed by the departments graduate studies committee. After the first round of review, some applicants will be invited to interview electronically with the graduate studies committee. Decisions will be communicated as soon as possible, ideally in the first week of February.

Tuition

Tuition Per Credit: $1,400

Scholarships, Assistantships, and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award.

Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will:

1. Develop advanced knowledge in their area of concentration, including its historical development, long-standing questions, and emerging areas of inquiry.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the theories and methods that give shape to the study of theology and religion.
3. Substantively engage with conversations outside their primary focus, participate in scholarly community, and contribute to the intellectual life of the department.
4. Cultivate effective classroom teaching skills as teaching assistants and instructors of record under faculty guidance.
5. Produce a significant scholarly contribution in their area of concentration.

Non-Course Requirements

Students typically must acquire competency in French and German, and any other languages relevant to their research interests.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 in all graduate/professional courses.

Curriculum Overview

Christianity in Antiquity Concentration

• THEO 6000: Theories and Methods
• THEO 6020: Christianity in Antiquity Survey
• THEO 6110: Christianity in Antiquity Seminar (repeat as needed)
• Theological Texts
• Electives

Christian Theology Concentration

• THEO 5270: Christian Tradition I (recommended)
• THEO 5280: Christian Tradition II (recommended)
• THEO 6000: Theories and Methods
• THEO 6040: Christian Theology Introduction
• THEO 6140: Christian Theology Seminar (repeat as needed)
• Electives

Roadmap

The roadmap for both concentrations is designed to be completed over five years, with the first two years focused on coursework, the third year on the dissertation prospectus, and the final two years on dissertation research.

Contact

For additional questions regarding doctoral study in theological studies, contact the Ph.D. program coordinator.