Theology (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. requires 90 credit hours, 30 of which may be at the master's level. 30 hours may be selected from doctoral courses, and 30 hours will be dissertation hours. Dissertations focus on theological questions that arise from ongoing life of the church in the United States.

In the second year of study, graduate assistants teach introductory undergraduate courses. They are prepared for teaching through a pedagogy seminar and are mentored by a faculty member in the department.

The doctoral program prepares students to teach in colleges and universities, as well as those intending to work in research and in church administration. Students graduating from this program have gone on to teach in a variety of academic positions and have published numerous books and articles.

While working on your theology doctorate at the University of Dayton, you can also earn a doctoral certificate in Marian studies.

Visit the Catalog to view additional details about theology, including degree requirements and course descriptions. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us at adoorley1@udayton.edu.

Applicants to the theology program should submit the following information in addition to applying through the online Admission Account:

1. Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the Office of Graduate Admission Processing. Hand-carried transcripts, official copies marked Issued to Student and unofficial copies are not acceptable.
2. Three letters of recommendation that address the applicant's academic qualifications from professors or employers.
3. A personal statement explaining the applicant’s goals for doctoral study in theology and how these goals fit with the approach, faculty and resources of UD’s doctoral program.
4. An official GRE test score.
5. A sample of academic writing, such as a research paper, published article or excerpt from published book or thesis. (25 pages maximum)

Additional requirements apply for international students.

Applicants to the program will ordinarily have completed an M.A. in theology, religious studies or similar degree. Applicants with a B.A. in theology or religious studies may be admitted to the program but will be required to complete the prerequisites ordinarily required for the M.A. degree and to complete the core of the M.A. program as part of their doctoral work. Applicants should have a minimum of 3.5 grade-point average in graduate work.

Additional Information

1. All doctoral applicants are considered for graduate assistantships in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies. No additional application materials are needed.
2. All application materials are to submitted no later than February 1. When submitting your online application, please submit the application itself first and then submit all supplemental materials.
3. Candidates for the doctoral program are admitted in the fall term only.

• Campus Ministry (Graduate Certificate)
• Disability and Ministry (Graduate Certificate)
• Marian Studies (Graduate Certificate)
• Marian Studies (Doctoral Certificate)
• Nonprofit and Community Leadership (Graduate Certificate)
• Pastoral Care (Graduate Certificate)
• Pastoral Counseling (Graduate Certificate)
• Campus Ministry (Post-Master's Certificate)
• Marian Studies (Doctoral Certificate)

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success.

All doctoral applicants are considered for graduate assistantships in the Department of Religious Studies. No additional application materials are needed. These competitive awards typically provide compensation in the form of full or partial tuition remission, plus a monthly stipend for 20 hours of work per week.

Financial aid may be available for degree-seeking graduate students, file the FAFSA to be considered. Once you have applied and been accepted to a graduate program, we will prepare your applicable aid for the upcoming year.