LICENTIATE IN SACRED THEOLOGY DEGREE

The Dominican House of Studies offers an advanced and specialized research degree, the Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.). In accord with ecclesiastical norms (cf. Optatum totius, no. 16), the student will choose one course in each of the fields of biblical studies and historical theology, two courses in systematic theology and moral theology. The other six courses, although they should be complementary to the area of concentration (systematic, scripture, moral, Thomistic studies), remain general electives. Lectures, seminars, research projects, and personal study are designed to promote theological competency in a particular area of scientific investigation. The Licentiate degree is granted by the authority of and in the name of the Holy See.

The following prerequisites for admission will be evaluated by the Committee on Admissions which may, in individual cases, allow the student to remedy particular deficiencies during the first year of the program:

• The Baccalaureate of Sacred Theology.  Holders of a Masters of Divinity or other, similar first professional degree in theology will have their previous academic record evaluated to determine what further work is required to establish equivalence to the STB degree, and before beginning the STL program.  In the case of those who hold only a Master of Arts degree in theology, this will typically involve at least one and a half additional years of full time study of theology before beginning the STL program.
• Superior achievement and the ability to pursue graduate work as indicated by the transcript of previous studies (with a minimum GPA of 3.25)
  
• Three letters of recommendation by persons who are in a position to judge the applicant’s ability in this academic area, along with a current photo and a completed application form.
  
• Results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) indicating aptitude for graduate studies in theology and religious studies.
  
• A reading knowledge of a modern foreign language, usually either French or German.  This proficiency will normally be demonstrated by written examination during the first year of study.
   
  

I   S.T.L. Candidates (1st Year)

September       I S.T.L. candidates should begin discussing possible areas and topics for STL thesis.

15 April            Deadline for I S.T.L. candidates' submission of a definitive proposal to the Dean, signed by the candidate and his advisor.

15 October       Deadline for II S.T.L. candidates' submission of the S.T.L. thesis prospectus (a formal proposal and outline) to the Dean.  This includes a concrete description of the thesis, an outline, and a selected bibliography.  At this time the Dean will appoint a second reader.

early March     Presentation to the Dean of ten theses for the lectio coram (public lecture).  These will be reviewed and corrected by the Faculty.  If necessary, they will be returned to the candidate to be redone.  Each thesis should contain a bibliography of 7 to 10 items, generally as current as possible and clearly related to the point of the lectio.  This indicates the candidate's ability to pinpoint the relevant literature for the topic and guide those who will be following (and judging) the lectio.

1 April             Last day for submitting the S.T.L. dissertation to the Dean.

NB:  The S.T.L. degree is awarded only upon the candidate's submission to the Dean of a final copy of the thesis suitable for binding and preservation in the Dominican College Library