ADMINISTRATIVE OVERSIGHT

Doctoral Studies Policy Committee: The Doctoral Studies Policy Committee, appointed by the Director of the Institute for Pastoral Ministries, has primary oversight of the program, including establishment and review of internal policies, requests for adjustments to the regulation, approval of major advisors and dissertation committees.

Admissions Committee: The Admissions Committee, appointed by the Director of the Institute for Pastoral Ministries, evaluates and determines admissions to the program.

Ph.D. Coordinator: The Ph.D. Coordinator serves as the executive secretary of the Doctoral Studies Policy Committee and Admission Committee.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies: All decisions are subject to the approval of the VPAA and the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Admission Requirements

(i) Master of Arts degree in theology, pastoral ministries, or allied field. Other graduate degrees from accredited institutions will be considered, if the applicant has also successfully completed 15 graduate credits in theology. Exceptional students will be considered on a case by case basis.

(ii) Transcripts of Graduate study.

(iii) Standardized testing requirement. Applicants are required to submit official GRE scores from an exam taken in the last five years (suggested scores, at least 500 500).

(iv) All graduate international students whose native language is not English, including transferring students from U.S. institutions, are required to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants holding an undergraduate or graduate degree from an academic institution within the United States or other English speaking country are not required to take the TOEFL examination.

(v) Computer competency, including online technology.

(vi) Three academic letters of recommendation that give evidence of scholarly potential, and of the personal skills to be both a self-motivated and peer learner.

(vii) Submission of a five-page statement of purpose in which the applicant articulates their own academic and professional interests and why St. Thomas University and this program is the best place for them to study.

(viii) Submission of a writing sample in theology, 10 - 20 pages in length.

(ix) Resume

(x) Application Fee

(xi) Personal interview with the Ph.D. Coordinator and faculty members.

Application Dates

Applications will be received up until January 15, 2006. Qualified applicants will be invited for interviews on one of the following dates: March 9, March 10.

Costs, Scholarships and Financial Aid

Graduate tuition is $625.00 per credit. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Please request the necessary application forms when lodging your application