DOGMATIC  THEOLOGY

PhD in 

Dogmatic Theology

GEA UNIVERSITY OF SAN MARCO


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Doctor of Philosophy in Dogmatic Theology (Ph.D.)


Program Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Dogmatic Theology (Ph.D.)

Accreditation:  The Doctor of Philosophy in Dogmatic Theology is canonically accredited by the Thanksgiving Church of Great Spirit (Florida, US).

Institutional Compliance:

  • Aligned with Florida Course Numbering System (FCNS)
  • Aligned to meet SARA participation requirements
  • Designed to meet Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) standards
  • Aligned to meet ABHE graduate-level criteria
  • Structured to meet U.S. Department of Education expectations for Title IV eligibility (credit hours, academic rigor, residency, etc.)

Program Description: The Ph.D. in Dogmatic Theology is a terminal research degree designed to prepare students for academic, ecclesiastical, and scholarly leadership in the discipline of systematic and dogmatic theology. It emphasizes theological method, historical development of dogma, and constructive engagement with ecclesial tradition.

Program Learning Outcomes: Graduates will be able to:

  1. Critically analyze and synthesize major themes in dogmatic theology
  2. Conduct original theological research that contributes to the field
  3. Demonstrate advanced competence in biblical languages and theological Latin
  4. Articulate and defend theological positions within ecclesial and academic contexts
  5. Contribute meaningfully to ecclesial and academic communities

Degree Requirements:

  • Total Credit Hours: 60 (Post-M.A. or M.Div.)
  • Residency: 1 academic year minimum * (see below instruction about Residency)*
  • Language Requirements: Latin, Greek (and Hebrew optional but recommended)
  • Comprehensive Exams: 4 (covering systematics, patristics, modern theology, and theological method)
  • Dissertation: Minimum 250 pages of original research

Core Courses (36 Credit Hours) (Following FCNS format: Prefix - Number - Title - Credit Hours)

  • DGT 7000 - Prolegomena to Dogmatic Theology - 3
  • DGT 7010 - Theological Method and Epistemology - 3
  • DGT 7100 - Patristic Theology and Early Dogma - 3
  • DGT 7200 - Medieval and Scholastic Theology - 3
  • DGT 7300 - Reformation and Post-Reformation Dogmatics - 3
  • DGT 7400 - Modern and Contemporary Theological Developments - 3
  • DGT 7500 - Christology and Soteriology - 3
  • DGT 7600 - Pneumatology and Ecclesiology - 3
  • DGT 7700 - Eschatology and Anthropology - 3
  • DGT 7800 - Advanced Theological Latin - 3
  • DGT 7900 - Theological Research Seminar - 3
  • DGT 7990 - Comprehensive Exam Prep - 0 (Pass/Fail)

Electives/Specialization (12 Credit Hours) Choose from:

  • DGT 8100 - Theology of the Church Fathers
  • DGT 8200 - Dogma and Hermeneutics
  • DGT 8300 - Theology and Culture
  • DGT 8400 - Doctrinal Controversies in Church History
  • DGT 8500 - Ecumenical Theology and Dialogue

Dissertation Sequence (12 Credit Hours)

  • DGT 9000 - Dissertation Proposal Seminar - 3
  • DGT 9010 - Dissertation Research I - 3
  • DGT 9020 - Dissertation Research II - 3
  • DGT 9030 - Dissertation Defense - 3

Program Delivery:

  • Modality: Hybrid (residency + online components)
  • Instruction: Faculty with terminal degrees, peer-reviewed publication record
  • Assessment: Rubric-based essays, oral exams, peer-reviewed research

Federal and Accreditor Compliance Notes:

  • Clock-to-credit hour alignment according to Title IV definitions
  • Sufficient library resources (digital and physical)
  • FERPA, ADA, and Title IX compliant
  • Documented faculty qualifications in field of instruction
  • Embedded program review and outcomes assessment per ABHE standards

CIP Code Recommendation: 39.0602 (Theology/Theological Studies) SOC Code Alignment: 25-1126.00 (Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary)

***

Core Courses (36 Credit Hours) (Following FCNS format: Prefix - Number - Title - Credit Hours)

  • DGT 7000 - Prolegomena to Dogmatic Theology - 3
    • Syllabus: Introduction to theological foundations, sources of dogma, faith and reason. Readings from Aquinas, Barth, and Congar. Weekly essays and a final synthesis paper.
  • DGT 7010 - Theological Method and Epistemology - 3
    • Syllabus: Study of theological methodology, principles of doctrinal development, and theological reasoning. Includes seminar discussions and research projects.
  • DGT 7100 - Patristic Theology and Early Dogma - 3
    • Syllabus: Exploration of early Church Fathers and Councils. Key texts from Irenaeus, Athanasius, Augustine. Exegetical papers and oral presentations.
  • DGT 7200 - Medieval and Scholastic Theology - 3
    • Syllabus: Analysis of scholastic method and major figures such as Anselm, Aquinas, Bonaventure. Includes Latin text interpretation and doctrinal critique.
  • DGT 7300 - Reformation and Post-Reformation Dogmatics - 3
    • Syllabus: Examination of theological developments from Luther and Calvin to post-Reformation orthodoxy. Includes comparative doctrinal essays.
  • DGT 7400 - Modern and Contemporary Theological Developments - 3
    • Syllabus: Critical engagement with Schleiermacher, Barth, Rahner, and contemporary issues. Weekly critical responses and a theological position paper.
  • DGT 7500 - Christology and Soteriology - 3
    • Syllabus: Study of Christological doctrines and soteriological theories. Includes historical development and contemporary interpretation.
  • DGT 7600 - Pneumatology and Ecclesiology - 3
    • Syllabus: In-depth treatment of the Holy Spirit and the nature of the Church. Includes ecumenical texts and doctrinal frameworks.
  • DGT 7700 - Eschatology and Anthropology - 3
    • Syllabus: Analysis of doctrines of last things and human nature. Focus on theological anthropology and its implications for dogma.
  • DGT 7800 - Advanced Theological Latin - 3
    • Syllabus: Intensive translation of theological Latin texts. Grammar review, vocabulary quizzes, and translation assignments.
  • DGT 7900 - Theological Research Seminar - 3
    • Syllabus: Training in research methodologies, peer review, and theological writing. Culminates in a publishable-quality paper.
  • DGT 7990 - Comprehensive Exam Prep - 0 (Pass/Fail)
    • Syllabus: Guided study groups and faculty mentorship for exam areas.

Electives/Specialization (12 Credit Hours) Choose from:

  • DGT 8100 - Theology of the Church Fathers
  • DGT 8200 - Dogma and Hermeneutics
  • DGT 8300 - Theology and Culture
  • DGT 8400 - Doctrinal Controversies in Church History
  • DGT 8500 - Ecumenical Theology and Dialogue

Dissertation Sequence (12 Credit Hours)

  • DGT 9000 - Dissertation Proposal Seminar - 3
    • Syllabus: Guidance in proposal development, literature review, and defining research methodology.
  • DGT 9010 - Dissertation Research I - 3
    • Syllabus: Initial research phase, drafting of first chapters, regular advisor meetings.
  • DGT 9020 - Dissertation Research II - 3
    • Syllabus: Continued research and writing, peer review workshops, editing support.
  • DGT 9030 - Dissertation Defense - 3
    • Syllabus: Final submission, defense preparation, public presentation, and revisions.


* Instruction about residency:

To ensure residency requirements in a PhD program comply with SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements), the institution must follow these key guidelines:


✅ 1. Residency Must Occur in the Home State

  • SARA allows institutions to require on-ground residency components only in their own SARA-approved home state.
  • Example: The institution is based in Florida, then in-person residency must occur in Florida.

✅ 2. No Out-of-State Physical Instruction Without Authorization

  • If any in-person instruction (e.g., a theological retreat, seminar) occurs outside Florida, the institution must:
    • Have authorization from that state, or
    • Ensure it is within the scope of allowable SARA activities (e.g., supervised field placements within limits).