The Th.D. with a Concentration in the Theology of the Body

The Th.D. with a Concentration in the Theology of the Body - Th.D. (The Theology of the Body) - is a Theology Doctorate with a concentration in the Theology of the Body. It has been created specifically for graduates of the Master of Sacred Arts (Theology of the Body and the New Evangelization) program, taught jointly by the Theology of the Body Institute and Pontifex University. It will give graduates the opportunity to study the life and work of John Paul II in much greater depth, building on the foundation given to them in the MSA (Theology of the Body and the New Evangelisation) degree.

The Th.D. is a research-focused doctoral degree offered by Pontifex University, in which you can carry out original research in theology. You can learn more about it here. The Th.D. (Theology of the Body) has the same standing as the Th.D. degree, and is awarded to those whose research focuses on a topic related to the narrower field within theology, the Theology of the Body. The subject of the student's research must be approved by both the Theology of the Body Institute and Pontifex University. Pontifex University will consider whether or not the subject is appropriate for a Theology Doctorate in general, and the Theology of the Body Institute will consider whether or not it is appropriate for the Theology of the Body concentration

The path to a Th.D. (Theology of the Body) is as follows:

First, you will need to obtain the MSA (Theology of the Body and the New Evangelization)

Second, you will need to obtain the range of theology coursework that would gain you admittance to the Th.D. program. You take the following additional 3-credit courses offered by Pontifex University at the Master's level, and this will then give you a double Master's degree - MSA and Master of Theological Studies (an additional 18 credits in all). This is a reduced course load, ordinarily 30 credits, which reflects that you have already taken some of the core MTS classes as part of your MSA degree:

•         Systematic Theology

•         Moral Theology

•         Dogmatic Theology

•         Ecclesiastical History

•         Catechetics

•         Philosophy

If you already have a Master's degree in Theology or have taken Master’s level courses in these subjects from a reputable Catholic university, you will not need to take additional theology courses and can be admitted directly to the Th.D. program. 

You will then proceed through the Th.D. as normal, see the process here, until you reach the defence of your thesis. 

As a result of this, you will have the full general formation in Catholic theology given to all Pontifex University Th.D. graduates, with an additional and focused formation in the Theology of the Body.

Graduates of the MSA (Theology of the Body and the New Evangelization) are welcome to apply online for the MTS program as normal, stating in the space for additional information that their intention is to go on to the Th.D. (Theology of the Body).