Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) Program
Degree Title: Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.)
Program Duration: 3-4 years (Full-time)
Total Credit Hours: 90
Program Overview:
The Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) is a comprehensive academic degree that bridges undergraduate and graduate-level theological studies. This program offers a robust and in-depth exploration of theological disciplines and is designed for students who wish to deepen their theological knowledge, prepare for ministry, or pursue further advanced academic study. The S.T.L. program provides a foundational understanding of biblical studies, church history, systematic theology, liturgy, and ecclesiology, while also preparing students for the practical application of theology in ministry contexts.
Program Outcomes:
Graduates of the Licentiate in Sacred Theology program will:
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of biblical texts, systematic theology, and ecclesiastical traditions.
Be equipped to engage in meaningful theological reflection and critical analysis.
Apply theological concepts in real-world ministry settings, including pastoral care, liturgical leadership, and social justice.
Be prepared for further graduate study or professional ministry in various ecclesiastical, educational, or social justice contexts.
Graduation Requirements:
Completion of 90 credit hours.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Successful completion of the Capstone Paper/Project.
Completion of the Supervised Ministry Internship.
Satisfactory performance in all coursework and field placements.
Completion of comprehensive written and oral exams in core theological disciplines.
Program Structure:
Undergraduate-Level Core Courses (42 Credit Hours)
Biblical Studies (12 credits)
- Old Testament Introduction (3 credits)
- New Testament Introduction (3 credits)
- Introduction to Biblical Languages: Hebrew or Greek (3 credits)
- Biblical Interpretation and Hermeneutics (3 credits)
Church History (9 credits)
- Early Church History (Pre-Reformation) (3 credits)
- Reformation to Modern Church History (3 credits)
- History of the Christian Tradition in Africa (3 credits)
Systematic Theology (9 credits)
- Foundations of Systematic Theology (3 credits)
- Introduction to Christian Doctrine (3 credits)
- The Doctrine of God and Creation (3 credits)
Ethics and Moral Theology (6 credits)
- Christian Ethics (3 credits)
- Social Ethics and Justice (3 credits)
Introduction to Liturgy and Worship (6 credits)
- Principles of Christian Worship (3 credits)
- Foundations of Sacramental Theology (3 credits)
Graduate-Level Core Courses (42 Credit Hours)
Advanced Biblical Studies (9 credits)
- Old Testament Exegesis (3 credits)
- New Testament Exegesis (3 credits)
- Biblical Theology (3 credits)
Systematic Theology (9 credits)
- Christology and Soteriology (3 credits)
- Pneumatology and Ecclesiology (3 credits)
- Eschatology: Theology of Last Things (3 credits)
Sacramental Theology (6 credits)
- Sacraments in the Church: Historical and Theological Perspectives (3 credits)
- Eucharist, Baptism, and Ordination (3 credits)
Ecclesiology (6 credits)
- Foundations of Ecclesiology (3 credits)
- The Church in Mission and Service (3 credits)
Theology of Ministry (6 credits)
- Pastoral Care and Counseling (3 credits)
- The Minister as Spiritual Leader and Guide (3 credits)
Theology and Social Justice (6 credits)
- Theological Foundations for Social Justice (3 credits)
- Church and Society: Engaging with Contemporary Issues (3 credits)
Elective Courses (12 Credit Hours)
Students can choose from specialized electives, including:
- Pentecostal-Charismatic Sacramentalism
- Black Liberation Theology
- Contemporary Theological Movements
- Practical Pastoral Theology
- Global Mission and Evangelism
- Theology of Religious Pluralism
Capstone Project or Paper (6 Credit Hours)
Capstone Paper/Project
- Research Paper (6,000-8,000 words): A scholarly research paper demonstrating critical analysis and engagement with theological issues, drawing from academic and primary sources. The paper must be approved and defended before a faculty committee.
- Ministry Project: A practical project that applies theological concepts to a ministry or church context. The project will be documented and include a reflective report.
Field Education and Practical Experience (6 Credit Hours)
Supervised Ministry Internship (6 credits)
- A 300-hour supervised ministry internship in a pastoral or ecclesiastical setting. The internship involves hands-on ministry experience and is supported by mentorship from an experienced practitioner. It is evaluated by both the ministry supervisor and a faculty member.