The Ph.D. in Systematic Theology program offers a perspective and identity which has, as its origin and focus, the Roman Catholic faith tradition. It concentrates on systematic theology, encompassing the fields of doctrinal and moral theology. Since Vatican Council II, the Catholic Church has urged the development of a contemporary systematic theology, rooted in sound biblical and historical scholarship, and in dialogue with the human and physical sciences. The Department of Theology is committed to the development of a Ph.D. program in Theology which listens to the other voices of human learning, including history of religion, philosophy, anthropology, spirituality, sociology and physical sciences.

Requirements

1. Completion of 12 graduate courses totaling a minimum of 36 credit hours with at least a B average. Two of the twelve courses may be taken in an area of study other than theology. The course work of all Ph.D. candidates must include the following: six courses at the 600 level, one in Old Testament, one in New Testament, three in doctrine, one in moral.

2. Each candidate for the Ph.D. in Theology must demonstrate a reading competence in either French or German. In addition each student must show the ability to recognize the Greek and Hebrew alphabets as well as principal theological words. This requirement is ordinarily met in taking 600 level courses in Old and New Testament. All Ph.D. students must also, in their first year, take and pass the 1 year, non credit course entitled Reading the Latin Documents of the Christian Tradition. Students who claim a strong knowlege of Latin may challenge the course by passing an examination on these documents. The language competency in French or German must be met before taking the comprehensive examination.

3. Attendance at the departmental colloquium held each semester.

4. Each candidate for the Ph.D. in Theology is required to take a comprehensive examination upon completion of course work and satisfaction of the language requirements. Normally this exam is taken within one year of finishing course work. The comprehensive exam includes a research component, a written component and an oral component in each of four areas: Foundational Theology, Ecclesiology and Sacraments, General Moral Theology and an area of specialization chosen by the student and approved by the faculty.

5. A dissertation (6 credits), which makes an original and significant theological contribution in the area of contemporary Systematic Theology, written under the supervision of a director, and publicly defended before a 5 person dissertation defense board which includes the director.

Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Scholarships

Each year the Department of Theology appoints a limited number of graduate assistants, normally for Ph.D. students. Assistantships include full tuition and fees in addition to a stipend. The assistantship is renewable on a yearly basis, if mutually agreeable to the student and the Department. Assistants carry a full-time course load and are asked to work 15 hours a week for the department, in teaching, assisting faculty in teaching or research, or in some other suitable assignment.

The Department of Theology also awards full and partial tuition scholarships to qualified applicants. These awards range from 1-9 credits tuition remission per semester and must be reapplied for on a yearly basis.

Tuition remission of 50% is granted by the University to all ordained persons, to all members of religious communities and to teachers in Catholic schools, etc. This form of tuition scholarship can be used only for the M.A. degree programs.

Ph.D. candidates, at their request, may also be employed by the department on a part-time basis for teaching undergraduate courses.

Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (top)

This program is designed for students who wish to achieve personal, theological, and professional competence in ministry. Students can specialize in Campus Ministry, Health Care Ministry, Parish Ministry (for pastoral coordinators and associates), and Social Ministry. The curriculum for each concentration is interdisciplinary, drawing upon the expertise not only of the Theology Faculty, but also the faculties of Counseling Psychology, Communication, Social and Public Policy, and Business. Students are required to complete an internship in ministry appropriate to their concentration (see each concentration for details). All of the curricula aim, therefore, toward gaining competency in the integration of theology, the human sciences, professional skills, and actual ministerial experience. Opportunities for spiritual formation for ministry are also provided. You may contact us for further information at ministry@duq.edu.

Requirements

1. Completion of the course work prescribed for the respective area of concentration, maintaining at least a B average. (See each concentration for details).

2. An integration paper which synthesizes theological research and insights gained in one's ministry.

Campus Ministry: 36 credits

a. 21 credits in theology, which must include: 1 course in the Old Testament (511, 513, or 515), 1 course in the New Testament (512, 514, or 516), 1 course in systematic theology (520, 531, or 580), 1 course in sacraments/ liturgy (538 or 535), 1 course in ethics (541 or 544), Theology of Ministry (539), and 1 elective.

b. 12 credits in allied fields, chosen from among:

In the Graduate School of Education: Historical, Philosophical and Sociological Foundations of Education (508); Counseling and Consulting Theory (556); Group Counseling with the related practicum (557); Introduction to Addiction Counseling (651); Psychotherapeutic Aspects of Human Sexuality (656)

In the Department of Communication: Organizational Communication (515), Interpersonal Communication (554), Communication and Persuasion (501), Intercultural Communication (507), Small Group and Team Communication (555).

c. Theol 589, Supervised Ministry (3 credits), at a site and with a mentor approved by the Catholic Campus Ministry Association.

Health Care Ministry: 36 credits

a. 24 credits in Theology, which must include: 1 course in the Old Testament (511, 513, or 515), 1 course in the New Testament (512, 514, or 516), 1 course in systematic theology (520, 531, or 580), 1 course in sacraments/ liturgy (538 or 535), 1 course in ethics (541 or 544), Theology of Ministry (539), and 1 elective.

b. 6 credits in allied fields, chosen from among:

In the Graduate School of Education: Counseling and Consulting (556), Group Counseling with the related practicum (557), Human Growth and Development (514).

c. 2 units of Clinical Pastoral Education at an accredited site (these will transfer as 6 credits toward the Master's degree).

Parish Ministry: 36 credits

a. 21 credits in theology, which must include: 1 course in the Old Testament (511, 513, or 515), 1 course in the New Testament (512, 514, or 516), 1 course in systematic theology (520, 531, or 580), 1 course in sacraments/liturgy (538 or 535), 1 course in ethics (541, 543, 544, or 546), Theology of Ministry (539), and 1 elective.

b. 12 credits in allied fields, chosen from among:

In the Graduate School of Education: Counseling and Consulting Theory (556), Group Counseling with the related practicum(557).

In the Graduate Program in Social and Public Policy: Family and Policy (540).

In the Department of Communication: Organizational Communication (515), Interpersonal Communication (554), Communication and Persuasion (501), Intercultural Communication (507), Small Group and Team Communication (505).

In Business Administration: Financial Accounting (512), Financial Management (514).

c. Theol 589, Supervised Ministry (3 credits), with site and supervisor determined in collaboration with the local diocese.

For Social Ministry: 36 credits

a. 18 credits in theology, which must include: 1 course in the Old Testament (511, 513, or 515), 1 course in the New Testament (512, 514, or 516), 1 course in systematic theology (520, 531, 538, or 580), 1 course in ethics (541 or 543), and Theology of Ministry (539).

b. 12 credits in the Graduate Program in Social and Public Policy chosen from among: Social and Public Policy Analysis (506); Family and Policy (540); Supervised Field Work (605); Values, Ethics, and Policy (505); Health, Illness, and Social Policy (515); Minorities and Public Policy (516).

c. 3 credits in the Graduate School of Education: Counseling and Consulting Theory (556)

d. Theol 589, Supervised Ministry (3 credits), with site and supervisor determined in collaboration with the local diocese.

Certificate in Pastoral Ministry: 18 credits

This graduate-level certificate is geared to the individual student's background and goals. It may be used to focus in an area of study needed for one's present or future ministry, or to gain the necessary academic qualifications for certification for a particular ministry (students must always consult the appropriate diocesan agency for certification guidelines). Courses may later be applied to a Master's degree if desired.

a. 15 credits in theology, which must include Theology of Ministry (539) and Supervised Ministry Practicum (589); other courses chosen in consultation with an academic advisor.

b. 3 credits in a related field (Counseling, Family Systems, Communications, etc.)

Certificate in Health Care Ministry: 18 credits

Students who want to acquire professional training in health care ministry without working towards a master's degree can obtain a certificate. They enroll as special students and complete six courses:
in the Department of Theology: 546, 539, and 2 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (transferred as 6 credits from an accredited CPE site).
in the Graduate School of Education: Human Growth and Development (514), Counseling and Consulting Theory (556). (Other courses may be substituted in light of the student’s ministerial goals.)

Post Master's Certificate in Pastoral Theology: 30 credits

This is a flexible option for students with professional experience who wish to do advanced graduate-level study for ongoing development (Catholic teachers, experienced parish ministers, diocesan officials, etc.) but who do not need a Ph.D. In consultation with an academic advisor, students design a program of studies in theology and related fields to meet individual goals, totaling 30 credits.

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Master of Arts in Religious Education (top)

This program is designed for students who wish to prepare to serve as Directors of Religious Education in parishes and Catholic schools. Effective July 1998, it is offered by the Theology Department of Duquesne University in collaboration with the Department of Religious Education/CCD of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. When pursued through this diocesan collaboration, students are eligible for a full tuition scholarship.

For more information, contact:
Director, Department for Religious Education/CCD
Diocese of Pittsburgh
111 Boulevard of Allies
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Phone: 412-456-3112

Note: The MA in Religious Education can also be pursued independently of the diocesan collaboration and scholarship program. To apply directly to this degree status within in the Theology Department, contact ministry@duq.edu

Requirements

Completion of 36 credits with at least a B average distributed among the following areas:

4. 6 credits in electives in Education and Catechetics

A study of theology within a Roman Catholic perspective, committed to ecumenical and interdisciplinary dialogue. The program introduces the student to the major areas of theological thought: biblical, historical, systematic and moral. The M.A. degree is designed for students who wish to deepen and update their understanding of theology, for students whose personal faith seeks deeper and more accurate understanding, and for students whose academic goal is the Ph.D. degree.

Requirements

1. Completion of 10 graduate courses totaling a minimum of 30 credit hours with at least a B average, or 24 credit hours of course work with a thesis, approved by the department's graduate committee, and prepared in accordance with the regulations of the Graduate School. All M.A. candidates' course work must include the following distribution: 2 courses in Scripture (one in Old Testament, 511, 513 or 515, one in New Testament 512, 514, or 516); 4 courses in Doctrine (508, 570, 520 or 525, 531 or 538); 2 courses in Moral (541; 543 or 544 or 546 or 548). The remaining courses are free electives in Theology. On occasion courses outside the department may be substituted for elective theology courses, with the permission of the Chair. All Duquesne students may cross-register during the regular academic year, at no additional fee, for courses in the Graduate School, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

2. Demonstration of the student's analytic and synthetic competence in Theology in an 8 hour written comprehensive exam.