The Ph.D. in the History of Christianity and Church History prepares students for careers in research, writing, and teaching on the college, university, and seminary levels. Students in the Ph.D. program are expected to think critically about the ways in which Christianity has been studied over the centuries and to apply those insights to the study of their area of concentration. To do this effectively, students are expected to acquire advanced training in the original languages and to conduct their research in the primary texts. The program allows for students to complete coursework and to acquire competence in fields and disciplines relevant to their area of concentration.
Doctorate
Church History (PhD)
Degrees
The Ph.D. in the History of Christianity and Church History program is a 36-credit-hour plus dissertation degree program.
The curriculum for The Catholic University of America's Ph.D. in the History of Christianity and Church History is designed to prepare students for careers in research, writing, and teaching at the college, university, and seminary levels.
Coursework:
- A minimum of 36 credit hours beyond the M.A. degree.
- At least 15 credit hours in the History of Christianity and Church History, including 12 credits from 700 and 800 level courses and the course "The Writing of Church History" (TRS 724).
- Four seminar courses requiring research papers with at least a B+ grade in each, and at least an A- in two of them, with two seminars in the Church History academic area.
- Remaining 21 credit hours can be taken in related fields such as Philosophy, History, Semitics, Greek and Latin, etc.
Language Requirements:
- Proficiency in reading French and German through examinations.
- Additional language requirements depending on the area of concentration, such as Patristic, Medieval, Ecclesiastical Latin, Patristic and Byzantine Greek, Syriac, or Ethiopic.
Comprehensive Examinations:
- Four written comprehensive exams: two in the area of concentration and two in minor fields, one of which may be in another discipline.
Dissertation:
- Development and approval of a dissertation proposal within two years of candidacy.
- Completion, defense, and submission of the dissertation within five years of advancing to candidacy.
$1,250 / credit hour
More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.