Doctor of Sacred Theology
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The Doctor of Sacred Theology (S.T.D. = Sacrae Theologiae Doctor) is the final theological degree in the pontifical university system of the Roman Catholic Church. The doctor of sacred theology is in many ways comparable to the doctor of Catholic theology (Th. D.) or doctor of philosophy in Catholic theology (Ph. D.) in terms of academic level of study.
The degree builds upon the work of the Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) and the Licentiate of Sacred Theology (S.T.L.). Normally, the S.T.B. is earned in three years, provided the candidate has at least two years of undergraduate study of philosophy before entering an S.T.B. program. The S.T.L. is normally earned in an additional two years, and the S.T.D. is earned after the writing, defence and publication of the doctoral dissertation (an additional 2-3 years). At institutions that offer both civil and church doctorates, the reqirements of the S.T.D. will usually -- although not always -- be shaped so that those reading for the award can receive a Th. D. or Ph. D. in the process of meeting the requirements of the S.T.D.
This compares with, for example, the four year program for a B.A. at many universities, a two year program for an M.A., and the writing, defence and publication of the doctoral dissertation for the Ph. D. in Catholic theology or Th. D. (an additional 2-3 years).
A sketch of the degree cycle and requirements for ecclesiastical degrees can be found in John Paul II's apostolic constitution, Sapientia Christiana [1].
The S.T.D., or the J.C.D. (doctor of canon law), is the preferred qualification for teaching theology or canon law on a Catholic university faculty or for holding certain other posts of administration. In addition, the S.T.D. is usually required for a permanent post on the theology faculty of an ecclesiastical/pontifical university.
