The Catholic University of America's Licentiate in Church History program offers a comprehensive education in the historical development of the Christian Church. This degree, accredited by the Holy See, is designed for those who intend to teach in ecclesiastical faculties or engage in advanced research in church history. The program emphasizes critical methods of historical investigation and provides an in-depth understanding of significant periods, events, and figures in church history.
Licentiate
Church History (STL)
Degrees
The Licentiate in Church History program typically requires at least 24 credit hours of coursework plus 6 credits for the thesis after approval.
The curriculum for The Catholic University of America's Licentiate in Church History program is structured to provide an advanced education in church history, preparing students for teaching and research roles.
Residency
- Duration: Four semesters of residence are required.
Coursework
- Credits: A minimum of 24 credits of coursework is required, primarily within the Church History academic area. With written permission, up to 6 credits may be taken outside the Church History area.
- Core Course: Students must take TRS 724, Methods in Church History and Historical Theology.
- Thesis: An additional 6 credits are awarded upon completion and approval of the thesis.
Language Requirements
- Latin: Two years of Latin proficiency, demonstrated through an examination.
- Greek: A reading course or examination in biblical or patristic Greek.
- Modern Language: Reading proficiency in German or a Romance language (French, Italian, Spanish) through an examination or an approved reading course.
Thesis
- Length: The thesis must be between 25,000 and 35,000 words.
- Approval: The thesis proposal must be approved by the director and a reader by the end of the second semester, then by the Church History area faculty, and finally by the Ecclesiastical Degrees Committee.
Comprehensive Examinations
- Written Exams: Two four-hour exams covering general Church History and the student's field of concentration.
- Oral Exam: A one-hour oral examination following the written exams, testing the student's overall knowledge of Church History.
$1,250 / credit hour
More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.