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Discover your calling as a theological scholar through the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sacred Theology degree at Franciscan University of Steubenville. With deep roots in the Catholic intellectual tradition, this program prepares you to generate meaningful scholarship and spread the Gospel.
Offered through the Department of Theology, the five-year PhD program combines rigorous research, advanced interdisciplinary coursework, and mastery of languages, culminating in a dissertation. As a doctoral student, you learn and connect with a vibrant, Christ-centered community that empowers you to serve the Church faithfully and shape the next generation of students.
Franciscan’s sacred theology doctorate prioritizes experiential learning and mentorship to provide both rigorous academic preparation and professional development. Through this holistic approach, you develop a diverse skill set that includes:
Comprehensive expertise: across sacred theology, including systematic, historical, and biblical concentrations.
Proficiency in classical and modern foreign languages: such as Greek, Latin, French, or German, to inform your theological studies.
Strong pedagogical training: that equips you to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Advanced research methodologies: that prepare you to contribute meaningfully to ongoing theological scholarship.
At Franciscan, we designed our graduate admissions process to be straightforward, so you can focus on achieving your goals. The application window opens each year on August 1 and closes on January 1. We recommend that you get an early start on your application to ensure enough time to gather and submit your materials.
Please note: Admission to the PhD in Theology program does not imply admission to candidacy for the degree. Once accepted into the program, you must complete another set of requirements to be considered for candidacy.
1. Admission Requirements
Franciscan’s PhD in Theology program offers a rigorous doctoral education that demands discipline, hard work, and continuous growth. To be considered a competitive candidate, you must have:
A master’s degree (or the equivalent) in theology or a related field from an accredited university or seminary.
Minimum 3.0 GPA and evidence of superior achievement and strong academic preparation.
2. Free Online Application
Your journey to Franciscan begins by submitting an online application.
If you have questions about applying to Franciscan, please contact our graduate admissions office for more information.
3. Submit Documents
Along with your completed online application, please submit:
One-page summary of current theological research interests, which answers these questions:
How has your previous study prepared you to pursue these research interests at the doctoral level?
Why would you like to pursue these research interests at Franciscan University?
One-page personal statement on the role of theological study in your relationship with Christ and your vocation, addressing:
How would a PhD in Sacred Theology from Franciscan University help you serve Christ and fulfill your vocation more effectively?
Official transcripts from every school you’ve previously attended. Enrollment in our PhD in Theology program for students completing their final year of graduate degree study is contingent upon receiving the final transcript showing the conferral of the degree.
Your GRE from within the last five years.
Three letters of recommendation from former or present college or university professors giving evidence of aptitude, interest, and motivation for doctoral work in sacred theology. Recommenders will also complete a ranking survey of the applicant.
If you are a priest, deacon, or member of religious communities, you must submit a letter of endorsement from your Bishop or Religious Superior in addition to your three letters of recommendation. Also, if you are funded for your studies by your diocese or religious community, you must submit a separate letter to this effect from your diocese or religious community.
Writing sample, which provides a representative example of your academic research and writing.
Proof of English proficiency is required if you’re from a non-English speaking nation whose previous education has not been at institutions of higher education in the United States. Please submit your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores.
You can submit your materials along with your online application.
If you have questions about submitting your application materials, please email the Graduate Admissions office for help.
Designed to challenge and inspire, Franciscan’s sacred theology doctorate spurs your growth as a scholar through three pillars:
Theological research rooted in the heart of the Church
Teaching preparation for service in the classroom and beyond
Human formation through close mentorship with our expert faculty
Through your research seminars, advanced coursework, language study, and dissertation, you build a deeper understanding of orthodoxy, various theological disciplines, and the Catholic intellectual tradition. This immersive training refines your research and pedagogical skills and empowers you to share the Gospel and further the mission of the Church.
Course Sequence
To complete your PhD in Sacred Theology, you must earn at least 55 credit hours beyond the MA degree, including seminars, electives, and dissertation work:
Proseminar in Graduate Theology (1 credit)
The Ecclesial Vocation of the Theologian (3 credits)
Four 800-level doctoral seminars in the student's major area of concentration (16 credits)
Four electives in the student's major area of concentration (12 credits)
Three free elective courses (9 credits)
Teaching Assistant Internship (2 credits)
Dissertation Direction (6 credits)
Dissertation Defense (6 credits)
For more information, please review the comprehensive doctoral degree requirements .
Concentrations
Within the sacred theology doctoral program, we have three specialized concentrations:
Systematic Theology develops a comprehensive, organized understanding of the Catholic Faith, rooted in Scripture and shaped by Church tradition.
Historical Theology explores the development of theological ideas through time, examining cultural, linguistic, and philosophical contexts to uncover original intent.
Moral Theology equips you with the tools to engage Scripture critically and faithfully, combining modern and historical exegetical methods within the Church tradition.
At Franciscan, we help you pursue a faithfully Catholic education. Our PhD in Sacred Theology is a fully funded doctoral program, which also includes a stipend to cover daily living expenses. For more funding information, please email Franciscan’s Graduate Admissions.
Connect with Graduate AdmissionsThe PhD in Sacred Theology program prepares you for a vocation of scholarship, teaching, and service. Through this formation, you’re equipped for advanced academic roles in universities, seminaries, and colleges, as well as leadership within the Catholic Church. Wherever God calls you, you’re equipped with theological expertise and an enduring commitment to Christ and His Church.
“Without theological research, we would not know or would not know so clearly or would not so well appropriate into our lives such truths as Christian marriage is an image of the Triune communion of persons, morality is not just a series of obligations but the way of authentic flourishing and happiness, and there is a moral remedy in ectopic pregnancy to save the life of the mother — to give just a few examples. Without our PhD program, meaningful theological research will remain undone, truths will remain or become obscured, and there will be an untold cost in the lives of countless Christians.”
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My experience has given me valuable exposure to organizations and institutions shaping the direction of America today. This is a wonderful opportunity to show faithful Catholics they can positively impact D.C. and propel them into various fields with the mission to, as Ezekiel 33 says, be ‘Watchmen for the Lord!’
— Ryan Mattingly Dy-Liacco ’27
Political Science BA
Angela Bailey ’24
Angela Bailey is a Registered Nurse who uses what she learned in his MA in Catholic Studies to integrate her faith into her nursing.
John Caliguire ’24
John Caliguire is a middle school teacher who uses what he learned in his MA in Catholic Studies to integrate his faith into his lessons.
Jim Burke ’23
Jim Burke earned his MA in Catholic Studies in 2023 and uses his degree in his work as a private equity operator and director.
Mark ’05 and Katie (Lockwood ’05) Hartfiel
Serving the Lord is a mission Houston, Texas, residents Mark and Katie Hartfiel embrace with joy.
Joni Cheng '19
Joni Cheng first heard about Franciscan University’s Master of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry while volunteering in her home Diocese of Hong Kong…
Benjamin Klare ’18
Benjamin Klare is the associate director for the Office for Marriage and Family Evangelization and Discipleship in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. He coordinates…
Our doctoral faculty combine deep academic expertise with a lived commitment to the Church’s magisterium. Through close mentorship, they prepare you to pursue rigorous inquiry in faithful service to Christ and His Church.