Religious Studies

• Doctorate of Philosophy, Theology
• Master of Arts, Pastoral Ministry
• Master of Arts, Theological Studies
• Certificate, Pastoral Care

Daniel Speed Thompson, Chairperson 
William Johnston, Acting Committee Chair of Masters Programs in Theological Studies and Pastoral Ministry
William Portier, Acting Committee Chair of the Doctoral Program in Theology
Amy Doorley, Coordinator of Graduate Studies

The Department of Religious Studies offers two graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts: theological studies and pastoral ministry. A third program leads to the Doctor of Philosophy in theology. The distinctive research focus of the doctoral program is the practices/praxis of Catholicism as it is inculturated in multiple ways in the United States context. Master's and doctoral students join with their professors to form an ecumenical community that integrates the study of the classical disciplines of Christian theology with attentiveness to the multicultural and interdisciplinary dimensions critical to the contemporary study of religion. Intensive study of Roman Catholic traditions remains central to each graduate program. Both the master's and doctoral programs include basic requirements and allow students flexibility in the remainder of their course selection to ensure that their graduate studies serve their desired outcomes, whether in pursuing further academic work or securing placement in professional ministry.

Assistantships

Qualified applicants are eligible for financial assistance in the form of assistantships for master's students and assistantships or fellowships for doctoral students. Awards are determined on a competitive basis. Master's students receive tuition remission for 18 credit hours per year and an annual stipend. Doctoral students receive tuition remission for 18 to 30 credit hours per year and an annual stipend.

Advising

The M.A. program director of graduate studies functions as the advisor for all incoming master's students. No later than the completion of the tenth semester hour of graduate credit, a student must formally choose an academic advisor from among the full-time religious studies faculty members who teach in the master's program or formally agree to have the M.A. program director of graduate studies continue as her or his advisor.

The Ph.D. program director (or the director's designate) functions as the initial academic advisor for all Ph.D. students. The Ph.D. program director assists students in first semester course selection and provides initial guidance in scheduling general examinations and selecting the five members of the general examination committee. The Ph.D. program director and coordinator of graduate studies report on advising activities for each student to the Ph.D. committee once per semester.

Doctoral students also work with a five-member general examination committee. The committee must include a faculty member from each of the core disciplines: history of Christianity, biblical studies, and theology/ethics. The committee determines whether the student passes or fails the three general examinations.

As soon as doctoral students determine their dissertation topics, they should choose, in consultation with the Ph.D. program director, a dissertation director from among the religious studies faculty members who teach doctoral seminars. The doctoral student, with the dissertation director's guidance, chooses a candidacy examination/dissertation committee. In addition to the dissertation director, this committee ordinarily consists of three religious studies faculty members who teach doctoral seminars and one member outside the department. This committee determines whether the student passes or fails the candidacy examination and reads and evaluates the dissertation.

The composition of both examination committees is subject to the approval of the Ph.D. program director and the Ph.D. committee.

Facilities

Master's and doctoral students have access to distinctive University of Dayton resources such as the Center for Leadership and Community, the Center for Catholic Education, and the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives. The Consortium of Higher Education in Religious Studies offers interaction with area seminaries and other institutions, interchange of facilities, sharing of library resources, cooperative innovative programming, and cross-registration. Students have access not only to a greater variety of courses but also opportunities for even more flexible construction of their degree programs.

The University of Dayton also houses the International Marian Research Institute which administers a doctoral program in Theology (S.T.D.) sponsored by the Pontifical Marianum University in Rome. Religious studies master's students may take courses in the Institute. Interested students should consult with their academic advisor for further information.

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Doctorate of Philosophy in Theology (the)

The Ph.D. in theology employs a unique approach to theological studies and research utilizing the methodologies associated with the academic study of religion, emphasizing strong interaction with the social sciences and humanities. The program's distinctive practice of integrating methodologies prepares students to work within a web of disciplines with theology at the center of research and writing. Using this integrative methodological approach, graduates are able to do theology that is rooted in discovering, analyzing, understanding, and proposing creative transformations in their current religious context, especially as found in the practices/praxis that reflect United States Catholic experience.

Doctoral students must complete a minimum of 90 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree. Up to 30 credit hours from an accredited master's program in theology or religious studies can be counted toward the 90-credit requirement. The Ph.D. program director, in consultation with the religious studies Ph.D. committee, determines the number of credits accepted.

All students must complete the following courses or their equivalent:

REL 601	Theo Meth:Tradition	3
REL 602	Theorsch-Contemp	3
REL 603	Historiography	3
REL 604	Sem-Theo Rsrch Mthds	3

Between 12 and 30 semester credit hours can be earned as dissertation hours; additional dissertation hours will ordinarily not count toward the minimum of 90 semester credit hours for the Ph.D. Students select doctoral seminars or reading courses to complete the remainder of the 90 credits.

Each student  must be in full-time residence; i.e., taking the load of a full-time student, for a minimum of one year before attempting the qualifying examination.

Comprehensive Examinations

Each student, during the course of the program, must successfully complete three general examinations and a qualifying examination.

1. The three GENERAL EXAMINATIONS approximate the master's level comprehensive examinations. A student is expected to demonstrate basic knowledge in three core disciplinary areas of theology: biblical studies, history of Christianity, and systematic theology and ethics. The examinations serve two purposes. First, they provide a student with the background necessary for teaching most college-level introductory courses. Second, they equip the student with the broad knowledge base necessary for skillful theological work. The chair of the examination committee in cooperation with the Ph.D. program director oversees the proper administration of the three exams. Each examination consists of a written component followed by an oral examination.  Ordinarily, the biblical studies examination must be completed before the student completes 36 hours beyond the bachelor's degree. Students will then ordinarily complete exams in historical theology, and systematic & moral theology in that order. Students must pass all three examinations before proceeding to the qualifying examination. Students will be registered for the appropriate general examination in the term after which the bibliography is approved. The student may repeat any examination once. Failure to pass an examination on a second attempt terminates the student from the program. Students who took comparable exams in an accredited master's program may petition for the waiver of any or all of the general examinations. A petition is submitted to the coordinator of graduate studies who presents it to the religious studies Ph.D. committee. The committee makes the final determination.
2. Each student must pass a CANDIDACY EXAMINATION before beginning the dissertation. Ordinarily, the student must complete 54-60 semester hours beyond the bachelor's degree before attempting this examination. Through the candidacy examination, students demonstrate their ability to do original research in the field of U.S. Catholic experience. It is, therefore, substantially more detailed and extensive than the three general examinations. The qualifying examination consists of three parts:
   1. a written examination on U.S. Catholic experience broadly conceived and the student's area of research;
   2. a completed dissertation prospectus covering the proposed dissertation area; and
   3. an oral examination.

Upon successful completion of the written examination and submission of the prospectus, the student has an oral examination with her or his committee.  The student must be prepared to respond to questions on U.S. Catholic experience as well as her or his dissertation prospectus.  The chair of the examination committee in cooperation with the Ph.D. program director oversees the proper administration of the exam.  Upon successful completion of the candidacy examination, students are considered candidates for the doctoral degree.  A student may repeat all or part of the candidacy examination once if needed; a second failure terminates the student from the program.

Research Skills

By the time a student has completed 54 hours in the program (including any hours accepted from other institutions), the student is expected to demonstrate a minimum of three research skills that will enable the student to do primary research in an area of the U.S. Catholic experience.

1. Latin: A basic ability to read official ecclesiastical texts in Latin is ordinarily expected of all students. Proficiency is demonstrated by successful completion of an appropriate course in Latin or by passing an examination consisting of translating a short specific text (e.g., a section of an encyclical) and accurately responding to content questions on another Latin text. The examination is to be completed within a defined time period, aided by a dictionary and grammar guide. A qualified religious studies faculty member administers the exam.
2. Research Languages: All students are expected to demonstrate at least reading proficiency in one modern language other than English. Proficiency is normally demonstrated by the successful completion of a test administered by a qualified faculty member in either the Department of Languages or Religious Studies. Depending upon the precise area of research, the student may be required to demonstrate a higher level of competency in the main research language. Students who have established proficiency in a language in another graduate program within the last five years may petition the religious studies Ph.D. committee to waive the language examination.
3. Additional Research Languages or Analytical Skills: Depending on her or his precise area of research, each student will be required to demonstrate proficiency in at least one additional research skill. For those whose research focuses on texts, that skill may be an additional language; for those whose research includes a significant component in biblical studies or classical theology, proficiency in biblical languages may be indicated; for those doing statistical or qualitative research, facility in an additional analytical area may be necessary (e.g., statistics, ethnography, participant-observation analysis, etc.). Successful completion of a graduate course in a given analytical skill serves as an acceptable indicator of a sufficient level of proficiency for future research purposes.

The specific additional research skills (both languages and analytical) required for the student's program will be determined by the student's dissertation committee in consultation with the Ph.D. program director and religious studies Ph.D. committee. With their approval, REL 604 may fulfill the additional research languages or analytical skills requirement.  A student is notified in writing of specific research skills required of her or him.

Dissertation

The dissertation is a major research project in which the candidate demonstrates the ability to define a research question, develop a research plan, employ relevant research skills and methodologies, and conduct original theological research. The candidate, in close consultation with the dissertation director, determines the topic, methodologies, and pertinent resources. The research plan is outlined in the dissertation prospectus that is submitted as part of the candidacy examination. Passing the candidacy examination means that the prospectus is accepted. Candidates may apply no more than 30 semester hours of dissertation credit to the Ph.D. degree.

The student's dissertation director and committee will be constituted as described above. The dissertation is presented to the committee in a public defense no later than four weeks prior to graduation. The dissertation committee may accept the dissertation without revisions; with minor revisions to be reviewed by the dissertation director; with major revisions to be examined by the committee; or the committee may reject the dissertation (which requires the candidate to retake the dissertation area examination and proceed from that point, as above). Upon final acceptance of the dissertation, the candidate shall be awarded the Ph.D. degree. 

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Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (pam)

The master's program in pastoral ministry integrates the study of theology with the general principles and effective practices of pastoral ministry. The program offers students an opportunity to prepare for a variety of service careers emerging in the contemporary Church, including pastoral positions in catechetics and religious education, hospital, family, parish, and campus ministry. Courses in religious education and telecommunications, family and parish ministries, and the social teachings of the Church ensure the vitality of the program.

Program Requirements for the M.A.

This program requires 36 credit hours for graduation. The majority of the student's coursework must be taken in the Department of Religious Studies. A 3.0 grade point average in departmental courses and in the student's overall program is required for graduation.

Master's students in both theological studies and pastoral ministry are required to successfully complete three two-credit courses: REL 500B, "Foundations of Biblical Studies," REL 500C, "Foundations of Church History and Historical Theology," REL 500D, "Foundations of Systematic and Moral Theology." Students may petition the religious studies graduate committee to waive from one to three of these requirements. The student must present clear evidence of equivalent coursework to that completed in REL 500B, C, or D for the requirement to be waived. Students must complete REL 500B prior to taking specialized biblical courses, REL 500C prior to taking specialized historical courses, and REL 500D prior to taking specialized systematic or moral theology courses. Each student must complete at least one additional two- or three-credit course in each of the four core disciplinary areas: biblical studies, historical studies, systematic theology and moral theology.

Upon completion of the basic requirements, students must then draw up a specific program proposal based upon the projected course rotation. The selection of courses is done in consultation with the student's academic advisor and in light of the student's needs, interests, and background. This program proposal is submitted to the coordinator of graduate studies to be placed in the student's file.

The courses leading to the master's degree may be pursued in summer sessions with courses of one to three weeks duration, or be pursued full-time; i.e., throughout the year. There are opportunities for on-line course work as well. The master's degree must be completed seven calendar years from the time of matriculation.

Language Proficiency

There is no language requirement for the master's degree. For specialization in the biblical or historical areas, a working knowledge of the language employed in the area, e.g., Hebrew, Greek, or Latin, is encouraged. Students preparing for doctoral work should work toward proficiency in at least one modern language.

Pastoral Ministry Seminar

Students are required to enroll in this no credit seminar at least four semesters during their pursuit of the Pastoral Ministry master's degree.  The seminar provides opportunities for students to engage in those practices critical for ongoing development as a minister.  Among those practices are theological reflection at least twice each semester with other students(in addition to the theological reflection integrated into the other courses) and attendance of one to two workshops focusing on practical skills like the  RCIA process, managerial skills, practices of faith formation, evangelization process, Bible study, managing a budget and interpersonal skills such as instruction in specific communication techniques in areas like group building, pastoral consultation, conflict management, ministering to youth, community organizing.  Over the four semesters, students are to attend at least ten different workshops evenly distributed among the various skills needed for effective ministry.

Pastoral Ministry Formation

 Students are required to attend human and spiritual formation sessions. Students meet individually and in groups with the coordinator of graduate studies to engage in those practices critical in formation as a minister. Among but not limited to those practices are opportunities for individual sessions with the coordinator, group spiritual formation, and formation regarding human development and communication. Over the four semesters, students are to attend at least four individual sessions with the coordinator, at least six of the eight different group spiritual formation sessions, and at least two sessions on human development and communication.

Structure of the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry

This program is divided into three parts:

1. Theological foundations (12 to 15 hours including the six required credits);
2. Basic principles for effective ministry (six to nine hours); and
3. The practice and study of specific ministries (9 - 12 hours), including a practicum (3 hours) and the required pastoral ministry seminar (no credit).

REL 500B	Fdns Bible St	2
REL 500C	Fdns Ch Hs/Hs Theo	2
REL 500D	Fdns Theo & Ethics	2
Select one course from each area:		8-12
Biblical
Moral
Systemic
Historical
Pastoral Ministry courses including:		12
REL 581	Pastoral Minstry Sem
REL 589	Practicum
REL 580	Theology of Ministry
or REL 586	Ldrshp-Parish Mnstry
or REL 585	Pastoral Counseling
or REL 584	Canon Law

 Language Proficiency

There is no language requirement for the master's degree. For specialization in the biblical or historical areas, a working knowledge of the language employed in the area, e.g., Hebrew, Greek, or Latin, is encouraged. Students preparing for doctoral work should work toward proficiency in at least one modern language.

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Certificate in Pastoral Care

A certificate in Pastoral Care is available for those Pastoral Ministry students who complete an additional thirteen semester credit hours through Counselor Education and Human Services. This certificate offers educational grounding in human development and counseling theory. It may be particularly helpful for ministers who will apply for the Certification of Lay Ecclesial Ministers.

EDC 531	Pers&HumDvlpAcrssLfSp	2
EDC 545	Counslng Technq Lab	2
EDC 575	Coun Diverse Pop	3
EDC 583	Thr&Tchnq-Grp Couns	3
EDC 623	Foundtns-Abnrml Psy	3
EDC 635	Couples&Fmly Couns	3

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Master of Arts in Theological Studies (thl)

The master's program in theological studies offers a comprehensive approach to the study of theology and religion. Each student is expected to develop an understanding of biblical sources, historical developments in Christianity, and contemporary systematic and moral theologies, especially in the Roman Catholic tradition. Ecumenical perspectives among Christians and interfaith dialogue among the world religions provide another important matrix for study.

Program Requirements for the M.A.

This program requires 36 credit hours for graduation. The majority of the student's coursework must be taken in the Department of Religious Studies. A 3.0 grade point average in departmental courses and in the student's overall program is required for graduation.

Master's students in both theological studies and pastoral ministry are required to successfully complete:

REL 500B	Fdns Bible St	2
REL 500C	Fdns Ch Hs/Hs Theo	2
REL 500D	Fdns Theo & Ethics	2

Students may petition the religious studies graduate committee to waive from one to three of these requirements. The student must present clear evidence of equivalent coursework to that completed in REL 500B, C, or D for the requirement to be waived. Students must complete REL 500B prior to taking specialized biblical courses, REL 500C prior to taking specialized historical courses, and REL 500D prior to taking specialized systematic or moral theology courses. Each student must complete at least one additional two- or three-credit course in each of the four core disciplinary areas: biblical studies, historical studies, systematic theology and moral theology.

Upon completion of the basic requirements, students must then draw up a specific program proposal based upon the projected course rotation. The selection of courses is done in consultation with the student's academic advisor and in light of the student's needs, interests, and background. This program proposal is submitted to the director of graduate studies for approval. 

The programs leading to the master's degree may be pursued in summer sessions with courses of one to three weeks duration, or be pursued full-time; i.e., throughout the year. The master's degree must be completed seven calendar years from the time of matriculation.

Structure of the Master's Programs and Coursework

Three arrangements are possible:

1. 36 hours of coursework (including the seven required credits) plus submission of a research paper (completed in a course taken between the 15th and 24th hours of coursework) to the coordinator of graduate studies;
2. 33 hours of coursework (including the seven required credits) plus a three-hour comprehensive project with an oral defense; or
3. 30 hours of coursework (including the seven required credits) plus a 6-hour thesis with an oral defense.

Language Proficiency

There is no language requirement for the master's degree. For specialization in the biblical or historical areas, a working knowledge of the language employed in the area, e.g., Hebrew, Greek, or Latin, is encouraged. Students preparing for doctoral work should work toward proficiency in at least one modern language.

Concentration in Marian Studies 

A  concentration in Marian Studies is available for students who take between 12 and 16 semester credits in specially designated courses listed under the Marian studies concentration. The International Marian Research Institute at the University of Dayton offers these courses on a regular basis. All graduate students have access to the world-renowned resources of the Marian Library for their research.