School of Theology Catalog 2021

Licentiate in Sacred Theology
(S.T.L.)
The Licentiate in Sacred Theology is a twoyear
program of advanced theological studies
beyond the first cycle of general theological
studies. It includes both a specialization in
one area of theology and a major research
paper. St. Mary’s Ecclesiastical Theological
Faculty offers the opportunity for specialization
in Biblical Theology, Systematic
Theology, or Moral Theology.
Requirements for Admission:
1. The S.T.B. degree or equivalent;
2. A cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0
(B) in the S.T.B. program or other evidence
indicating solid assurance that the
student is capable of 3.0 S.T.L. work;
3. Presentation of first cycle written
research work;
4. Proven reading skills in Latin and one
modern language other than English useful
for theological study. The requirement
may be satisfied either by a high
school transcript showing three (3) years’
work in the area or a college level transcript
showing two (2) years’ work in the
area or by competency examination;
5. A student concentrating in the area of
Biblical Theology must fulfill language
requirements in either Biblical Greek or
Biblical Hebrew. Greek and/or Hebrew
requirements may be fulfilled by a year’s
work in the language area.
6. Copy of latest TOEFL iBT scores and
reports: (minimum required score of 91)
taken within the past year, if non-native
speaker of English;
The Licentiate Program
1. Four semesters in the program;
2. A total of 24 credits of 700/800 level seminars
and/or elective courses;
a. Five courses must be in the student's
area of specialization, and two of these
must be at the 800 level.
b. Of the remaining three courses, one
must be a specially designated 800-
level interdisciplinary seminar.
c. The area of specialization must be
determined before the beginning of
the second semester.
d. Normally no more than nine credits
may be taken during any one semester.
Options for scheduling course requirements
over the four semesters may be
discussed with the Praeses.
e. Normally no more than six credits may
be taken as independent study courses.
f. Normally no more than six credits
may be taken outside St. Mary’s
Ecclesiastical Faculty.
3. A cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0
(B) is required with an average of 3.0 in
the student’s field of concentration and
no grade in any course may be below a C.
4. A major research paper of 75-100 pages
demonstrating scholarly competence in a
topic in the student’s area of concentration;
a. Before the end of the second month of
the student’s second semester, the student
must choose a director ordinarily
drawn from among the members of the
Ecclesiastical Theological Faculty.
b. Further, the student must present to
the Praeses, before the end of the third
month of that semester, a topic proposal
and a brief outline for his approval.
5. Toward the end of the curriculum, the
student must pass a 60 minute oral comprehensive
examination on the research
paper and on ten selected theological topics.
A 3.0 (B) is required for the examination.
The examination board consists of
the student’s research paper director, a
second reader, and the Praeses or his delegate.
6. All work for the S.T.L. program must be
completed within five years of matriculation.
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