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Academic catalog · 2026–2027

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Canon Law

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Canon Law is an advanced research degree devoted to the sources, history, institutions and jurisprudence of the Church’s canonical tradition.

Program overview

The program develops command of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches and the historical sources that inform their interpretation. Doctoral study encompasses governance, the rights and obligations of the faithful, teaching and sanctifying offices, temporal goods, sanctions, marriage, procedural law, tribunals and relations between ecclesiastical and civil legal orders.

Each candidate undertakes original research under faculty supervision and produces a dissertation that contributes to the study of canon law or canonical institutions.

Admission requirements

  • A master’s degree or equivalent graduate preparation in theology, canon law, religious studies, law, or a related field.
  • Official transcripts from every postsecondary institution attended.
  • Curriculum vitae describing academic, ministerial, professional, and research experience.
  • A statement of purpose explaining the applicant’s preparation, research interests, and reasons for doctoral study.
  • A preliminary research proposal or substantial academic writing sample.
  • Evidence of proficiency in the language or languages required for the proposed research. Additional source-language preparation may be required by the dissertation topic.

Curriculum

  1. Sources and History of Canon Law — 6 credits
  2. General Norms (Book I) — 6 credits
  3. The People of God (Book II) — 6 credits
  4. Munus Docendi and Munus Sanctificandi (Books III–IV) — 6 credits
  5. Temporal Goods of the Church (Book V) — 4 credits
  6. Penal Law and Sanctions (Book VI) — 4 credits
  7. Procedural Law and Tribunals (Book VII) — 6 credits
  8. Marriage Law and Matrimonial Jurisprudence — 6 credits
  9. Eastern Canon Law (CCEO) — 4 credits
  10. Church–State Relations and Religious Liberty — 4 credits
  11. Research Methodology in Canonical Studies — 4 credits
  12. Doctoral Dissertation — 20 credits

Learning outcomes

  • Interpret the sources, historical development, structure, and principal norms of the 1983 Code of Canon Law and the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.
  • Analyze canonical questions involving governance, the rights and obligations of the faithful, teaching, worship, temporal goods, sanctions, marriage, and procedure.
  • Apply disciplined juridical reasoning to legislation, administrative acts, jurisprudence, and realistic case studies.
  • Evaluate relationships among canon law, civil law, religious liberty, and institutional governance.
  • Conduct advanced, ethically responsible research using appropriate canonical sources and scholarly methods.
  • Produce an original doctoral dissertation that makes a coherent contribution to the study of canon law or canonical institutions.

Assessment

  • Assessment is embedded throughout the program and may include source commentaries, analytical essays, case studies, research papers, structured discussions, and applied juridical exercises. Each course publishes its graded activities, criteria, weights, and due dates in the classroom gradebook. The dissertation is assessed separately under the institution’s doctoral research and academic-integrity standards.

Completion requirements

  • Earn all 76 required credits: 56 credits of coursework and 20 dissertation credits.
  • Pass every required course and satisfy the academic-standing requirements in force for this catalog year.
  • Complete and successfully defend the doctoral dissertation.
  • Resolve all academic-record and graduation requirements before conferral.