Licentiate of Sacred Theology (S.T.L.)

The Licentiate program, which is the second cycle of theological studies, is a two-year program of specialized study in Systematic Theology. At the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, the Licentiate program concentrates on one of the following areas: on the study of the Doctrine of God, Christology, Theological Anthropology, Theological Method, Sacramental/Liturgical Theology. S.T.L. courses presume a foundational understanding of these areas from earlier, S.T.B. level studies and seek to deepen the students' grasp of how the Christian community's understanding of these issues has developed.

Students may pursue the Licentiate as either a transitional or a terminal degree. As a transitional degree, the S.T.L. program introduces students to a more scientific study of theology and prepares them for doctoral studies in theology. The program develops research skills and treats theological questions in greater depth. As a terminal degree, the licentiate prepares students to be teachers and resource persons. A graduate of the S.T.L. program is prepared to teach theology in a college, seminary, or university, to function as a chaplain to various professional groups, and to act as a theological resource for a diocese and diocesan agencies.

The Licentiate program is open to all qualified students. Priority status will be given to those applicants recommended or sponsored by dioceses currently served by the University of St. Mary of the Lake. For more information on the S.T.L., please see the Bulletin of the Ecclesiastical Faculty by clicking here.

Course Requirements

The S.T.L. is structured around a cycle of seven courses that provide in-depth study of the Christian theological tradition from the New Testament to the present. Special attention is given to Christology, Trinitarian Theology, Theological Anthropology, Theological Method, and Sacramental Theology. The specialization in Sacramental Theology requires five additional courses, and a thesis which treats a question in sacramental or liturgical theology. The S.T.L. generally requires two years (six quarters) of study. The second year, but not the first, may be completed during summer sessions, meeting from mid-June to mid-July.

Coursework

History of Christian Thought I

History of Christian Thought II

History of Christian Thought III

History of Christian Thought IV

Sacramental Thought and Practice in the Twentieth Century

Classics of Twentieth Century Theology

Contemporary Thought

Five electives taken from the Liturgical Institute curriculum

Licentiate Examination

The examination covers areas of concentration in the program, including New Testament foundations, Catholic dogmatic tradition, and six selected theologians.

The S.T.L. Thesis

The licentiate thesis is written in the major area of specialization and may be compared to a substantial scholarly essay, its length normally about seventy-five typewritten pages.

Prerequisites

1. Applicants must possess the S.T.B. or its equivalent. That is, c. 66 semester hours of Roman Catholic theology (often = an M. Div.) with c. 30 semester hours of philosophy preceding. An equivalent program must have initiated the student in all the major areas of Catholic Theology and in sufficient and appropriate philosophical studies as a prerequisite for Catholic theological studies. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 in the areas of Systematic Theology, Sacred Scripture, Ministry and Worship, Christian Life, and Church History. Ordinarily, there should be no grade lower than a B in these areas. Applicants must submit transcripts of all undergraduate and post-college academic work.

2. Applicants must submit an essay on their intellectual interests and reasons for pursuing the degree.

3. Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation. The letters should include one from one’s pastor and two from former teachers in theology or others who can attest to the candidate’s academic abilities for doing graduate work in theology. The form for application and letters of recommendation may be obtained from the Ecclesiastical President’s office.

4. Applicants must have demonstrated a reading knowledge of Latin and one modern language which can serve theological research. Modern languages include German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Polish. Students can fulfill the language requirements either by passing an examination given through the office of the Ecclesiastical President or by completing a course in the language and receiving the certification of the instructor concerning the student's ability to read theological works in the language.