Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.)

The Licentiate in Sacred Theology is a two-year program of advanced theological studies beyond the first cycle of general theological studies. It includes both a specialization in one area of theology and a major research paper. St. Mary’s Ecclesiastical Theological Faculty offers the opportunity for specialization in Biblical Theology, Systematic Theology, or Moral Theology.

Requirements for Admission

1. The S.T.B. degree or equivalent;
2. A cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0 (B) in the S.T.B. program or other evidence indicating solid assurance that the student is capable of 3.0 S.T.L. work;
3. Presentation of first cycle written research work;
4. Proven reading skills in Latin and one modern language other than English useful for theological study. The requirement may be satisfied either by a high school transcript showing three (3) years’ work in the area or a college level transcript showing two (2) years’ work in the area or by competency examination;
5. A student concentrating in the area of Biblical Theology must fulfill language requirements in either Biblical Greek or Biblical Hebrew. Greek and/or Hebrew requirements may be fulfilled by a year’s work in the language area.

The Licentiate Program

1. Four semesters in the program;
2. A total of 24 credits of 700/800 level seminars and/or elective courses.
   1. Five courses must be in the student’s area of specialization, and two of these must be at the 800 level;
   2. Of the remaining three courses, one must be a specially designated 800-level interdisciplinary seminar;
3. A cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0 (B) is required with an average of 3.0 in the student’s field of concentration and no grade in any course may be below a C;
4. A major research paper of 75-100 pages demonstrating scholarly competence in a topic in the student’s area of concentration;
5. Toward the end of the curriculum, the student must pass a 60-minute oral comprehensive examination on the research paper and on ten selected theological topics. A 3.0 (B) is required for the examination.

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Next, See Additional Individual Degree Programs:

• Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology Degree (S.T.B.)
• Doctorate in Sacred Theology Degree (S.T.D.)
• Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
• Master of Arts in Theology (M.A.)
• Pre-Theology Program
• Model Curriculum Schema