Theology (PhD)
The study of religion has been called a “field-encompassing field” (Clifford Geertz) in that the understanding of religion involves many disciplines. The PhD in Theology at Loyola emphasizes interdisciplinary engagement, drawing on historical, linguistic, philosophical, sociological, and literary methods, in addition to the core materials and texts of the fields of Systematic Theology, Christian Ethics, or Biblical Studies. Loyola University’s doctoral program in theology is designed for those who envision a career primarily in teaching and scholarly research at an advanced level. We offer two specializations.
In our Integrative Studies in Ethics and Theology (ISET) specialization, students give particular attention to the ways in which theology (historical and systematic) and Christian ethics intersect with and influence one another in particular thinkers and with respect to concrete theological and ethical questions.
The New Testament and Early Christianity specialization concentrates on the New Testament and closely related texts in their historical, cultural, and religious context. The interpretation of texts involves the use of a variety of methods, both literary and historical. While studying the New Testament in its multifaceted reality, students explore the fascinating history and culture of contemporary Jewish and Greco-Roman worlds, the richness of the Jewish Scriptures, and the challenging diversity of Second Temple Judaism.
Curriculum
The PhD in Theology can be pursued in one of two areas of study: Integrative Studies in Ethics and Theology or New Testament and Early Christianity.
Integrative Studies in Ethics and Theology Requirements
The PhD in Theology with a concentration in Integrative Studies in Ethics and Theology requires 60 credit hours of coursework, two research tools (typically two modern languages), a comprehensive examination, and dissertation. Students complete coursework toward a master's degree (30 credit hours) in route to the PhD, and the courses required below toward the doctorate.
The program in Integrative Studies in Ethics and Theology (ISET) represents an effort to rethink the riches of the Christian theological tradition to meet the intellectual, societal, and ethical challenges that confront humanity in the 21st century. In their studies and research, students give particular attention to the ways in which Christian theology and ethics interrelate and mutually inform one another.
ISET-ETHICS Required Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THEO 480 | Seminar in Christian Ethics 1 | 3 |
| Five Courses in Christian Ethics | 15 | |
| Foundations Crititical Issues Theological Ethics | ||
| Natural Law & Theological Ethics | ||
| Feminist Issues in Theology and Ethics | ||
| Issues in Medical Ethics | ||
| Directed Readings Christian Ethics | ||
| Roman Catholic Ethics | ||
| Religious Ethics and Social Theory | ||
| Christian Social Ethics | ||
| Issues Applied Theology Ethics | ||
| One Course in Historical or Systematic Theology | 3 | |
| Christology | ||
| Mystery of God in Christian Theology | ||
| Seminar in Systematic Theology | ||
| Directed Reading in Systematic Theology | ||
| Philosophical Theology | ||
| Phenomenology of Religion | ||
| Contemporary Theology | ||
| Seminar in History of Theology | ||
| Directed Readings in History of Theology | ||
| Religion & Politics in Christian History | ||
| Seminar - Variable Titles | ||
| Christian Doctrine-Catholic Theology | ||
| Contemporary Authors | ||
| Fundamental Issues in Christian Ethics | ||
| One Course in Biblical Studies | 3 | |
| Two graduate-level THEO Electives | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Students in the Graduate School who write a dissertation must complete UNIV 370 Responsible Conduct in Research and Scholarship . This course is recommended prior to completing the dissertation proposal.
- 1
Course is taken twice, in Spring semester of first two years in doctoral program.
ISET-THEOLOGY Required Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THEO 480 | Seminar in Christian Ethics 1 | 3 |
| Five Courses in Historical or Systematic Theology | 15 | |
| Christology | ||
| Mystery of God in Christian Theology | ||
| Seminar in Systematic Theology | ||
| Directed Reading in Systematic Theology | ||
| Philosophical Theology | ||
| Phenomenology of Religion | ||
| Contemporary Theology | ||
| Seminar in History of Theology | ||
| Directed Readings in History of Theology | ||
| Religion & Politics in Christian History | ||
| Seminar - Variable Titles | ||
| Christian Doctrine-Catholic Theology | ||
| Contemporary Authors | ||
| Fundamental Issues in Christian Ethics | ||
| One Course in Christian Ethics | 3 | |
| Foundations Crititical Issues Theological Ethics | ||
| Natural Law & Theological Ethics | ||
| Feminist Issues in Theology and Ethics | ||
| Issues in Medical Ethics | ||
| Directed Readings Christian Ethics | ||
| Gospels in Early Christianity | ||
| One Course in Biblical Studies | 3 | |
| Two Graduate Level THEO Electives | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
- 1
Course is taken twice, in Spring semester of first two years in doctoral program.
All PhD students and students in thesis-based Master's degree programs must successfully complete UNIV 370 Responsible Conduct in Research and Scholarship or other approved coursework in responsible conduct of research as part of the degree requirements. It is strongly recommended that students complete this two-day training before beginning the dissertation/thesis stage of the program.
Language Requirements
Students who want to pursue the specialization in Integrative Studies in Ethics and Theology must be able to demonstrate a reading knowledge of French, German, or Spanish before matriculation into the doctoral program. They must demonstrate a reading competency in one of the other two modern languages (or, in the case of Theology, a language pertinent to the intended dissertation topic) before the beginning of their third year of doctoral study.
New Testament and Early Christianity Requirements
The New Testament and Early Christianity specialization concentrates on the New Testament and closely related texts in their historical, cultural, and religious context. The interpretation of texts involves the use of a variety of methods, both literary and historical. While studying the New Testament in its multifaceted reality, students explore the fascinating history and culture of contemporary Jewish and Greco-Roman worlds, the richness of the Jewish Scriptures, and the challenging diversity of Second Temple Judaism.
The PhD in Theology with a concentration in New Testament and Early Christianity requires 66cr hours of coursework, demonstrated competency in four languages (Greek, Hebrew or Latin, and two modern languages), a comprehensive examination, and dissertation. Students complete coursework toward a master's degree (30cr hours) en route to the PhD, and the courses required below toward the doctorate.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 500-level Biblical Studies | 15 | |
| Gospels in Early Christianity | ||
| Early Christian Letters | ||
| Latr Nt-Subapost Writ | ||
| Cultural-Religious Environment Early Christianity | ||
| Various Community Early Christianity | ||
| One Course in Theology | 3 | |
| One Course in Ethics | 3 | |
| Select Three Electives | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
All PhD students and students in thesis-based Master's degree programs must successfully complete UNIV 370 Responsible Conduct in Research and Scholarship or other approved coursework in responsible conduct of research as part of the degree requirements. It is strongly recommended that students complete this two-day training before beginning the dissertation/thesis stage of the program.
Language Requirements
Students who want to pursue the specialization in New Testament and Early Christianity must be able to demonstrate a reading knowledge of Greek and either French, German, or Spanish before matriculation into the doctoral program. They must demonstrate a reading competency in Hebrew or Latin and one additional language before the beginning of their third year of doctoral study. German must be one of the modern languages. Modern languages courses taken to fulfill this requirement do not count towards the degree.
Comprehensive Exams
All PhD students complete comprehensive doctoral exams.
The doctoral exam for Integrative Studies in Ethics and Theology takes place over three days. The first two days of comprehensive exams cover the student’s area of focus, either Ethics or Theology, but the third day is integrative. Each student chooses one of two options: to compare two figures in depth - one working primarily in Christian ethics and one working primarily in Theology or Bible; or to focus around a particular theme and propose authors working on this theme to read and prepare
The New Testament and Early Christianity written exams take place over three days. Day one consists of translation, textual criticism, and exegesis of a Greek text from the NT or other early Christian literature. Day two consists of questions related to a large cross section of reading outside the New Testament from 200 BCE to 200 CE. Day three consists of material chosen by the student as their "minor area" and is usually preparation for the student's dissertation research. These three days of writing are followed by an oral defense, usually during the week following the written exams.
Dissertation
Students will develop a dissertation field within their specialization. Following the successful completion of doctoral examinations and the portfolio requirement, students will make a presentation of their dissertation proposal to a dissertation committee, which will include the dissertation director and at least two other faculty members acquainted with the research areas of the dissertation.
Following approval of the dissertation proposal and the successful completion of all other degree requirements, students are admitted to PhD candidacy. Once students have advanced to candidacy, they will enroll in THEO 600 Dissertation Supervision each semester to maintain standing with the Graduate School while completing their research and writing the dissertation.
The PhD dissertation must be completed, approved by the designated committee members, and successfully defended orally at a public defense.
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supercede school policies.