The Institute has been granted affiliation with the Theological Faculty (No. 164/99) of the Pontifical Urbaniana University by Decrees of the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education.
A student who has completed the first four semesters of Philosophy or the first six semesters of Theology, and passed all subjects with an average of at least 70% (for the new students enrolled since September 2006 the required average is 75%) and who has also completed the required number of elective courses and seminars, can be admitted to sit for the Bachelor Degree examination.
A student seeking the Bachelor of theology is obliged
to take one semester of Biblical Greek and Biblical Hebrew and obtain at least a pass grade;
to pay the fees required for the Bachelor examination.
A degree student should not fail two or more compulsory courses per academic year (see G. Academic Assessment no. 13).
NB. Those who do not fulfil the requirements to sit for the Bachelor Degree exam may take the written and oral comprehensive exams only.
Revelation and inspiration of Sacred Scripture in the light of Dei Verbum (cc. I-III); formation of the Canon; interpretation of the text.
Questions concerning the Pentateuch and new orientations of modern criticism; theology of Exodus. Historical books and their literary genre: composition and theology.
The function and message of the Prophets. The books of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel: composition and theology.
The Wisdom Books and their literary genres; the Book of Psalms; Messianic and Christological "re-interpretations", liturgical and spiritual use.
The apostolic origin and historical value of the Gospels according to "Sancta Mater Ecclesia" (1964) and "Dei Verbum" (1965). Contents, articulation and the theology of the three Synoptic Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. Presentation and commentary on selected texts.
Content, articulation and theology of the five writings of St. John. Presentation and commentary on selected texts.
Content, articulation and theology of the Letters to the Romans, Galatians, 1/2 Corinthians, Colossians and Ephesians. Circumstances of the writing of 1/2 Thessalonians, Philippians, Philemon and Pastoral Letters. Presentation and commentary on selected texts.
Content and articulation of the Letter to the Hebrews and its theology of the Priesthood of Christ. Contents and circumstances of the writing of 1/2 Peter and James. Presentation and commentary on selected texts.
Explain on the basis of the New Testament how Jesus, with his words and actions established the Kingdom of God, revealed the Father and Himself, and through His Death, Resurrection, Ascension and the mission of the Holy Spirit, fulfilled His work.
Explain the images with which the Church of Christ is illustrated in Holy Scripture and in Tradition; show the nature and characteristic signs of the Church, taking also into consideration ecumenical prospectives.
The royal, prophetic and priestly office of all the faithful and the ministerial priesthood (Sacrament of Holy Orders). The relationship between collegiality of the bishops and the primacy and infallibility of the Roman Pontiff.
The Church has received the mission to evangelize all peoples. Principles and orientations for dialogue with religions and cultures and for relationships with civil societies.
Point out the importance of the Fathers of the Church in the study of theology and describe briefly the doctrinal contributions of the most important Fathers.
Describe the outstanding events in the history of the Church and of the Missions.
The nature, function and fundamental principles of Canon Law in the Church. Make reference to the most important contents of the various books of the Code.
Explain briefly the truth of the One God: how it is possible for all human beings to know certainly this truth intuitively through the light of reason; how traces of one of its proofs can be found in the spiritual experience of different religions and peoples, and how finally this truth was arrived at from the complete revelation of the same living God in Salvation History. Wherever appropriate sketch a plan of responses to the objections of atheism.
Explain briefly the dogma of the Holy Trinity: how it has already been symbolized in the economy of the Old Testament; how it has been fully revealed in the New Testament; which principal councils defined its essential elements; which could be the most common and acceptable theological explanations.
Explain the doctrine of the creation of all things by God, the nature and role of spiritual and material beings, of human beings and the doctrine of the constant Providence of God according to Revelation in Holy Scripture and in the Tradition of the Church. Wherever appropriate outline a plan of responses to so-called scientific objections and the problem of evil in the world.
Explain the dogma of Original Sin; in conformity with the data of Holy Scripture, of the definitions of the Magisterium and of the most common and acceptable theological explanations; illustrate the doctrine of free will and human responsibility.
Explain the doctrine of the grace of God, with reference to the mystery of Redemption and the gift of the Holy Spirit; add a summary sketch of the principal disputes concerning grace which took place in the course of Church history.
Explain the event of the Incarnation, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ Son of God. Show the principle elements of the Christological mystery in the dogmatic formulations of the relevant Church councils.
Explain the doctrine concerning the Virgin Mary as Mother of God and Mother of the Church, making reference to Council definitions and to the most recent documents of the Magisterium.
Explain in synthesis the traditional doctrine of the Church regarding the coming of Christ in glory and the fundamental points of Eschatology regarding both the single person as well as the entire creation.
Explain the nature and effects of the Sacraments in general, and in particular the Sacrament of Christian Initiation, and especially the Eucharist.
Principles, which illustrate the theological meaning and pastoral value of the Liturgy as the action of Christ for praising God and sanctifying persons; and how the action of the Church, through tangible signs, announces and brings into being the Mystery of Christ.
The moral qualification, which characterizes every human act, finds its "origin" in the object, in the end and in the circumstances including the foreseeable consequences. Conditions of the imputability of the human act. Conscience and the principles for the judgment of conscience which make it the right norm for the action of the person. The formation of conscience. Natural law, and positive human divine law. The required behavior of the faithful towards the Magisterium of the Church.
Virtue and sin (nature, kind and dimensions) in Christian life. The conversion of the sinner and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Moral responsibility regarding Human Life and its integrity both as regards one's own life, as well as the life of others. Particular reference to the moral problems connected to the beginning and the end of human life, with the care for health and medical interventions.
Human sexuality, the virtue of chastity, the Sacrament of Marriage. The solution of moral problems regarding sexuality in general and conjugal life in particular, keeping in mind also some indications of Canon Law.
Social Doctrine of the Church; the relationship between charity and justice, obligations to guarantee and favour peace.