"S.T.D." redirects here. For other uses, see STD. STD is an abbreviation used in several different contexts that stand for different terms. ...

The Doctor of Sacred Theology (S.T.D. Sacrae Theologiae Doctor) is the final theological degree in the pontifical university system of the Roman Catholic Church. The doctor of sacred theology is in many ways comparable to the doctor of Catholic theology (Th. D.) or doctor of philosophy in Catholic theology (Ph. D.) in terms of academic level of study. A pontifical university is a Roman Catholic university established by and directly under the authority of the Holy See. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      The Roman Catholic Church or Catholic... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated Ph. ...

The degree builds upon the work of the Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) and the Licentiate of Sacred Theology (S.T.L.). Normally, the S.T.B. is earned in three years, provided the candidate has at least two years of undergraduate study of philosophy before entering an S.T.B. program. The S.T.L. is normally earned in an additional two years, and the S.T.D. is earned after the writing, defence and publication of the doctoral dissertation (an additional 2-3 years). At institutions that offer both civil and church doctorates, the reqirements of the S.T.D. will usually -- although not always -- be shaped so that those reading for the award can receive a Th. D. or Ph. D. in the process of meeting the requirements of the S.T.D. S.T.B. (Sacrae Theologiae Baccalaureus) refers to the academic degree Bachelor of Sacred Theology. ... A Licentiate in Sacred Theology, commonly known in academia as STL, is an advanced degree offered by colleges and universities specializing in theology. ...

This compares with, for example, the four year program for a B.A. at many universities, a two year program for an M.A., and the writing and defence of the doctoral dissertation for the Ph. D. in Catholic theology or Th. D. (an additional 2-3 years).

A sketch of the degree cycle and requirements for ecclesiastical degrees can be found in John Paul II's apostolic constitution, Sapientia Christiana [1]. Official papal image of John Paul II. His Holiness Pope John Paul II, né Karol Józef Wojtyła (born May 18, 1920 in Wadowice, Poland), is the current Pope — the Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church. ... An Apostolic constitution (Latin constitutio apostolica) is a very solemn decree issued by the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. ...

The S.T.D., or the J.C.D. (doctor of canon law), is the preferred qualification for teaching theology or canon law on a Catholic university faculty or for holding certain other posts of administration. In addition, the S.T.D. is usually required for a permanent post on the theology faculty of an ecclesiastical/pontifical university. However, this requirement can be waived if a teacher holds an S.T.L.. John Paul II's Sapientia Christiania notes that in an even where a doctorate is non-canonical, "the teacher will usually be required to have at least a canonical licentiate." (SC, Article 17). A Doctor of Canon Law (Juris Canonici Doctor) is a university academic degree. ... A Licentiate in Sacred Theology, commonly known in academia as STL, is an advanced degree offered by colleges and universities specializing in theology. ...