Doctor of Sacred Theology

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The Doctor of Sacred Theology (S.T.D. = Sacrae Theologiae Doctor) is the final theological degree in the pontifical university system of the Roman Catholic Church. The doctor of sacred theology is in many ways comparable to the doctor of Catholic theology (Th.D.) or doctor of philosophy in Catholic theology (Ph.D.) in terms of academic level of study.

The doctor of sacred theology builds upon the work of the bachelor of sacred theology (S.T.B.) and the licentiate in sacred theology (S.T.L.).

In France and Italy, strongholds of pontifical universities, the master's degree in theology is referred to as a licentiate - from its original meaning as a "license to incept," i.e., permission from the bishop to "incept" or actually take the master's or doctorate. Medieval universities made no distinction between the master and doctor.

The S.T.D., or the J.C.D. (doctor of canon law), is the preferred prerequisite for certain posts of administration and is also a qualification for teaching on the faculties of seminaries and pontifical universities.

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