GOALS
The doctoral programs aim to develop competence that will enable students to make an original contribution to scholarship in a chosen area of specialization. These programs prepare students to teach theology and religious studies in a university or seminary and to do university-level research and writing.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- A bachelor degree, or its equivalent, in arts, from a recognized college or university.
- A degree in theology (MDiv, MTS, ThM, or MA) from an accredited theological institution.
- First-class standing (3.7 GPA / A- or better) in course work and a thesis. If a thesis was not required for the master's degree, substantial evidence of research ability (i.e., a 50 page paper) must be submitted with the application.
Language requirements:
At the time of registration,
competence (normally proven through transcript evidence
of successful completion of a one-year university
course or its equivalent within the previous four
years, or by passing a written examination) in one
research language, either ancient (Hebrew, Greek,
or Latin) OR modern (French, German, Italian or Spanish).
Competence in two other languages is required before
proceeding to the comprehensives stage of the Program.
The three languages required by this stage must include
one ancient, one modern, and one of either. A student's
native language may be accepted as a substitute modern
language if the language is considered pertinent
to theological research by the student's doctoral
supervisory committee.
Note: for admission, the Biblical
Department requires proficiency (2 years of study)
in biblical Hebrew for those specializing in Old
Testament studies, together with competence in biblical
Greek. Proficiency in biblical Greek is required
for those specializing in New Testament studies,
together with competence in biblical Hebrew. In addition
competence in one modern language (German, French,
Spanish, or Italian) is required. Before beginning
the comprehensive examinations, doctoral students
in the Biblical Department are required to establish
competency in a second modern language and pass examinations
demonstrating advanced ability in Greek and Hebrew
commensurate with the candidate's major testament.
Students should consult the current ThD and PhD Handbook available online at http://www.tst.edu/programs/doctoratehandbook.asp for supplemental requirements of the departments.
DURATION OF STUDIES AND PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
A minimum of two years of full-time residence is required. The student shall complete twelve units of advanced degree work comprising courses and comprehensive exams; the number of each varies by department. Each student has a doctoral supervisory committee established by his/her department, which works with the student to draw up an individualized program of studies. Half of the required courses must be taken at the 5000 or 7000 level. In addition, all doctoral students shall take three units of study in areas of significantly different minor interest in their own or another TST department or in a department of the School of Graduate Studies of the University of Toronto. Upon completion of the course requirements, students take a series of comprehensive examinations, which must be completed within three years of initial registration. Within six years of initial registration the student shall submit a doctoral dissertat