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2. Requirements of the Doctoral Degree Programs in Theology
2.1. Requirements Common to the PhD and ThD Major in Theology
Requirements applying to all PhD candidates in DRTS, and to all ThD candidates in STH, are stated in the various sources described in "Where to Get More Information" (section 1.4). In addition, doctoral programs in theology have specific requirements. Those common to the PhD and ThD Major programs in theology are as follows.
Doctoral candidates in theology in both PhD programs and in the ThD Major are required to attend a Proseminar in the first semester of their program in which it is offered. This seminar:
- examines the nature and tasks of theological reflection through critical engagement with classic theological texts;
- introduces doctoral students in theology to program requirements, faculty resources, library resources, the general reading list, and discusses strategies for preparing for qualifying examinations;
- is to be distinguished from STH TZ991 and TZ992, which are courses focusing on discussing the research interests of candidates, learning how to further those interests in their courses of study, developing a dissertation prospectus, and writing a dissertation; and
- is also to be distinguished from the sequence of seminars RN 795-796 (=STH TT802-803) that is required for all entering PhD candidates in DRTS, and leads to the Division Qualifying Examination.
Both post-bachelors and post-masters doctoral candidates are required to pass translation examinations in languages as required by their specific programs. In both the PhD and ThD in Theology, one language must be German or French, usually German. Other languages must be germane to the candidate's degree program, taking into account the primary tradition of study and the anticipated direction of dissertation research. Advisors guide candidates in the selection of languages. One language examination must be passed in the first year, and the other(s) before the end of the second year. For details, consult the relevant sources in "Where to Get More Information" (section 1.4) and see below under specific requirements for each degree program.
2.1.3. Written Qualifying Examinations
The Theology Faculty hold qualifying examinations twice each year. These examinations are in addition to:
- the Division-wide examination required of all PhD candidates;
- the qualifying examination in Core Theological Texts and Motifs for PhD candidates in Theology; and
- qualifying examinations required of ThD candidates in their non-theology discipline.
For more information about written qualifying examinations, see "Written Qualifying Examinations in Theology" (section 3).
2.1.4. Oral Qualifying Examination
After all other qualifying examinations have been passed, including non-theology qualifying examinations and the qualifying examination in Core Theological Texts and Motifs for PhD candidates, a candidate may proceed to the oral qualifying examination. The oral examination is an in-depth evaluation of the candidate’s competence in the area of specialization chosen for his or her dissertation. This evaluation is made on the basis of a written paper on the subject of the dissertation, a bibliography compiled by the student in his or her area of specialization, and in-depth questioning in the examination itself. The oral examination may include a review of the other qualifying examinations. More information about this examination can be found under "The Oral Qualifying Examination" (section 4).
All of the written qualifying examinations in theology must be taken in the same examination week, usually in the fifth semester of the doctoral program for a full-time student. The oral examination must be taken within twelve months after the first written examination is taken.
2.1.6. Dissertation and Defense
With an approved prospectus in hand, the doctoral dissertation must be written and defended. Other documents contain information about this phase of the degree programs (see section 1.4). Guidelines for writing the dissertation abstracts are contained in Appendix B.
2.1.7. Knowledge of BU Theology Faculty Texts
All doctoral students in theology are expected to be familiar with the general thrust of the work of each core Theology Faculty member, and the detailed thought of their Theology Faculty advisers and readers. To that end, the major works of the faculty are listed in Appendix A: Major Writings of the Boston University Theology Faculty.
2.2. Additional Requirements for the PhD Programs in Theology
What follows is a description of requirements for both PhD programs in theology. The distinction between the PhD in Theology and the PhD in Comparative Theology is made by speaking of the "Christianity track" and the "Comparative track" respectively.
Post-Masters PhD candidates must have a Master's degree in theology, religion, or the equivalent. For the Christianity track, some background in another religious tradition is required. For the "Comparative" track, significant background in two traditions is required. Corequisites (courses in addition to the basic degree requirements that must be completed as soon as possible during the period of course work) may be approved on a case by case basis.
Post-Masters PhD candidates must complete a minimum of thirty-two credits beyond the Master's degree, including:
- "Theology Proseminar" (see section 2.1.1) and
- "Core Texts and Motifs" (see section 2.2.4).
In addition to those 32 credits, all DRTS PhD candidates must pass "Normative Issues" (see section 2.2.3). Additional courses may be designated as prerequisite or corequisite on a case-by-case basis.
2.2.3. Normative Issues in the Study of Religion
This is a seminar in theoretical, methodological and normative issues in Religious Studies. It is a requirement for PhD students throughout DRTS, as is the Division-wide quealifying examination with which that seminar concludes.
2.2.4. Core Texts and Motifs in Theology
The understanding of theology informing the doctoral programs in theology implies that theological activity within any primary tradition is most intelligible and academically sound when pursued in the context of basic knowledge of, and continual openness toward, theology and religious philosophy as it has developed in other traditions. To secure this basic knowledge, which is also an important part of preparation for teaching introductory religion courses in University or College Religious Studies Departments, PhD candidates in Theology, whether in the Christianity or Comparative tracks, are required to take the year-long seminar in Core Texts and Motifs of World Religious Traditions. A description of the seminar content can be obtained from permanent reserve in the STH library.
The Core Texts and Motifs seminar may be taken for a maximum of four credits. Special arrangements have been made for registering for these credits. There are three and only three such arrangements:
- 2 credits in the Fall semester and 2 credits in the Spring semester;
- 1 credit in the Fall semester and 1 credit in the Spring semester; or
- 1 credit in the Fall semester, 1 credit in the Spring semester, and a 2 credit directed study with the instructor to be taken during the year of the seminar or in the following year.
The Core Texts and Motifs requirement serves in effect as an additional qualifying examination for Theology PhD students. It must be passed, along with the Division-wide qualifying examination (see section 2.2.3) and the Theology Proseminar (see section 2.1.1), before a candidate may proceed to the three major written qualifying examinations in theology.
The requirement for doctoral candidates to complete one language requirement by the end of the first year and the other by the end of the second year (see section 2.1.2) is strictly enforced for PhD students. Financial aid may be affected if this timetable for language requirements is not met. See the sources in "Where to Get More Information" (section 1.4) for further details.
2.2.6. Qualifying Examinations
The expectation concerning qualifying examinations, both written and oral, differs slightly for PhD and ThD candidates. PhD candidates are expected to exhibit facility with the comparative method throughout the qualifying examinations in theology.
2.2.7. Dissertation Prospectus
When the Oral Qualifying examination has been passed, PhD candidates must submit a dissertation prospectus to the DRTS Committee on Academic Programs (CAP). This prospectus must follow the format stipulated by CAP. The paper written for and discussed in the Oral Qualifying examination for Theology PhD students can often serve as a basis for the dissertation prospectus.
2.2.8. Specific Requirements for the PhD in Theology (the Christianity Track)
Language Examinations: University translation examinations are required in two research languages. One language must be German or French and the other specifically relevant to the student’s research interests.
Qualifying Examinations: The three written qualifying examinations in theology focus on the Christian tradition with an eye to comparative matters. The examinations are organized by historical periods but emphasize both constructive and historical skills.
2.2.9. Specific Requirements for the PhD in Comparative Theology (the Comparative Track)
Available Traditions: A choice of two traditions for study must be made in the application materials and significant background in both traditions is required upon entry to the program. Admission is contingent upon the favorable judgment of faculty competent in the two areas (this could be one faculty person in some cases). Available traditions (and languages) are:
- Judaism (Hebrew)
- Christianity (English)
- Islam (Arabic)
- Hinduism (Sanskrit)
- Buddhism (Sanskrit or Chinese or Japanese)
- Chinese Religion (Chinese)
Language Examinations: University translation examinations are required in one research language, usually German (French may be permitted in some cases). Language competence at the "two-year" level in one primary-literature langauge for each tradition is also required. (When Christianity is one of the two traditions, this requirement usually applies only to the other tradition because the language in which DRTS instruction is conducted is taken to be adequate as a primary-literature language for Christianity in most cases.) This requires the ability to translate on sight substantial passages from primary texts into accurate, idiomatic English with the aid of a dictionary. For example, if the tradition were Hinduism and the language Sanskrit, then the requirement would have something like the following format: a 3-hour examination with 1.5 hours on 20-30 verses from the Bhagavad-gita and 1.5 hours on 20-30 lines from either the Chandogya Upanishad or the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad.
Warning: It is crucial to be realistic about the language requirement as described here. There are some languages, such as Chinese, Japanese, and Sanskrit, for which this level of competence cannot usually be achieved in two years. Students entering the program must be prepared to take the steps and time needed to meet the requirement.
Qualifying Examinations: The three written qualifying examinations in comparative theology are arranged as follows:
- Two "tradition" examinations, one on each of the traditions to be studied. Each examination will have very large scope, and will seek to evince evidence of both historical knowledge and constructive competence.
- One "comparison" examination on general comparative issues with an eye to the history of comparison between the two traditions of study.
2.3. Additional Requirements for the ThD Major in Theology
What follows is a description of requirements for ThD programs with a Major in theology. Requirements for ThD Minors in theology are discussed below (see section 2.4).
ThD candidates must have a Master's degree in theology, religion, or the equivalent. Corequisites (courses in addition to the basic degree requirements that must be completed as soon as possible during the period of course work) may be approved on a case by case basis.
ThD Majors must complete a minimum of thirty-two credits beyond the Master's degree, including:
- "Theology Proseminar" (see section 2.1.1).
Other requirements may be established by the Minor discipline or by the ASC (see "Where to Get More Information," section 1.4).
The requirement for doctoral candidates to complete one language requirement by the end of the first year and the other by the end of the second year (see section 2.1.2) is strictly enforced for ThD students. Financial aid may be affected if this timetable for language requirements is not met. See the sources in "Where to Get More Information" (section 1.4) for further details.
2.3.4. Qualifying Examinations
The expectation concerning qualifying examinations, both written and oral, differs slightly for PhD and ThD candidates. ThD candidates are expected to exhibit facility with questions relating to the specific focus of their program throughout the qualifying examinations in theology. This may involve, for example, interdisciplinary connections between a candidate’s Major and Minor disciplines or connections with specific concerns a candidate may have with Christian religious communities.
Each candidate works out with his or her Theology advisor a bibliography of works pertaining to the area of research specialization. On the basis of this bibliography, the advisor writes questions for the written qualifying examinations, of which the student is required to answer one for each examination taken. Answers to these questions are read by the examiners with appropriately demanding expectations for precision and depth of knowledge, and for richness of understanding of connections among relevant themes.
2.3.5. Dissertation Prospectus
When the Oral Qualifying examination has been passed, PhD candidates must submit a dissertation prospectus to the STH Advanced Studies Committee (ASC). This prospectus must follow the format stipulated by ASC. The paper written for and discussed in the Oral Qualifying examination for Theology ThD students can often serve as a basis for the dissertation prospectus.
2.4. Remarks on Requirements for the ThD Minor in Theology
This seminar is strongly recommended but not required of ThD Minors in theology.
The language requirements for the ThD Minor in theology are determined by the requirements of the candidate’s Major discipline.
2.4.3. Written Qualifying Examinations
ThD Minors in theology are required to take only the qualifying examination on the Contemporary Period (see "Examination on the Contemporary Period (20th Century)," section 5.1.3). If the candidate’s research interests make it preferable, and with the permission of the candidate’s Minor advisor, a ThD Minor may opt to take one of the other two qualifying examinations in place of the examination on the Contemporary Period.
Each candidate works out with his or her Theology advisor a bibliography of works pertaining to the area of research specialization. On the basis of this bibliography, the theology advisor writes questions for the written qualifying examination, of which the student is required to one during the examination. Answers to these questions are read by the examiners with appropriately demanding expectations for precision and depth of knowledge, and for richness of understanding of connections among relevant themes.
2.4.4. Oral Qualifying Examination
ThD Minors do not take an oral examination in theology, though they may be required to pass an oral examination in the area of their Major specialization.
The timing of examinations for ThD Minors in theology is determined by the requirements of their Major discipline, except that all written qualifying examinations in theology are always held in the stipulated examination weeks (see "Timing of the Written Qualifying Examinations," section 3.3.1).
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