School of Canon Law

Licentiate in Canon Law

• Admissions
• Purpose
• Language Requirements
• Thesis
• Summer Program
• Preparatory Cycle
• Residence
• Course Work
• Comprehensive Examination
• Housing

Preparatory Cycle

The study of canon law requires an adequate understanding of the church, its life and ministry. A preliminary background, evidenced by a master's degree in theology or its equivalent, such as the completion of the philosophical and theological program required for priestly ordination, is required before being admitted to the regular licentiate program. For persons who do not yet have this background, the School of Canon Law, in conjunction with the School of Theology and Religious Studies, offers the First Cycle.

For those who have no previous training in philosophy or theology, the First Cycle lasts for four semesters or two years. The following disciplines are obligatory:

1. Elements of philosophy: philosophical anthropology, metaphysics, ethics.
2. Elements of theology: an introduction to Sacred Scripture; fundamental theology; the transmission and credibility of divine revelation; Trinitarian theology; Christology; divine grace; in a special way, Ecclesiology; general and special sacramental theology; fundamental and special moral theology.
3. Fundamental institutes of canon law.
4. Latin

The First Cycle does not itself result in a degree, but qualifies a student to enter the Second Cycle or regular J.C.L. degree seeking program.

Graduate credits from other universities or theologates in the above areas of study and related areas may be transferred with the approval of the Dean.

If the requirements of the First Cycle have been satisfied, an applicant may be admitted directly to the Second Cycle. In individual cases, minor deficiencies may be supplied during the regular course of studies in the Second Cycle.

Purpose

The purpose of the six semester or three year licentiate program is to help the student become acquainted with the whole corpus of church law, understand it in terms of its theological, philosophical, and historical background, and learn the method and practice of scientific research. The level of research for the licentiate is that expected of professional canonists, specifically the exacting investigation of canonical questions encountered in curial, tribunal, and similar practice, and the articulation of one's findings in written opinions and briefs.

Residence

The Second Cycle lasts for a maximum of three years or six semesters, which fulfill the residence requirements for the licentiate. The actual time necessary to complete the requirements of the degree program will, of course, vary from student to student. Continuous enrollment is required unless an authorized leave of absence has been granted.

Language Requirements

Canon Law is an international law. The official texts of the law and of many documents with canonical importance are in Latin. Other texts appear from time to time in various modern languages. Many of the significant commentaries on the law, and studies about canon law topics, appear in languages other than English.

In order to understand this law more accurately, to interpret and apply it more fully, and to instruct others more effectively as to its meaning and proper application, it is important to have access to more than the limited amount available in English translations or studies concerning canon law. The development of an ability to use canonical Latin or the canonical literature in a modern language is an integral dimension of formation as a canon lawyer and subsequent professional work.

Course Work

The course of studies is divided into six semesters (A-B-C-D-E-F). Semester A is a prerequisite for the other semesters. These courses include required courses, and various elective courses offered in the school of Canon Law or in other schools of the university.

The course of studies normally is as follows:

Thesis

In the last year of the Second Cycle, the student is to write a thesis which investigates a minor, but significant, problem. It must demonstrate the student's familiarity with basic methods and techniques of research, technical mastery of a limited subject matter, and ability to exercise sound canonical judgment and formulate accurate conclusions.

Comprehensive Examination

Besides the regular course examinations or equivalent tests in the various disciplines, at the end of the Second Cycle there is a comprehensive oral examination whereby the student is expected to demonstrate mastery of the whole corpus of Church law. A student who twice fails the comprehensive examination is no longer eligible to receive the licentiate.

Summer Program

For information concerning the Summer Program, please click here.

Dual Degree Program

In conjunction with the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America, the School of Canon Law offers a dual-degree program for students who qualify for admission to the canon law program and to the law school program. The Dual-Degree Program makes it possible to earn a J.D. degree in American law and a J.C.L. degree in canon law; requirements of the respective degree programs must be met, but some courses in the law program are accepted as electives for canon law, and some canon law courses are accepted as law electives. Please note that both the School of Canon Law and Columbus School of Law require six semesters of study. For more information, contact the Dean of the School of Canon Law.