Institute of Theology

Conditions Of Admission

1. Applicants to the PhD program at IOT must hold the Lebanese Baccalaureate 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 85, 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.
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 the following documents:

1. A detailed project of their study, according to the form provided in the application.
2. A reference letter from their Church Authority.
3. Two recommendation letters by faculty members, who are acquainted with the applicant, sent in a sealed envelope to the office of Admission and Registration.
4. A personal statement expressing their career goals and career objectives in seeking the PhD.
5. Copies of acquired diplomas or degrees.
6. Application form of admission.

 
Application

Application to the PhD program is submitted to the Office of Admissions and Registration at the St John of Damascus Institute of Theology, which receives and processes all applications, evaluates credentials, and issues notification letters. Standards under which students are admitted for study in this program are established and monitored by the Institute of Thelogy.
Acceptance in the PhD program is based on the candidate meeting University admission requirements and on the recommendation of the Institute’s PhD Admissions Committee.
Applicants must submit all the following to the Office of Admissions and Registration:

• Three recent passport-size photographs.
• A photocopy of your identity card or passport.
• A certified copy of your Lebanese Baccalaureate Certificate, or its equivalent.
• A certified copy of your Diplomas and transcripts.
• A reference letter from Church authority.
• Two recommendation letters (Forms enclosed).
• An application Fee of 150,000 L.L. ( 100 U.S.D. )
• 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 dissertation proposal ( form enclosed ).

The application must be submitted to the Institute of Theology before the published deadline dates. 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.
Your application is valid only for the academic year to which you are applying. You must submit a new application to be considered for a semester which falls in another academic year.
Admissions Committee decision will be communicated by personal notification.