Seminary and Graduate School of Theology - Mundelein Seminary

Pontifical Faculty of Theology
While the M.Div. and the D.Min. degrees are
professional, oriented toward ministry and
demand at least two internships, the
Baccalaureate of Sacred Theology, (S.T.B.),
Licentiate of Sacred Theology (S.T.L.), and
Doctor of Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) are
ecclesiastical degrees geared to proficiency in
academic theology, and require evidence of
ability to do research.
Since its authorization by the (then) Sacred
Congregation of Seminaries and Universities
on September 21, 1934, the Pontifical Faculty
has conferred: 43 Doctorates in Sacred
Theology (S.T.D.), more than 573 Licentiates
(S.T.L.), and 1020 Baccalaureates (S.T.B.).
The program for the Baccalaureate degree
initiates the students to the study of the whole
range of Catholic theology. In addition to
course work with an emphasis on research, a
comprehensive examination is required. The
program normally requires three years of
study.
The program for the Licentiate degree
requires an additional two years of study after
the completion of the S.T.B. The University of
Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary
offers the Licentiate program in the area of
Systematic Theology, with a concentration on
the areas of Trinitarian Theology, Christology,
Theological Method, and Theological Anthropology.
The University also offers two other
S.T.L. concentrations. In conjunction with our
Liturgical Institute, we offer a concentration in
Sacramental / Liturgical Theology.
Students write a thesis in one of the areas of
concentration and demonstrate their mastery
of theology through a comprehensive
examination.
The S.T.L. generally requires two years (six
quarters) of study. The second year, but not
the first, may be completed during summer
sessions, meeting from mid-June to mid-July.
an intellectual apostolate which will in some
way include the ministry of teaching. A
graduate of the S.T.L. program is qualified to
teach theology in a seminary or college, do
university work as a Newman Center chaplain,
function as a chaplain for various professional
groups, or serve as a theological resource for
diocesan programs and offices.
The doctoral program, which is the third cycle
of theological studies, is a minimum two-year
program of specialized research in systematic
theology. At the University of Saint Mary of the
Lake, the doctoral program, like the licentiate,
concentrates on the study of the Trinitarian
Theology, Christology, Theological Anthropology,
Theological Method and Sacramental/Liturgical
Theology. The program presumes
superior achievement at the licentiate level.
Its focus is to perfect the skills of the candidate
in the scientific study of theology and to
develop the research skills necessary for treating
theological questions in depth. As a terminal
research degree, with a concentration on
the areas of Trinitarian Theology, Christology,
Theological Method, and Theological Anthropology,
the doctorate prepares students to be
university professors, researchers, expert resource
persons. A graduate of the S.T.D. program
is prepared to teach theology in a college,
seminary, or university, to conduct independent
research and publishing and to act as
a theological resource for a diocese and diocesan
agencies.
Fuller descriptions of the programs and
information concerning admissions and requirements
and financial matters are available
in the Bulletin of the Pontifical Faculty of
Theology. Please contact: President of the
Pontifical Faculty, Rev. John G. Lodge,
Mundelein Seminary, 1000 East Maple Ave.,
Mundelein, IL 60060.
The S.T.L. program can serve as a foundation
for doctoral studies by training students to do
research in theology, treat special questions,
and deal with the questions of theology with
greater depth. The licentiate may also be
pursued as a terminal degree in preparation for
58