Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

In keeping with the University's role as a major Catholic research institution, the Doctor of Philosophy degree program is designed to prepare students for careers as scholars and teachers, and for service to the Church. To this end, it combines rigorous study and research with training in languages and the possibility of mentored teaching practice in order to provide a complete program of professional preparation.

Admission Requirements:
1. An M.A. degree in a relevant area of study from an accredited university or seminary.
2. Superior achievement, appropriate preparation, and the ability to pursue advanced graduate work, as indicated by official transcripts from previous institutions of study.
3. A completed and Signed Application Form (submitted through the Office of Graduate Admissions website).
4. A Statement of Purpose: In an essay of 500 to 700 words, applicants state their purpose in undertaking graduate study in theology and religious studies. The essay also includes the applicant's academic objectives, research interests, and career plans as well as related qualifications, including: collegiate activities, language proficiencies, professional experience and community involvement, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form. Finally, state the reason you believe STRS can help you achieve your objectives.
5. Official Transcripts: Applicants should contact the registrar of every school previously attended and request an official transcript be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA). The University also accepts transcripts which are sent electronically from a former institution. Please note: OGA provisionally accepts Unofficial Transcripts to help complete the application process; however, a provisional admit hold will be placed on the applicant's record, which will prevent students from obtaining a copy of their transcript or receiving their diploma. Enrollment in university graduate courses for students completing their final year of a graduate degree study is contingent upon the receipt of the final transcript showing the conferral of the degree.
  Note: All transcripts issued from outside the United must be certified by a recognized evaluator of international education records (such as WES or AACRAO), even if in the English language. Education completed at institutions outside of the United States, as shown by official documents, may be accepted as equivalent to educational experience in the United States.
6. Three Letters of Recommendation: Submit the three letters of recommendation using the electronic form sent from the Office of Graduate Admission. Along with the form it is highly recommended to include a letter from the recommender. Recommendations should come from former or present college or university instructors giving evidence of personal aptitude for, as well as interest in and motivation for, the field of theology and religious studies.
  Applicants to the degree programs of the School of Theology and Religious Studies (STRS) who are priests, deacons or members of religious communities are required to submit a letter of endorsement from their Bishop or Religious Superior (in addition to their three letters of recommendation) with their application. All applicants who will be funded for their studies by a diocese or religious community are required to submit a separate letter from their superior attesting to this financial support.
7. Standardized Test Scores: applicants must submit GRE scores or MAT (Miller Analogies Test) scores dated within the last five years. If applying for University scholarships, you must submit GRE scores from within the last five years. Test scores and all other required application materials must be received by the University no later than January 8. The Catholic University of America code for the GRE is 5104).
8. Nonrefundable Application Fee.
9. International Students: Applicants from non-English speaking nations and some from nations where English is one of the official languages whose previous education has not been at institutions of higher education in the United States are required to certify their proficiency in English by submitting scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Duolingo Exam, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum score on TOEFL of 92 (Internet - based) is expected. On the IELTS an overall band score of 6.5 or higher is required.
10. Writing Sample: for those students applying to a Ph.D. program a writing sample is required unless they earned their M.A. in the school.
Coursework Requirements
1. If the academic area determines that a student requires additional preparation, he/she may be required to take prerequisite courses which do not count towards the degree program.
2. At least 30 credit hours of coursework are required beyond the M.A. degree.
3. All Ph.D. students must take the Proseminar TRS 799 during their first semester.
4. All Ph.D. students are required to take at least 4 doctoral seminars. The student is required to write a research paper for each doctoral seminar. Please note: if the student has received his/her M.A. at the Catholic University of American only 3 research papers are required.
5. Ph.D. students must maintain a minimum 3.3 grade point average to remain in good standing. Recipients of School scholarships must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4. Students who fall below the minimum GPA will be put on academic probation for one semester, and dismissed if they fail to meet the minimum by the end of that semester.
6. STRS accepts up to 24 transfer credit hours at the Ph.D. level as is deemed appropriate by the area director and the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies.
7. Please refer to the sections describing coursework requirements in individual academic area degree programs for more details
Language Requirements: All degree programs require demonstrated proficiency in a minimum of 2 languages for graduation. Ordinarily these will be French and German. Full-time students must satisfy at least two languages requirements by the beginning of their second year of study. The specific language requirements for Ph.D. students are set forth in the degree program descriptions of the individual academic areas and the school Policies & Procedures Manual.
Comprehensive Examinations:
1. Ph.D. students will be required to complete written comprehensive exams within the various academic areas given over the course of three days in at least three distinct areas of study.
2. Each academic area director, in collaboration with appropriate faculty and the Dean, will determine the modality of comprehensive exams.
3. Individual academic areas may require an oral examination.
4. The purposes of the comprehensive examination include: a) examining the student's knowledge acquired within coursework; b) providing students with the opportunity to study areas not touched upon by coursework; c) deepening knowledge of areas already studied; and d) synthesizing and interrelating areas of theological knowledge.
5. Those students who pass their comprehensive examinations will be awarded a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) degree in course. The M.Phil. degree will be automatically conferred upon approval of the Academic Senate. Those students who wish to receive a diploma and to participate in the Commencement exercises in the Spring semester must apply for graduation via Cardinal Station.
6. Students must register for either TRS 998A or 998B to sit for comprehensive examinations. Students must be registered for the semester in which the exam is to be taken. Students can only register for comprehensive exams twice. A student must request special permission from the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies to register for comprehensive exam more than twice.
7. Please refer to the sections describing comprehensive exams in individual academic areas for more details.
8. The M.Phil. degree is awarded to all Ph.D. students upon successful completion of comprehensive exams.
Dissertation: Within 5 years a student defends a dissertation according to School policies and University procedures. A student may request a 1 year extension with cause.
Residency Requirements: A minimum of 4 semesters of full-time residence is required.