A Program Shaped for Mission
The PhD in Theology is more than a terminal degree.
It is a path toward becoming a teacher of teachers—one who draws from Scripture, the Fathers, the Doctors, and the entire breadth of Tradition to illuminate truth for a searching world.
Along this journey, you will:
- Engage deeply with Sacred Scripture and Tradition
- Participate in live, scholarly seminars with expert faculty
- Grow in mastery of theological sources, ancient and modern
- Learn the craft of academic research and teaching
- Produce a dissertation that contributes new insight to the Church
This is a formation designed for those who desire not simply to know theology, but to hand it on.
July 17, 2026
Application Deadline
August 22, 2026
Classes Begin
Ready to Apply?
July 17, 2026
Application Deadline
August 22, 2026
Classes Begin
Ready to Apply?
A Fully Accredited PhD in Theology
Your education is an investment and the quality of that education matters.
Â鶹ąŮÍř’ PhD in Theology is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and the Association of Theological Schools.
Choose Your Path
Students choose from four concentrations that reflect Â鶹ąŮÍř’ academic strengths and the Church’s most enduring theological disciplines.
Sacred Scripture
View Concentration Details –>
Thomistic Studies
View Concentration Details –>
Moral & Spiritual Theology
View Concentration Details –>
Dogmatic & Historical Theology
View Concentration Details –>
SACRED SCRIPTURE
The Sacred Scripture concentration invites students to study the Word of God within the living tradition of the Catholic Church. Through engagement with Scripture, Tradition, and the Church’s interpretive heritage, students will deepen their understanding of the Bible and its central role in theology, preaching, catechesis, and evangelization.
Recommended Concentration Courses (5)
SAS 912: Pentateuch
SAS 913: Historical Books
SAS 914: Wisdom Books
SAS 915: Prophets
SAS 918: Letters of St. Paul
Elective Course (1)
CHH 709: Ecumenical Councils
SAS 914: Wisdom Books
Required PhD Seminars (6)
SEM 990: Biblical Seminar
SEM 991: Patristic Seminar
SEM 992: Scholastic Seminar
SEM 993: Moderns Seminar
SEM 994: Special Topics Seminar
SEM 995: Pedagogy Seminar
Below are the language requirements for each PhD in Theology Sacred Scripture Concentration.
Sacred Scripture—Three languages (Latin, Greek, and Hebrew)
THOMISTIC STUDIES
The Thomistic Studies concentration immerses students in the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas and the rich intellectual tradition that flows from his work. Students will explore Thomistic philosophy and theology while developing a deeper understanding of how Aquinas continues to inform contemporary theological scholarship and the life of the Church.
Recommended Concentration Courses (5)
DTH 939: One and Triune God
DTH 970: Christology
DTH 945: Nature and Grace
MTH 911: Fundamental Moral Theology
MTH 914: Theological Virtues
Elective Course (1)
CHH 709: Ecumenical Councils
SAS 914: Wisdom Books
Required PhD Seminars (6)
SEM 990: Biblical Seminar
SEM 991: Patristic Seminar
SEM 992: Scholastic Seminar
SEM 993: Moderns Seminar
SEM 994: Special Topics Seminar
SEM 995: Pedagogy Seminar
Below are the language requirements for each PhD in Theology Thomistic Studies Concentration.
Thomistic Studies—Two languages (Latin and one modern language, French is the recommended language, but not required)
MORAL & SPIRITUAL THEOLOGY
The Moral and Spiritual Theology concentration examines the Christian moral life and the call to holiness. Students will explore how virtue, grace, and spiritual growth lead the human person toward deeper communion with God while studying the relationship between moral theology and the Church’s spiritual tradition.
MTH 911: Fundamental Moral Theology I
MTH 959: Moral Magisterium of St. John Paul II
MTH 980: Marriage & Theology of the Body
MTH 941: Catholic Social Teaching
MTH 951: Contemporary Moral Issues
Elective Course (1)
DTH 990: Spiritual Theology
CHH 981: Patristics
Required PhD Seminars (6)
SEM 990: Biblical Seminar
SEM 991: Patristic Seminar
SEM 992: Scholastic Seminar
SEM 993: Moderns Seminar
SEM 994: Special Topics Seminar
SEM 995: Pedagogy Seminar
Below are the language requirements for each PhD in Theology, Moral & Spiritual Theology Concentration.
Moral & Spiritual—Two languages (one ancient, one modern)
DOGMATIC & HISTORICAL THEOLOGY
The Dogmatic and Historical Theology concentration explores the development of Catholic doctrine within the life and history of the Church. Students will study how the Church has articulated, clarified, and defended the faith across the centuries while gaining a deeper appreciation for the relationship between historical context and theological truth.
DTH 945: Nature & Grace
DTH 955: Sacraments of Initiation
DTH 965: Mariology
DTH 920: The Reformation and Counter-Reformation
CHH 913: Modern Church History
Elective Course (1)
DTH 990: Spiritual Theology
CHH 981: Patristics
Required PhD Seminars (6)
SEM 990: Biblical Seminar
SEM 991: Patristic Seminar
SEM 992: Scholastic Seminar
SEM 993: Moderns Seminar
SEM 994: Special Topics Seminar
SEM 995: Pedagogy Seminar
Below are the language requirements for each PhD in Theology, Dogmatic & Historical Theology Concentration.
Dogmatic & Historical—Two languages (one ancient, one modern)
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the PhD in Theology will be able to:
- Uphold Catholic teaching on Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium
- Read and interpret primary theological sources across centuries
- Apply Catholic principles of biblical interpretation
- Conduct and publish advanced theological research
- Integrate philosophy, natural sciences, and theology into unified scholarship
- Teach at the university, seminary, or high school level with expertise and fidelity
Who Is This Program For?
The PhD program serves:
- Graduates with an MA in Theology or related fields
- Clergy, religious, and lay scholars
- College and university professors
- High school theology teachers
- Formators in religious communities
- Independent scholars and writers
And especially for those who feel called to pursue doctoral training, but who cannot relocate to a residential program.
Doctoral Degree
PhD in Theology
- Online
5 to 10 years
Program Length
$606
Per Credit Hour
July 17
Application Due
August 22
Start Date
More Information
Coursework
900-Level Coursework:
Your training begins with advanced, research-intensive courses crafted around your concentration. You’ll read more deeply, write more extensively, and engage primary sources in their original languages.
Exclusive Doctoral Seminars:
In small, live cohorts, you step into the theological “arena,” discussing major texts, defending your insights, and forming scholarly relationships that guide your entire journey.
Language Mastery:
Like every great theologian before you, you gain the tools needed to enter the sources firsthand—Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and modern languages as required by your field.
Comprehensive Exams:
Your reading list becomes your map—one you build with your director.
You test your strength and readiness through written and oral examinations that usher you into candidacy.
The Dissertation:
This is your moment of contribution—your gift to the Church.
A 70,000–90,000 word work of original scholarship that places your voice into the ongoing conversation of the Catholic tradition.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must hold:
- MA in Theology or a closely related discipline
- or M.Div.
- or STL
Applicants submit:
- Curriculum vitae
- Official transcripts
- 1200–1400 word statement of intent
- Three letters of recommendation
- Academic writing sample (10–25 pages)
- TOEFL score (international applicants)
- Signed Profession of Faith
Cohort Size: Approximately 10–12 students per year
Language Requirements
Below are the language requirements for each PhD in Theology Concentration.
- Sacred Scripture—Three languages (Latin, Greek, and Hebrew)
- Thomistic Studies—Two languages (Latin and one modern language, French is the recommended language, but not required)
- Moral & Spiritual—Two languages (one ancient, one modern)
- Dogmatic & Historical—Two languages (one ancient, one modern)
Accreditation
The PhD in Theology is accredited by:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
In June 2026, the Board of Commissioners approved a five-year experiment to offer the school’s PhD in Theology degree program fully online.
Career Paths
Graduates will be prepared for roles such as:
University or seminary professor
Theological researcher or author
Academic or spiritual formator
Catholic high school instructor
Speaker, consultant, or ecclesial leader
Your Guide Along the Way
Â鶹ąŮÍř College & Seminary is here to accompany you—faithfully, affordably, and flexibly. Our mission is to cultivate Catholic leaders for evangelization, and your academic calling is part of that mission.
We provide the structure, the mentors, the community, and the support you need to move from where you are now to where God is calling you to be.
Explore the Possibilities
Looking for information on programs, admissions, or financial aid? We're here to help.
Speak to your personal Admissions Counselor today for more information.
Admissions Phone:
860-632-3000
Admissions Email:
[email protected]