Seminarians enrolled in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree are able to earn simultaneously the Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB) from the Pontifical Atheneum of Saint Anselm in Rome, Italy. To receive the STB, the seminarian must successfully complete the following:
The MDiv curriculum
A 40- to 50-page thesis
A theology examination.
Seminarians must satisfy these prerequisites before enrolling in the program:
Successful completion of one year (two semesters) of Latin or Greek language study
A cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 in MDiv coursework at the time of enrollment (spring semester of II Configuration)
Successful completion (B+ or better) of two research papers of at least 3,750 words (approximately 15 pages), not including notes or bibliography, written for Saint Meinrad courses
The willingness of a Saint Meinrad faculty member to serve as thesis advisor for a research project that he/she has approved and that is integral to one of the following scholarly disciplines: Philosophy, Sacred Scripture, Church History, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Liturgical/Sacramental Theology, Pastoral Care and Counseling, Homiletics, Canon Law, and Sacred Music.
Seminarians may enroll in the STB Degree Program in the spring semester of II Configuration, prior to enrolling in spring semester courses. The enrollment process involves:
Completion of the STB Degree Program Enrollment Form (available from the Office of the Registrar)
Submission of these documents with the Enrollment Form:
Copies of two research papers of at least 3,750 words (approximately 15 pages), not including notes or bibliography, written for Saint Meinrad courses
A thesis proposal (500-750 words)
Payment of a fee to cover administrative and faculty expenses at Saint Anselm
Seminarians accepted into the STB Degree Program are required to take the STB Research Seminar I (fall semester of III Configuration) and STB Research Seminar II (spring semester of III Configuration). These seminars are designed to provide candidates with the time, guidance, and structure required to complete a successful thesis. A successful STB thesis possesses these qualities:
It should range in length between 11,000 and 13,000 words (40-50 pages), not including notes or bibliography.
It should be executed at the bachelor's level or above, offering a synthesis of established knowledge pertaining to a given issue (as opposed to ground-breaking, original research).
In consultation with his advisor, the author may choose to write either a "state of the question" paper or something more creative and synthetic.
It should draw upon adequate source material, determined in consultation with the thesis advisor.
It should be well written and adhere to a recognized style manual for citation (preferably Chicago Style).
It should include a table of contents.
In addition to completing a thesis, seminarians must earn a passing grade on a formal examination of their theological knowledge, which is administered in the fall semester of IV Configuration.