"This is the only accredited Th.D. offered fully online by a Catholic university in the United States. What better place to study theology than at Florida’s oldest Catholic college?" Th.D. in Applied Theology "The program will also include brief residences in July. The first cohort (Fall 2023) will have their first residency in July 2024, but the second cohort (Fall 2024) will also have their first residency in July 2024." https://www.saintleo.edu/programs/religion-and-theology-degrees/doctorate-applied-theology $780/credit x 60 = $46,800
Interestingly, the academic prerequisite is a "3.5 or higher GPA in a master of theology program (e.g. MA, MTS, or M.Div.) or related field", so it's not necessarily just for clergy.
I did. St. Leo is one of 37 Doctors of the Church. That number includes four women. As explained here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_of_the_Church My favourite Doctor of the Church has always been St. Hildegard von Bingen, 1098-1179. Nun, writer, musician, thinker. Her music is still played today - and I like it very much indeed. She was a person of admirable accomplishments, well-known in an age where it was difficult for women to be heard. Among her extensive writings is the first known written description of a female orgasm.
At $780 per credit hour, this is on the expensive side. Were one interested in evangelical options, the Ph.D. at SBTS is about $430 per credit hour ($298 if in the SBC), and PRTS' Ph.D. is fully funded (albeit competitive and modular). Liberty's Ph.D.s are $410 per credit hour or $2850 via their block rate. Additionally, there are several Catholic research doctorate distance options in SA that are really affordable (e.g., St. Augustine).
OUTSTANDING point! Yes, Doctor Ecclesiae Universalis, the most exclusive degree program in the Western world. It is definitely an earned scholarly degree, an example of doctorate by published works, and the only degree I know that is only awarded posthumously (or after one's rebirth to Heaven). Well done, Dr. Saint Pope Leo the Great! As for the program, obviously it's not in my field, so no real assessment. It looks like, though, that the university has a particular strength teaching Theology online and off campus. Adding a new program like this is welcome good news, after a series of cuts dealing with a financial crunch. Also, Dr. Marc Pugliese, a Theology professor and Associate Dean at Saint Leo, is a nice guy.
Fair point. On the other hand, not many people looking at a Catholic ThD will be picking an Evangelical one.
This is a welcome innovation. Th.D.’s are not too common in Catholic circles, are they? The only other Catholic Th.D. program I can think of (in the US at least) is at Pontifex University, but that one is not (yet) RA. One wonders why St. Leo went with a Th.D. and not a Ph.D., D.Min., or even a D.A. for this course of studies?
I guess St. Leo prefers applied/professional doctorates over a Ph.D. Their offerings include DBA, Ed.D., D.CJ., and Th.D. As for the D.Min. or D.A., good question!
I could ask Marc in person, but it looks like a logical choice. It's not a PhD because it's applied professional doctorate. It's not a DMin because it is not a Ministry degree. DA is for college teachers, and no one remembers what a DA is.
In this episode of the Saint Leo 360 podcast, we preview the new Doctor of Theology degree program that Saint Leo University is launching this year. We caught up with Dr. Stephen Okey, associate professor of theology, religion, and philosophy and director of this new doctoral program, to further discuss this new and exciting terminal degree. During the conversation, Dr. Okey spoke about: His background in terms of education and career The types of doctoral degrees in theology and how a Doctor of Theology (ThD) is unique The inspiration behind Saint Leo University starting the Doctor of Theology in Applied Theology program An overview of applied theology as a discipline The types of prospective students this doctoral program is intended for The prerequisites for admission to the program Where the program will be offered and the low-residency portion The credit hours needed for completion and an estimated length of the program for students An overview of courses and topics to be covered in the program An overview of faculty members who will teach in the program How a ThD can specifically benefit graduates in their careers What sets this Doctor of Theology program apart from others Episode 81: Previewing Saint Leo’s New Doctor of Theology Program https://www.saintleo.edu/about/stories/podcast/episode-81-previewing-saint-leos-new-doctor-theology-program
Because it is DEAC probably not quite the same but Harrison Middleton still offers the DA. In my entire academic career I have personally never met a Doctor of Arts. The vast majority were PhDs with a few EdDs thrown in.
