The Ph.D. in Moral Theology/Ethics represents an achievement in theological scholarship and research. The program is designed to prepare graduate students to make significant contributions to knowledge in a major area of moral theological or ethical inquiry while broadening their understanding of other areas of theology. Students also select a minor area from in or outside of the School to support their doctoral research. By means of research seminars, advanced level courses, language skills, comprehensive examinations, and an extensive research project, the program is designed to develop graduates who are capable of thorough theological understanding and careful research.
Doctorate
Moral Theology and Ethics (PhD)
Degrees
The Ph.D. in Moral Theology/Ethics program typically requires at least 36-credit-hour plus dissertation of coursework.
Program Structure
Prerequisites
- Applicants should possess an M.A. in theology or religious studies, or an equivalent degree.
- Typically, applicants will have completed twelve credit hours of undergraduate or graduate philosophy.
Coursework
- Core Courses: 18 credit hours in Moral Theology/Ethics, including the following:
- TRS 830E Ethics and Politics in St. Augustine
- TRS 835B The Moral Theology of St. Thomas
- TRS 737E Freedom, Law, Rights
- TRS 737D Twentieth-Century Theological Ethics
- Electives: 9 credit hours to be taken in any academic area within the School of Theology and Religious Studies or other schools within the university.
- Minor Area: At least 9 credit hours in one minor area.
- Proseminar: TRS 799 Proseminar for New Doctoral Students.
Comprehensive Examinations
- Written Exams: Three written exams covering general moral theology, the student’s area of specialization, and the minor area. Each exam is four hours long, except for the minor area exam, which is two hours.
- Oral Exam: Following successful completion of the written exams, students must pass a ninety-minute oral examination.
Language Requirements
- Reading proficiency in one modern language (usually French or German).
- Reading proficiency in one ancient language (usually Latin or Greek).
- Additional languages may be required based on the student’s research needs.
Dissertation
- Proposal: Submission and approval of a dissertation proposal.
- Research: Conduct original research and write a dissertation demonstrating technical mastery and the ability to engage in scholarly research.
- Defense: Successful defense of the dissertation in a public oral examination.
$1,250 / credit hour
More information about this degree is available on the or by request from our Admissions team.