Ph.D. in Theology Saint Paul University

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.

Compulsory Courses (12 units)

• Directed Readings and Research I (3u)
• 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.

Doctoral Comprehensive Examination (THO9998)

• The comprehensive examination is intended to verify that candidates have developed a theological culture enabling them to acquire 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 that 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 Project Presentation (THO8998)

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 defense.

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 defense.

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.