Program Overview

Theology

The University of Dayton's doctoral program in theology offers a distinctive research focus on locating the work of theology in history and culture with attention to the American Catholic intellectual experience. Theology is at the center, but students can also examine other disciplines and practices. The program includes courses in history, theology, and cultural studies, and conducts theological research in conjunction with research methods from the humanities and social sciences.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in theology requires 90 credit hours, 30 of which may be at the master's level. 30 hours may be selected from doctoral courses, and 30 hours will be dissertation hours. Dissertations focus on theological questions that arise from the ongoing life of the church in the United States.

Degree Information and Courses

In the second year of study, students teach undergraduate introductory religion classes and can serve as instructors of advanced courses in later years. This intensive teaching experience makes students attractive to potential employers. The doctoral program prepares students to teach in colleges and universities, as well as those intending to work in research and policy positions in church administration. Students graduating from this program have gone on to teach in a variety of academic positions and have published numerous books and articles.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the theology program should submit the following information:

• Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities.
• Three letters of recommendation that address the applicant's academic qualifications from professors or employers.
• A personal statement explaining the applicant's goals for doctoral study in theology and how these goals fit with the approach, faculty, and resources of the program.
• An official GRE test score.
• A sample of academic writing, such as a research paper, published article, or excerpt from a published book or thesis (25 pages maximum).

Additional requirements apply for international students. Applicants to the program will ordinarily have completed an M.A. in theology, religious studies, or a similar degree. Applicants with a B.A. in theology or religious studies may be admitted to the program but will be required to complete the prerequisites ordinarily required for the M.A. degree and to complete the core of the M.A. program as part of their doctoral work. Applicants should have a minimum of 3.5 grade-point average in graduate work.

Additional Information

• All doctoral applicants are considered for graduate assistantships in the Department of Religious Studies.
• All application materials are to be submitted no later than February 1.
• Candidates for the doctoral program are admitted in the fall term only.

Marian Studies

As a Catholic, Marianist university, the University of Dayton advances Marian studies through the Department of Religious Studies, the International Marian Research Institute (IMRI), and the Marian Library. The university has offered graduate certificates in Marian studies for more than 50 years. As a theology Ph.D. student, one may elect to focus their studies in Mariology and pursue a doctoral certificate in Marian studies.

Related Degrees and Programs

• Campus Ministry (Graduate Certificate)
• Disability and Ministry (Graduate Certificate)
• Marian Studies (Graduate Certificate)
• Marian Studies (Doctoral Certificate)
• Nonprofit and Community Leadership (Graduate Certificate)
• Pastoral Care (Graduate Certificate)
• Pastoral Counseling (Graduate Certificate)
• Sustainability (Graduate Certificate)
• Campus Ministry (Post-Master's Certificate)
• Marian Studies (Doctoral Certificate)

Tuition and Financial Aid

All doctoral applicants are considered for graduate assistantships in the Department of Religious Studies. These competitive awards typically provide compensation in the form of full or partial tuition remission, plus a monthly stipend for 20 hours of work per week. Financial aid may be available for degree-seeking graduate students; students should file the FAFSA to be considered. Once a student has applied and been accepted to a graduate program, the university will prepare their applicable aid for the upcoming year.