The Ph.D. in Theology is rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition, adopting a decidedly ecumenical and global orientation. Students in the program seek to better understand the Christian tradition by studying its biblical roots, historical development, and interaction with the religions and cultures of the world. Students participate in the rigorous study of systematic theology, moral theology, and biblical theology, while simultaneously engaging in a range of disciplines and perspectives that enrich their thinking, including history of religion, philosophy, anthropology, spirituality, sociology, and the physical sciences.
Learning Outcomes:
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Students will master and articulate contemporary theological systems and schools of thought using hermeneutical tools appropriate to the subjects studied.
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Students will demonstrate knowledge of foundational areas of Catholic theology.
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Students will bring ecumenical and global dimensions of Christian theology into dialogue with Catholic thought.
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Students will show a capacity to present integrated and constructive theological arguments that critically engage and analyze historical and contemporary theological sources.
The doctoral coursework is designed to equip students with a broad and sound knowledge of the field. The program consists of thirty credit hours in Bible, Doctrine, and Ethics. At the conclusion of the coursework, students undergo a rigorous Ph.D. comprehensive exam, which ensures that they have a secure grasp of the fundamentals in the various theological areas. In the third year of their matriculation, doctoral students are given the opportunity to teach undergraduate courses and thereby accumulate valuable classroom experience.
I am grateful that Duquesne's broad diversity of doctrinal and moral theology, all taught in the context of a historical and global approach, enabled me to teach, publish, and present in multiple theological areas, from biblical foundations to phenomenological theory and even to venture into areas of other disciplines, such as the role of ritual theory in the anthropological sciences.
Duquesne University is not presently accepting applications for this program. In response to increasing uncertainties, Duquesne made this difficult decision to ensure adequate resources remained available to support students currently in the program.