The following criteria are necessary for acceptance into the Doctorate of Philosophy program:

• Master’s level degree in Theology or a related discipline such as Philosophy or Religious Studies.
• Reading knowledge of at least one of the following languages: Greek, Latin, Syriac (other languages may be accepted, based on the student’s field of specialization).
• A flourishing research program capable of being expanded and developed into a doctoral dissertation.

Details will vary from previous Credentials and individual Mentorship requirements of the doctoral candidate. Inquiries should be addressed to the Department of Philosophy.

Upon acceptance into the program, the student will be assigned a Mentor who will be responsible for aiding the student in developing a dissertation thesis. The Mentor will provide commentary and critique throughout all phases of the dissertation writing process. When the final version of the dissertation is completed and submitted, the student must arrange for an interview with his or her Mentor, Outside Reader (if applicable – see below), and the Dean of the Department. Upon successful conclusion of the interview, the student will be awarded the Doctorate of Philosophy in Patristic Studies.

The guidelines for the Dissertation are the same as in the Department of Theology. Listed below are some general tips to aid the student in composing the Dissertation. However, keep in mind that the doctoral program of the Philosophy Department is designed for the student with an already established research program, with a strong emphasis on Patrology and the philosophical basis of Orthodox theology as formulated by the Church Fathers.

• Before beginning to write, the focus is on a carefully selected dissertation topic. This requires that the student address a specific issue in a particular way, which will be formulated in the thesis statement of the dissertation.
• Use only information and/or argumentation that responds to the main points of the topic. If additional material is required, indicate clearly and explicitly how it connects to the matter at hand.
• Write clearly in complete, grammatically correct sentences. Do not craft beautiful prose. Avoid lengthy prefatory, transitional, and summary verbiage. Focus on the essentials of the Dissertation regarding its quality, not necessarily quantity only.
• In the process of composing the basic contents of the Dissertation, ensure that enough connections, parallels and references are made to basic theology as understood within the context of mainline patristic spirituality.

Every student in the doctoral program is given the option of appointing an Outside Reader, i.e., an expert in the student’s chosen field of study not affiliated with St. Elias School of Orthodox Theology. The function of the Reader is similar to that of the Mentor, i.e., to offer commentary and critique throughout the writing process, to provide the student with another perspective on the topic(s) examined in the dissertation, to offer aid in selecting resources, etc. It is the student’s responsibility to solicit an Outside Reader if he or she so desires, keeping in mind the following requirements: at least a Master’s level degree in Theology or a related field; knowledge of the subject matter of the dissertation; the ability to offer constructive feedback throughout the writing process. While an Outside Reader is not required for the program, the student is encouraged to exercise this option. The candidate for Outside Reader must send a cover letter and short CV to the Dean of the Department of Philosophy.

Twice a year the Department of Philosophy will host seminars on a specific topic of interest in Patristic Studies. This will help enrich the student’s experience, and broaden his or her horizons in the field of Patrology. Generally, the seminars will be held over a long week-end (Friday to Sunday) at the main campus in Seward, Nebraska. Seminars at other locations may also be held from time to time. If a student would like to propose a seminar on either an individual Church Father or specific topic in Patrology, he or she should contact the Dean of the Philosophy Department.