Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.)
As the culminating degree in the three-degree ecclesiastical sequence, the Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) prepares scholars to combine broad knowledge of a particular theological area with critical knowledge of theological methodology to produce original research in their chosen field.
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CSTM is one of only seven ecclesiastical faculties in the United States empowered to offer the Doctorate in Sacred Theology.
At a Glance
This program typically takes three years to complete.
Demonstrate proficiency in Latin and in one modern research language beyond that required for the S.T.L.听
Master key areas related to your field and dissertation topic as you prepare for oral and written exams.
Complete a doctoral thesis that makes a contribution to the progress of theological studies.听
Choose and work closely with a faculty advisor based on your academic interests.听
Upon enrollment, opportunities for pedagogical training and teaching assistantships will be discussed with students.听
Students gather each semester to present and discuss their research as well as to engage in pedagogy formation.
Option to participate in a range of retreats, days of reflection, and faith-sharing groups offered at CSTM.
Academic Program
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.
In completing these requirements, students will deepen their knowledge of a chosen area of specialization, become more familiar with the 亚色影库 faculty who may serve on their qualifying examinations and/or dissertation committees, and develop the mastery of scholarly research and writing needed to move through the remainder of the program.
In the second semester of their program, students will begin preparations for their qualifying exams.
Year Two: Qualifying Examinations and听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.
Students will acquire important skills that they will then employ to draft, write, and defend the dissertation.听
Students will submit their dissertation proposal within a month of the qualifying exams and then begin writing.
Year Three:听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.
At the end of the S.T.D. program, students will be able to:
- Teach at the post-secondary level;
- Engage in scholarly research in preparation for teaching and publication;
- Demonstrate mastery of a particular discipline that meets the expectations of the academy for a student who has completed a terminal degree.
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.听
Application Requirements
PrintFall 2024 Deadline: January 15, 2025
S.T.D. students are typically only permitted to begin their studies in the fall semester. If you have an extenuating circumstance that would require you to start in a different term, please email cstmapply@bc.edu.
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
Since the S.T.D. is granted through the Holy See, S.T.D. students are not eligible for federal loans through the U.S. government. S.T.D. students are still eligible for CSTM scholarships, which are awarded at the time of admission.
Religious & International Applicants
Applicants who are Catholic diocesan priests or deacons or members of religious orders must submit a letter of approval and financial support from their bishop, major superior, or Provincial. Please select "Bishop/Major Superior" as the recommender type on the application form.
Application Fee
A non-refundable fee of $75 is required for every degree and non-degree application submitted.
Payment Options
- Pay by credit or debit card via the web; You can pay the application fee at the same time your submit your application form.
Please note: The application fee cannot be refunded for any reason. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you should not pay the fee when you submit the application form. Fee waivers are granted to the following applicants: Jesuits, veterans, applicants currently completing a year of service or who are Pell Grant-eligible, and current CSTM students. We do not waive the application fee for other reasons.
Standardized Tests
The GRE is optional, but preferred.
Applicants who do send GRE scores should have them sent directly from . Our GRE code is 2508.
English Proficiency Exam
All applicants for whom English is not their native language must also provide TOEFL or IELTS听 test score results. Read more about special instructions for international applicants here. This webpage will also indicate under with criteria a waiver may be granted. Waivers must be approved in writing by the admissions office.
Transcripts
We require transcripts from all colleges, universities, seminaries, or theological schools that you have attended. Each transcript should contain a list of all coursework taken, grades/marks received, and, if applicable, degree granted and date of degree confirmation. If your college or university will send official transcripts electronically, they can be emailed to cstmapply@bc.edu.听 Otherwise, transcripts must be mailed and be contained in a sealed, signed envelope. If the official transcript is not English, a translation should be provided with the official document. Please alert us if your transcript will be arriving with a different name than the one you are using on your application (e.g. your maiden name).听Please note that a transcript is only considered official if received directly from the institution issuing it.
Please note that your application may be reviewed with unofficial copies of your transcripts. If you send unofficial copies, know that if admitted, you must sent official copies before you begin coursework. In addition, if you are currently finishing a degree, you must send a final, official version of the transcript upon graduating, and before beginning coursework at CSTM.
Mailing Addresses
For applicants using the U.S. Postal Service:
Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Simboli Hall
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
For applicants using FedEx or UPS:
Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Simboli Hall
9 Lake Street
Brighton, MA 02135-3841
Recommendations
S.T.D. applicants are required to submit three recommendations using the online application system.听
Each recommender should be familiar with the applicant鈥檚 academic background and their capacity for success in a doctoral program.
Applicants who are Catholic diocesan priests or deacons, or members of religious orders must submit a letter of approval and financial support from their bishop, major superior, or Provincial. This is in addition to the other three recommendations. Please select "Bishop/Major Superior" as the recommender type on the application form.
Please be sure that your recommenders are aware of the application deadlines and online process, and choose them carefully to ensure that they can write on your behalf in a timely manner.
Writing Sample
A writing sample must be uploaded as part of the application. The sample should be an academic paper of around 25 pages. S.T.D. applicants are also required to submit a copy of their S.T.L. thesis upon its completion.
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The resume must be uploaded as part of the application.听 It is helpful if you highlight relevant research, teaching, ministry, service, and leadership positions you have held.
Personal Statement
The personal statement must be uploaded as part of the application.听 The personal statement should be three pages in length, double-spaced.
Your statement should address the following:
- The academic, professional, and personal development that has motivated you to apply to CSTM and the S.T.D. program. Please be specific as possible.
- How do you plan to apply your theological education? Please specifically address what you envision an S.T.D. will allow you to do that the S.T.L. alone will not.
- Information outlining your specific area and field of academic interest and how your previous academic, professional and/or pastoral experience has prepared you for studies within that particular field and the topic(s) you would address with your thesis.
- How do you understand the role and responsibilities of a theologian and/or educator in the Church and the world?
