Ph. D. in Practical Theology
Bryan T. Froehle, Ph. D. - Director
In response to “the joys and hopes, the grief and anxieties of the people of our time” (Gaudium et spes), the Institute for Pastoral Ministries at St. Thomas University offers a program of studies leading to the Ph.D. in Practical Theology, one of the first of its kind in the nation.
The Ph.D. in Practical Theology is a new and cutting-edge program of studies that recognizes the increasing centrality of Practical Theology for effective theological reflection and action in the church and in the world. Practical Theology fosters a creative and critical correlation between the Christian faith tradition and the “signs of the times” in the contemporary arenas of society and culture.
The Ph.D. in Practical Theology is a unique opportunity to engage frontline scholarship in the practice of theology as:
* Scholarly theological reflection
* Prophetic and liberating activity
* Rooted in contemporary experience
* Honoring scripture and tradition
* Culturally diverse and contextually aware
* Communal and interdisciplinary
* Critical and constructive
* Spiritually artistic and imaginative
* Skillful and innovative
St. Thomas University’s unique location enables students to draw on the rich, cultural resources of Miami as a meeting point of the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The program is designed for students seeking professional and theological skills in the church and community in fields such as: teaching and research, leadership and administration, social action and advocacy.
Coordinated by Dr. Bryan Froehle, the program has an experienced theology faculty reflecting interests in areas such as ecology, peacemaking, biblical studies, the Catholic intellectual and artistic heritage, philosophy, pastoral studies and spirituality. The program also draws on a diverse graduate faculty in the social sciences, cultural studies, business and management, counseling, and law.
Students also have the opportunity to engage with a nationally recognized affiliate faculty, including:
* Dr. Bernard Lee, one of the country’s leading authorities in Practical Theology.
* Dr. Don Browning, author of the groundbreaking work: A Fundamental Practical Theology: Descriptive and Strategic Proposals.
* Dr. Virgilio Elizondo, a leading authority in Hispanic theology.
* Dr. Robert Kinast, Director of the Center for Theological Reflection.
* Dr. Patricia O’Connell Killen, co-author of the acclaimed book, The Art of Theological Reflection.
* Drs. Evelyn and Jim Whitehead, authors of several works in practical and pastoral theology, including Method in Ministry, a classic text in the field.
* Dr. Robert Schreiter, world-renown for his studies in theology and cross-cultural exchange.
Contact:
Bryan T. Froehle
Director of Doctoral Studies
School of Theology and Ministry
Email: bfrole@stu.edu
http://www.stu.edu/theologyandministry
Phone: (305-628-6636 (office) - (312)285-9121 (mobile)