Study Theology at Duquesne University, a PhD degree offered at its main campus in Pittsburgh , United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 2 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 21, 2027.

About PhD in Theology

Theology

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:

Master and articulate contemporary theological systems and schools of thought using hermeneutical tools appropriate to the subjects studied.
Demonstrate knowledge of foundational areas of Catholic theology.
Bring ecumenical and global dimensions of Christian theology into dialogue with Catholic thought.
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 you 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, a comprehensive exam ensures that you have a secure grasp of the fundamentals in the various theological areas. In the third year of study you will have 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.

Dr. Mary Beth Yount, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Theological Studies, Director of the Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling, Neumann University

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.

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The curriculum of 30 credit hours in Bible, Doctrine, and Ethics will give you a secure grasp of the fundamentals in the various theological areas. You may also choose an optional concentration in Liberal Arts or Interdisciplinary Studies

Disciplines

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Theology at Duquesne University

Entry Requirements

Complete Your Application

All prospective graduate students will be required to submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. Most programs require letters of recommendation and a personal statement. GMAT and LSAT scores are required for the schools of Business and Law, respectively. GRE scores are required for most doctoral programs and some master's programs. Other requirements could include a writing sample, resume, audition or interview.

International Students

If your undergraduate and/or graduate degrees are from an institution located outside of the United States, you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course report. The official reports must be sent directly to Duquesne University from the organization you order through and will qualify as official transcripts. Please review our Transcript Credential Evaluation Instructions.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary by program. Many programs allow students to apply for the fall or spring semester. Some programs also allow for a summer start term.

Credit transfers

Generally, an academic department may accept credits from a regionally-accredited university that correspond to the Duquesne curriculum and in which you have earned at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
The program director of the program or department offering the course establishes the final determination of the acceptance or denial of transfer credits.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80

Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Theology at Duquesne University

How to Apply for PhD in Theology at Duquesne University

Each graduate and professional program manages their own admissions process, but the application for most programs is the Graduate Application.