Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies (PhD)

Combining methodological rigour in an interdisciplinary framework with the unique ecumenical context provided by TST, you will complete research projects supporting the Church’s reflection on God and the Church’s self-reflection. The theological inquiry of other faith communities can also be supported in some areas.  

This program emphasizes collaborative learning with your cohort including scholarly interchange across the traditional sub-disciplines of theological studies (Bible, history, theology, pastoral studies). Your studies will consider interdisciplinary, ecumenical and global perspectives. Interdisciplinary research projects are encouraged.  

This degree is awarded conjointly with the University of Toronto. 

First-class standing (3.7 GPA / A- or better) in course work and a thesis. If a thesis was not required for the master’s degree, substantial evidence of research ability (i.e., a 50-page paper) must be submitted with the application. 

A minimum of two years of full-time residence is required. You must complete 12 units of advanced degree work including courses and comprehensive exams; the number of each varies by department. 

You will have a doctoral supervisory committee established by your department, which works with you to draw up an individualized program of studies. Half of the required courses must be taken at the 5000 or 7000 level. 

In addition, all doctoral students take three units of study in areas of significantly different minor interest in their own or another TST department or in a department of the School of Graduate Studies of the University of Toronto. 

Upon completion of the course requirements, you take a series of comprehensive examinations which must be completed within three years of initial registration. Within six years of initial registration you must submit a doctoral dissertation.  

For admission into the Historical, Pastoral and Theological departments, you must be “competent” (normally proven through transcript evidence of successful completion of a one-year university course or its equivalent within the previous four years, or by passing a written examination) in at least one language selected from among ancient or modern languages necessary for their research. 

Alternatively, you may be admitted on the condition that you will be able to demonstrate competence in at least one of these languages before entering the first year of studies. The TST Advanced Degree Admissions Committee determines the entrance language based on your statement of purpose and previous language study. 

Competence in a second language (determined by the supervisory committee) is required before proceeding to the comprehensives stage of the Program, with the provision that at least one language is a language of modern scholarship. A supervisory committee may require you to demonstrate language skills beyond the above to support research in your area of specialization. 

N.B. For admission, the Biblical Department requires proficiency (two years of study) in biblical Hebrew for those specializing in Old Testament studies, together with competence in biblical Greek. Proficiency in biblical Greek is required for those specializing in New Testament studies, together with competence in biblical Hebrew. In addition, competence in one modern language (for e.g., German, French, Spanish, Italian) is required. Before beginning the comprehensive examinations, doctoral students in the Biblical Department are required to establish competency in a second modern language and pass examinations demonstrating advanced ability in Greek and Hebrew commensurate with the candidate’s major testament. 

More information on departmental supplemental requirements is available in the GCTS Conjoint Degree Handbook.

For further details about bursaries and scholarships, please visit [Academics>Awards, Scholarships & Tuition]. 

Faculty Assistantships 

All PhD students will have the opportunity to be engaged in collaborating in research projects under the mentorship of a RSM faculty member. This will also provide some limited opportunities for class lecturing.