Doctor of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (ThD & PhD)

TST doctoral programs aim to develop competence that will enable students to make an original contribution to scholarship in a chosen area of specialization. These programs require two years of full-time study, followed by a period of post-residential study (full-time or part-time) which should not exceed four years.

The program is divided into four distinct stages: coursework and language preparation; comprehensive examinations; the preparation of a thesis proposal; the writing and defence of a thesis, which must make an original contribution to theological scholarship and demonstrate the student's competence to advance theological understanding for the sake of church, academy and society.

The PhD and ThD are offered through the Biblical, Historical, Pastoral and Theological Departments. Each department specifies how the program requirements are to be fulfilled by its students. Doctoral candidates shall be required to take three units in areas of significantly minor interest in their own department or in another department of the TST or the University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies.

ThD degrees are granted conjointly by the University of Toronto and the TST member school in which the student is registered while PhD degrees are granted by the University of St. Michael's College.

Doctoral Handbook