Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theological Studies

About

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. Area of specialization includes Christianity in Antiquity and Christian Theology. 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. 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.  

Career Path 

Graduate career path includes Department Chair (Theology/Religious Studies), Curriculum Developer (Advanced Theology Programs), Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Theology),Graduate Program Coordinator, Academic Advisor (Graduate-Level Theolog), Research Director (Theological Studies), Parish Education Coordinator, Scientific Journal Editor (Theology Focus), Director of Religious Education, Youth Ministry Director, Seminary Professor, Catechetical Leader, Interfaith Program Director, NGO Program Director (Faith/Community Outreach), Faith-Based Outreach Consultant, Spiritual Formation Director, Community Development Director (Religion/Education), Advocacy Director (Interfaith/Religious Freedom), Cultural Affairs Officer (Religion/Education Focus), International Development Specialist (Faith-Based Programs), Humanitarian Aid Coordinator (Faith-Based Organizations), Religious Journalist, Social Justice Program Director (Faith/Education Focus), Public Information Officer (Religion/Community Engagement).