Ph.D. in Theology

By virtue of the federation of Saint Paul University with the University of Ottawa, the Faculty of Theology of Saint Paul University offers graduate programs leading to the degrees conferred jointly by the senates of both universities.

The doctoral program is intended to promote the acquisition of a high level of intellectual autonomy and expertise in an area of research. As well, applicants are expected to contribute to the progress of knowledge in their discipline or area of studies by presenting original research in the form of a doctoral dissertation. Moreover, the program aims to form qualified persons for university research and teaching or for other activities that require advanced specialization in our disciplines and area of studies.

Academic regulations.

Admissions scholarships.

ANDRAOS Michel, Dean (On Sabbatical Leave until January 2024)
BLÉE Fabrice, Associate Professor (on leave until 2024)
DIONNE Christian, Interim Dean & Director of Graduate Studies
E. CLIFFORD Catherine, Full Professor
ERIC HEFTY Karl, Associate Professor
JOHNSON Sarah Kathleen , Assistant Professor
MARKWELL Hazel, Associate Professor
SLATTER Mark, Associate Professor
SPATAFORA M.S.F. Andrea, Associate Professor

To be admitted to the PhD program:

The candidate must hold a MA(Th) degree of the University of Ottawa/Saint Paul with a minimum 75 per cent (B+) average, or its equivalent.
Among the applicants who meet this requirement, only those whose academic record gives assurance that they are able to succeed and to make a personal contribution to the field of theological studies will be accepted as candidates to the doctorate.
The candidate must master either English or French and have a passive knowledge (ability to follow lectures and to read) of the other language.
To be admitted in the biblical studies stream, candidates must have a basic knowledge (Level 1 - Introduction) of Hebrew and of Greek. They must acquire an intermediate level (level 2) of competence in Hebrew and Greek before presentation of the thesis project.
The Faculty may require a candidate to acquire certain skills deemed necessary for the achievement of the research project (for example, knowledge of a language, basic knowledge of other disciplines).
Provide two confidential letters of recommendation from professors who have know the applicant and are familiar with the student work.
Provide a detailed draft of their proposed research project.

Student Transfers From Other Universities

Students who transfer from other universities may receive credit for work already done, but are normally expected to complete the major part of the requirements for the degree at Saint Paul University. Doctoral candidates transferring from another university to complete their degree at Saint Paul University may be given advanced standing for work and residence already completed elsewhere. However, in all such cases, doctoral candidates must complete at least one year of full-time residence, complete 12 units in their area of study and pass a preliminary examination at Saint Paul University.

Transfer from Master’s to PhD

Program Students enrolled in the MA program may be allowed to transfer to the PhD program without being required to write a master’s thesis provided they meet the following conditions:

Achievement of an A- average in the last two years of undergraduate studies;
Completion of at least four graduate courses (12 units) with a grade of A- or better in each;
Satisfactory progress in the thesis program;
Written recommendation by the supervisor;
Approval by the graduate studies committee.

The student must request permission to fast-track during the fourth session of registration or earlier and must register in the PhD in the fifth session at the latest. Following the transfer, all of the requirements of the doctoral program must be met.

Some additional documents, and in some cases specific forms, are required. For more information, please see the page Step 4: Gather the documents needed for the assessment of your application.

Compulsory Courses (12 units)

THO8311 Directed Readings and Research I (3u)
THO9295 Doctoral Seminar in Theology (3u)

Two regular courses (3u each) directly related to the thesis topic or to be chosen in consultation with the director of Graduate Studies.

Comprehensive Examination (THO9998)

The comprehensive examination is intended to verify that candidates have developed a theological culture enabling them to acquire a knowledge and critical judgment in reference to the major questions, the most significant debates and the principal authors, past and present, in their area of study and, more particularly, in the area of their own research.
THO9998 is a credited activity which is evaluated upon completion of both a written exam and an oral presentation.
This examination should take place sometime between the beginning of the third term and the end of the fourth term. It takes place before the presentation of the thesis project.

Refer to the graduate studies procedures manual of the Faculty of Theology for further details on the comprehensive examinations.

Thesis Proposal (THO9997)

The thesis topic must be submitted after the successful completion of the comprehensive examination.

After the comprehensive examination, upon completion of all course and seminar requirements, and with the approval of the research director, the candidates present their thesis project to professors and graduate students. At this meeting, the candidates present the original hypothesis they have formulated and explain how their project attempts to prove it. The presentation is not perceived as an examination but as an exchange between the participants which may elicit suggestions for improving the project.

Doctoral Thesis (THO9999)

The candidate must write, submit and successfully defend a thesis of at least 200 pages. The thesis must be a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge, embody the results of original research and analysis and be of such quality as to be worthy of publication.

At least six copies of the thesis and of a summary not exceeding 350 words must be submitted to the Faculty of Theology.

The thesis is submitted to an examining board of four to seven examiners, at least one of these being chosen outside the University. If the thesis is accepted by this board, the candidate will be called to defend it. The University community and the general public are invited to attend the defence.

Research Director

The research director is appointed by the Faculty of Theology before the end of the second term upon consultation with the student.

Thesis Advisory Committee

During the first term of the program, a thesis advisory committee (TAC) is formed for the candidate. The Committee’s membership will be determined by the specific interests of the candidate. It will be composed of the supervisor and 2-3 additional professors. At least one member of the thesis committee, in addition to the supervisor, must be from the Faculty of Theology of Saint Paul University. The TAC is responsible for guiding the student throughout the program, including course selection, the comprehensive examination, thesis proposal, and thesis defence.

A meeting between the student and the TAC will take place at least once per term. The thesis examining board may include members who are not part of the TAC.

THO 8311 - DIRECTED READINGS AND RESEARCH I

THO 9295 - DOCTORAL SEMINAR IN THEOLOGY

Organization and composition of a thesis proposal acceptable to the Faculty of theology and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. (Graded: S or N/S)

THO 9998 - Comprehensive Examination

THO 9999 - Doctoral Thesis

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