PhD Programs
Loyola University’s doctoral program in theology is designed for those who envision a career primarily in teaching and scholarly research at an advanced level. We offer two specializations: Integrative Studies in Ethics and Theology (ISET) and New Testament/Early Christianity (NTEC).
Integrative Studies in Ethics and Theology (ISET)
New Testament/Early Christianity (NTEC)
- Virtual Open House
- NTEC Faculty
- NTEC Colloquium
- Conference Presentations
- Recent Dissertations and Publications
Structure of the Program
The PhD is designed to be completed in five years of full-time study. Students complete coursework during their first two years in the program. The third year is devoted to comprehensive exams and the submission of a dissertation proposal. In years four and five students dedicate their time to writing the dissertation. In addition to developing research skills, classroom experience and preparation for teaching are key components of our program. During the first three funded years, students are expected to serve as teaching assistants and/or research assistants for departmental faculty. In years four and five, students serve as instructor of record for undergraduate courses offered by the Theology Department while completing the dissertation.
PhD Timeline
| Years 1-2 |
Coursework
RA/TA Assignment
Theological Pedagogy I (Spring Year 2)
|
|---|---|
| Year 3 |
Fall: Comprehensive Exams
Spring: Prospectus Defense
RA/TA Assignment
|
| Years 4-5 |
Dissertation Writing
Teaching as Instructor of Record
Theological Pedagogy II (Fall Year 4)
Dissertation Defense (Spring Year 5)
|
For more details about doctoral timelines in Integrative Studies and Ethics and Theology (ISET) and New Testament/Early Christianity (NTEC) see the links below:
Pedagogical Training
Doctoral students typically serve as teaching assistants (or research assistants) during years 1-3. In year 4, students typically begin serving as instructor of record, until the completion of their doctoral degree. Students typically teach either Introduction to Christian Theology (THEO 100) or Introduction to Religious Studies (THEO 107) when they serve as instructor of record.
Doctoral students are required to take two non-credit courses in Theological and Religious Studies Pedagogy, taking the first semester in the spring of year 2 and the second semester in the fall of year 4. Among other activities, students develop a course syllabus, write their philosophy of teaching statement, and take part in the culminating event: a graduate student symposium on teaching and learning.
Funding
Students accepted into our PhD program are guaranteed funding for five years of full-time study. Our funding package covers full tuition and fees and includes a yearly stipend of $28,000.
Application Requirements
Everyone applying for a graduate program (MA or PhD) applies through the same online application. For online applicants, the application fee is waived.
You can use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need!
- A complete application form
- The application fee* has been waived for online applications
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate work
- Three letters of recommendation regarding scholarly potential
- An academic writing sample (20-25 pages)
- Applicants to the Department of Theology’s PhD degree programs generally have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- A statement of purpose describing academic and research interests, as well as professional goals. Please indicate the departmental area of specialization to which you are applying on your statement of purpose (ISET or NTEC).
- Language Requirements: PhD applicants should include a statement indicating the research languages in which they have reading ability, or specifying how they plan to acquire that ability prior to their matriculation.
-
- Students who intend to enter the PhD degree program in Integrative Studies in Ethics and Theology are required to have a reading knowledge of French, German, or Spanish prior to their matriculation into the program.
-
- Students who intend to specialize in the PhD degree program in New Testament and Early Christianity are required to have a reading knowledge of classical Greek and a reading competency in French, German, Italian, or Spanish prior to matriculation.
Find the requirements for International Applicants here.
Application Deadlines
The PhD program only admits new students in the fall semester. The application deadline is January 15th of that prior Spring Semester (for assistantship applicants).
-
- Please note, only a limited number of admissions with merit awards are given out each academic year; only PhD applications completed on or before January 15 will be considered for admissions with merit awards.
*Deadline and application requirements are subject to change.
Loyola University’s doctoral program in theology is designed for those who envision a career primarily in teaching and scholarly research at an advanced level. We offer two specializations: Integrative Studies in Ethics and Theology (ISET) and New Testament/Early Christianity (NTEC).
Integrative Studies in Ethics and Theology (ISET)
New Testament/Early Christianity (NTEC)
- Virtual Open House
- NTEC Faculty
- NTEC Colloquium
- Conference Presentations
- Recent Dissertations and Publications
Structure of the Program
The PhD is designed to be completed in five years of full-time study. Students complete coursework during their first two years in the program. The third year is devoted to comprehensive exams and the submission of a dissertation proposal. In years four and five students dedicate their time to writing the dissertation. In addition to developing research skills, classroom experience and preparation for teaching are key components of our program. During the first three funded years, students are expected to serve as teaching assistants and/or research assistants for departmental faculty. In years four and five, students serve as instructor of record for undergraduate courses offered by the Theology Department while completing the dissertation.
PhD Timeline
| Years 1-2 |
Coursework
RA/TA Assignment
Theological Pedagogy I (Spring Year 2)
|
|---|---|
| Year 3 |
Fall: Comprehensive Exams
Spring: Prospectus Defense
RA/TA Assignment
|
| Years 4-5 |
Dissertation Writing
Teaching as Instructor of Record
Theological Pedagogy II (Fall Year 4)
Dissertation Defense (Spring Year 5)
|
For more details about doctoral timelines in Integrative Studies and Ethics and Theology (ISET) and New Testament/Early Christianity (NTEC) see the links below:
Pedagogical Training
Doctoral students typically serve as teaching assistants (or research assistants) during years 1-3. In year 4, students typically begin serving as instructor of record, until the completion of their doctoral degree. Students typically teach either Introduction to Christian Theology (THEO 100) or Introduction to Religious Studies (THEO 107) when they serve as instructor of record.
Doctoral students are required to take two non-credit courses in Theological and Religious Studies Pedagogy, taking the first semester in the spring of year 2 and the second semester in the fall of year 4. Among other activities, students develop a course syllabus, write their philosophy of teaching statement, and take part in the culminating event: a graduate student symposium on teaching and learning.
Funding
Students accepted into our PhD program are guaranteed funding for five years of full-time study. Our funding package covers full tuition and fees and includes a yearly stipend of $28,000.
Application Requirements
Everyone applying for a graduate program (MA or PhD) applies through the same online application. For online applicants, the application fee is waived.
You can use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need!
- A complete application form
- The application fee* has been waived for online applications
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate work
- Three letters of recommendation regarding scholarly potential
- An academic writing sample (20-25 pages)
- Applicants to the Department of Theology’s PhD degree programs generally have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- A statement of purpose describing academic and research interests, as well as professional goals. Please indicate the departmental area of specialization to which you are applying on your statement of purpose (ISET or NTEC).
- Language Requirements: PhD applicants should include a statement indicating the research languages in which they have reading ability, or specifying how they plan to acquire that ability prior to their matriculation.
-
- Students who intend to enter the PhD degree program in Integrative Studies in Ethics and Theology are required to have a reading knowledge of French, German, or Spanish prior to their matriculation into the program.
-
- Students who intend to specialize in the PhD degree program in New Testament and Early Christianity are required to have a reading knowledge of classical Greek and a reading competency in French, German, Italian, or Spanish prior to matriculation.
Find the requirements for International Applicants here.
Application Deadlines
The PhD program only admits new students in the fall semester. The application deadline is January 15th of that prior Spring Semester (for assistantship applicants).
-
- Please note, only a limited number of admissions with merit awards are given out each academic year; only PhD applications completed on or before January 15 will be considered for admissions with merit awards.
*Deadline and application requirements are subject to change.