Biblical Studies (STD)

The Doctor of Sacred Theology in Biblical Studies program typically requires at least 36-credit-hour plus dissertation of coursework. 

The curriculum for The Catholic University of America's Doctor of Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) in Biblical Studies program is structured to provide advanced scholarly training in biblical theology.

Admission Requirements

• Prerequisites: Students must have an S.T.L. in Biblical Theology or an S.S.L. from the Biblical Institute (Rome) or the Pontifical Biblical Commission.
• Language Proficiency: Reading proficiency in Latin, Biblical Greek, and one modern language (French or German). These requirements must be met by the end of the first fall semester in the program.

Coursework

• Total Credits: A minimum of 12 semester hours in doctoral seminars relevant to the student's research topic. These are typically 800-level courses and include substantial research papers.
• Proseminar: All candidates must complete a noncredit Proseminar in Research and Dissertation Methodology in their first semester.

Dissertation Guidance

• Duration: Four successive semesters of dissertation guidance are required.
• Dissertation: Each candidate must prepare and successfully defend a dissertation that demonstrates technical mastery, scholarly research ability, and significant academic contribution.

Comprehensive Examination

• Students must pass a comprehensive oral examination based on the origins, history, and contemporary status of the major area related to the dissertation topic before the dissertation defense.

Residency Requirements

• Four semesters of residency are required, with continuous registration while writing the dissertation if the S.T.L. was obtained at another institution.

$1,250 / credit hour

More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.