900
The purpose of the doctoral comprehensive examination is to assess the extent to which a student who has completed PhD coursework is prepared to write and successfully defend a doctoral dissertation, as well as to teach theology at the college/university level following graduation. In order to maintain enrollment in the PhD program, students register for this course in any Fall or Spring semester in which they are studying for and/or taking the comprehensive examination. Students may not register for this course until they have both completed their PhD coursework and passed any required language proficiency examinations. Registration for this course requires approval of the program director. This course may be taken multiple times.
The doctoral dissertation is an original and significant contribution to scholarship in catechetics or in biblical, historical, dogmatic/systematic, or moral theology. The student will work with a dissertation director to develop a particular question, research the state of that question, and develop a formal dissertation proposal.
Notes
This is a pass/fail course.
Admission to candidacy
Under the guidance of the dissertation director, the PhD candidate will formally defend his or her dissertation before the director and two faculty readers.
Notes
This is a pass with honors/pass/fail course.
Registration for this optional non-credited course indicates that the student is involved in studies necessary for the completion of the thesis. At the end of each extension period the student must demonstrate progress toward the completion of the thesis. Master's students are allowed to register for THE 999 no more than two (2) times. A matriculation fee is required. This fee entitles the student to the use of the library and other basic services.