Institute of Theology

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants to the PhD Program at the Institute of Theology must hold the Lebanese General Secondary Certificate, or its equivalent.
2. Applicants must be holders of a Master of Theology degree (MTh; ThM) from an Orthodox institution of higher education with an overall graduation average of 80, or its equivalent.
3. Applicants who hold a Master of Theology degree (MTh; ThM) from a non-Orthodox institution of higher education may need to take bridging courses according to the assessment of the DAC (Doctoral Academic Committee).
4. Applicants who hold a DMin degree from an Orthodox institution of higher education are admitted in a shorter academic program according to the assessment of the DAC.
5. Applicants will be called for an interview with the DAC. This process may be done through video- conferencing.
6. Applicants who hold a DMin degree from a non-Orthodox institution of higher education are admitted in a shorter academic program in addition to bridging courses in Eastern Christian Theology.
7. Applicants who hold a graduate degree in a related field (MA; PhD; Doctoral degree) will have to take bridging courses according to the assessment of the DAC.
8. Applicants must show a good knowledge in at least one ancient language, which shall be defined by the DAC based on their field of study and dissertation project.
9. Applicants must demonstrate an adequate knowledge of English (TOEFEL 600 for non-native English speakers), as well as an evidence of proficiency in one additional modern language.
10. Applicants for the PhD Program are required to file a full application form and provide all the following documents:

• A photocopy of their identity card or passport.
• Three recent passport-size photographs.
• A certified copy of their Lebanese General Secondary Certificate, or its equivalent.
• Certified copies of their Diplomas and transcripts.
• A reference letter from their Church Authority.
• A detailed project of their study (according to the dissertation proposal form provided in the application).
• Two recommendation letters by faculty members, who are acquainted with the applicant, sent in sealed envelopes (forms enclosed).
• A personal statement expressing their career goals and career objectives in seeking the PhD.
• An application Fee of 100 USD.
• Evidence of proficiency in English language (for non-native English speakers), a minimum of 600 on the paper based TOEFL or 100 on the internet based TOEFL.
• Evidence of proficiency in a modern language (other than English).
• Evidence of proficiency in an ancient language.

* The application must be submitted to the Institute of Theology before the announced deadline. Incomplete or incorrect applications cannot be considered by the Committee.

* All submitted documents for admission are the property of the University and may not be reclaimed by the applicant.

*  The application is valid only for the academic year to which the student is applying. He/She must submit a new application to be considered for a semester which falls in another academic year.

*  The DAC reports its recommendation to the Institute Council, who decides upon the application and communicates the decision by personal notification.