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Cycle/Degree

The Higher Education system of the Catholic Church is organized in three academic cycles which correspond to three academic degrees: Baccalaureate, Licentiate and Doctorate [1].

The first cycle in Sacred Theology can be structured as one single five-year course or as three years of theological studies, after a preparatory two-year course in philosophy, to obtain a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology [2].

[1] Veritatis Gaudium, art. 46

[2] Veritatis Gaudium, art. 74

Post Dottorato

Post Doc:

In the Higher Education system of the Catholic Church, the Post Doctoratus is an academic specialization course for professional updating or retraining. It is organized and issued based on criteria that are laid down by each Institution independently.

TERZO CICLO

Doctorate (Third cycle)

In the Higher Education System of the Catholic Church, the third cycle is defined as Doctoratus/Doctorate. Through a deepening of formation and the preparation of an original doctoral dissertation, the Doctorate also enables graduates to teach in ecclesiastical faculties and, therefore, is required for this purpose [1]; it is also hold for special ecclesiastical offices [2].

[1] Veritatis Gaudium, art. 50, § 1

[2] Veritatis Gaudium, art. 50, § 2

SECONDO CICLO

Licentiate (Second cycle)

In the Higher Education system of the Catholic Church, the 2nd cycle is defined as Licentiate. Through systematic curricular knowledge, focusing on a specific subject in particular, the Licentiate enables graduates to teach in major Seminaries or equivalent schools [1].

[1] Veritatis Gaudium, art. 50, § 1

PRIMO CICLO

Baccalaureate (First cycle)

In the Higher Education System of the Catholic Church, the 1st cycle is defined as Baccalaureate, in which a specific level of knowledge is acquired, based on an organic exposition of curricular subjects, related to appropriate scientific methodology [1].

[1] Veritatis Gaudium, art. 48