Theological Studies, Ph.D.

Saint Louis University's Ph.D. in Theological Studies trains scholars in one of two concentrations that reflect areas of research excellence and depth among our faculty: Christianity in antiquity and Christian theology. Students are formed as both scholars and teachers. 

Regardless of their concentration, students are expected to explore a wide range of methodological approaches and cultivate a range of skills vital for a career in research. Alongside equipping students to specialize within their chosen concentrations, SLU's Department of Theological Studies mentors students in the craft of teaching through a variety of opportunities and experiences, including individualized supervision, workshops and diverse undergraduate teaching assignments.

Curriculum Overview

Christianity in Antiquity

The focal point of the Christianity in antiquity (CA) concentration is early Christianity, from its origins through the rise of Islam. This concentration deliberately bridges longstanding disciplinary boundaries between New Testament, patristics and early medieval Christianity, situating Christianity within the Greco-Roman world and the broader religious cultures of the Mediterranean.

Christian Theology

The focal point of the Christian theology (CT) concentration is Christian theology, broadly conceived. This concentration trains students to become Christian theologians by providing students with a strong background in the history of Christianity and the various subfields of Christian theology. Students in this concentration craft an integrated study plan in one of several major theological disciplines through coursework and individualized exams.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Resources for theology students at SLU include the more than 37,000 microfilms of the Vatican Film Library, the archives of the Institute of Jesuit Sources and more than 150,000 volumes of the Divinity Library in the Pius XII Memorial Library, which contains 1.4 million books, journals and other media. The library also provides access to many key research resources, including the Patrologia Latina, Brepolis, Early English Books OnLine, ATLA, Catholic Periodical Index, J-STOR and Index of Christian Art, as well as electronic access to major journals and other indexing tools.

The Center for Digital Humanities creates products and tools to support teaching and research in historical theology. Theology faculty and graduate students are engaged in interdisciplinary work with other departments and centers at SLU, including the Department of Women's and Gender Studies; the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies; the Center for Research on Global Catholicism; the Culture, Religion, Ethics, Science and Technology (CREST) Research Center; and the Center on Lived Religion.

Careers

Graduates have gone on to a wide range of careers in academia, educational administration, museums, libraries, archives and nonprofit agencies. SLU's Department of Theological Studies is committed to the professional preparation of every graduate student.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to the Ph.D. program will have earned a master's degree in theology, religious studies, ancient history, or other closely related fields.

Application Requirements

• Application form
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Curriculum vitae
• Professional goal statement that should address why you are applying to SLU's Ph.D. program, with what faculty you want to work, what you intend to contribute to your field of study, and what kinds of careers you envision for yourself once you have completed your doctorate
• A writing sample of no more than 20 pages that demonstrates an appropriately academic style of writing and contains an argument structured around a clear thesis

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
  • Courses taken and/or lectures attended
  • Practical laboratory work
  • The maximum and minimum grades attainable
  • The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
  • Any honors or degrees received.
• WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
• In order to be issued an I-20 for your F-1 visa application, students must submit financial documents. Proof of financial support that must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Application Deadline

Interested students should apply by Jan. 1.

Review Process

Applications are reviewed by the department’s graduate studies committee. After the first round of review, some applicants will be invited to interview electronically with the graduate studies committee. Decisions will be communicated as soon as possible, ideally in the first week of February.

Tuition 

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award. 

Explore Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

1. Graduate students will develop advanced knowledge in their area of concentration, including its historical development, long-standing questions, and emerging areas of inquiry.
2. Graduate students will demonstrate an understanding of the theories and methods that give shape to the study of theology and religion. 
3. Graduate students will substantively engage with conversations outside their primary focus, participate in scholarly community, and contribute to the intellectual life of the department.
4. Graduate students will cultivate effective classroom teaching skills as teaching assistants and instructors of record under faculty guidance.
5. Graduate students will produce a significant scholarly contribution in their area of concentration.

Non-Course Requirements

Students typically must acquire competency in French and German, and any other languages relevant to their research interests.

All doctoral students must take four written examinations. The first and second exams must be taken by the first Monday after Labor Day of year 2, and the third and fourth exams by the first Monday after Labor Day of year 3. Spring exams are typically scheduled for the first Monday of the final exam period.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 in all graduate/professional courses.

Christianity in Antiquity Concentration

Christian Theology Concentration

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Christianity in Antiquity Concentration

Christian Theology Concentration

For additional questions regarding doctoral study in theological studies, contact theology@slu.edu or call 314-977-2881 and ask for the Ph.D. program coordinator.