Student Guide to the International Marian Reasearch Institute
Pontifical Degree Programs

Background
Degrees
Programs
Requirements
Admission


A SHORT HISTORY

In 1943, the Marianists of the University of Dayton founded The Marian Library to commemorate the triple centennial to be celebrated in 1949-1950: the arrival of the Marianists in the United States (1849); the death of Father William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Society of Mary (1850); and the founding of the University of Dayton (1950).
The Marian Library offers its resources to all qualified students and scholars who need an extensive collection of books, periodicals, and other materials centered on studies related to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. This collection of more than 80,000 items that date from the beginning of printing up to the present day comprises works in more than fifty languages. It includes a general reference collection with resources in patristics, biblical studies, christology, ecclesiology, spirituality, church history, hymnography, iconography, general and specialized bibliography.
The Marian Library is a special part of the Roesch Library, the main library of the University of Dayton. Roesch Library offers scholars a collection of more than 1,250,000 volumes, more than 3,000 periodical titles, the facilities of a nationwide interlibrary loan service, and the possibility of extensive online database searches. The Marian Library issues a multilingual periodical, Marian Library Studies (New Series), devoted to the publication of critical editions of early texts, historical research and its documentation, historical bibliography, and comparative studies in such areas as religion, archaeology, iconography, symbolism, theological anthropology, and psychology.
Because The Marian Library is the largest and most comprehensive collection in the world devoted to its specialty, it was fitting that an institute be organized to allow scholars and students to exploit its riches through research of all kinds, especially the preparation of theses leading to the doctorate in theology with specialization in Marian Studies.
In 1975, an institute of graduate studies in theology was founded in affiliation with the Pontifical University Marianum, directed by the Servants of Mary in Rome. The Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education approved the International Marian Research Institute (IMRI) on November 5, 1975. Since 1975, IMRI has organized annual summer schools at the graduate level to promote the programs of Marian Studies established by the Marianum and adapted to the needs of students in the United States and abroad. Students can prepare for a licentiate and doctorate in Mariology, earn a certificate in Marian Studies, or gain credit hours toward a master's degree granted in conjunction with the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Dayton.
After the Apostolic Constitution, Sapientia Christiana , with its Norms of Application established new rules to be observed in the preparation for and granting of pontifical degrees, new statutes were developed and approved in 1983. IMRI is incorporated into the Faculty of Theology Marianum and is empowered to grant the Licentiate of Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) and Doctorate of Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) degrees, following the prescribed courses of study.
To understand IMRI, acquaint yourself with its "foundation" documents: the program of pontifical degrees, as outlined in Sapientia Christiana ; the Statuti of the Pontifical Faculty Marianum (Rome); the "Student Guide to Pontifical Degree Programs" at the International Marian Research Institute (University of Dayton); and, lastly, the Letter of the Congregation for Catholic Education, "The Virgin Mary in Intellectual and Spiritual Formation." (See excerpt on following pages.)


The Virgin Mary in Intellectual and Spiritual Formation

Mariology is alive and active in relevant questions in matters doctrinal and pastoral. However it is necessary that the study of Mariology, together with attention to the pastoral problems which are emerging gradually, attend to rigorous research, conducted according to scientific criteria.
The words of the Council apply: "Sacred theology rests on the written word of God, together with sacred Tradition, as its primary and perpetual foundation. By scrutinizing in the light of faith all truth stored up in the mystery of Christ, theology is most powerfully strengthened and constantly rejuvenated by that word" (55). The study of the sacred Scriptures, therefore, must be the soul of Mariology (56).
Further, the study of Tradition is essential to research in Mariology because, as Vatican II teaches, "sacred Tradition and sacred Scripture form one sacred deposit of the word of God, which is committed to the Church" (57). The study of Tradition shows how particularly fruitful in quality and quantity is the Marian patrimony of the various Liturgies and of the Fathers of the Church.
Research into Scripture and Tradition, conducted according to the most fruitful methods and with the most reliable instruments of critical enquiry, must be guided by the Magisterium since "the task of authentically interpreting the word of God, whether written or handed on, has been entrusted exclusively to the living teaching office of the Church" (58). This research must also integrate and be strengthened by the more secure fruits of learning in anthropology and the human sciences.
Considering the importance of the Virgin in the history of salvation and in the life of the People of God, and after promptings of Vatican Council II and of the Popes, it would be unthinkable that the teaching of Mariology be obscured today: it is necessary therefore that it be given its just place in seminaries and theological faculties.
Such teaching, consisting of a "systematic treatment" will be:
a) organic , that is, inserted adequately in the programme of studies of the theological curriculum;
b) complete , so that the person of the Virgin be considered in the whole history of salvation, that is in her relation to God; to Christ, the Word incarnate, Saviour and Mediator; to the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier and Giver of life; to the Church, sacrament of salvation; to man in his origins and his development in the life of grace, and his destiny to glory;
c) suited to the various types of institution (centres of religious culture, seminaries, theological faculties...) and to the level of the students: future priests and teachers of Mariology, animators of Marian piety in the dioceses, those who are responsible for formation in the religious life, catechists, those who give conferences, and the many who want to deepen their knowledge of Mary.
Teaching thus given will avoid one-sided presentations of the figure and mission of Mary, presentations which are detrimental to the whole visions of her mystery. Sound teaching will be a stimulus to deep research in seminaries and through the writing of licence and doctoral theses into the sources of Revelation and the documents. Mariological study can also profit from interdisciplinary teaching.

(55)Dei Verbum , 24.
(56) Cf. ibid. , 24; Optatam Totius , 16.
(57) Dei Verbum , 10.
(58) Cf. ibid. , 10.
(Excerpt from the 1988 letter from the Congregation for Catholic Education on "The Virgin Mary in Intellectual and Spiritual Formation).


DEGREES

PONTIFICAL DEGREES (S.T.L./S.T.D.)

IMRI, as an American affiliate of the Pontifical University Marianum, is empowered to offer programs leading to the S.T.L. and S.T.D. degrees. Such programs of study are governed universally by the rules and directives issued by the Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education and have their own specific requirements.

MASTER'S DEGREE IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

The University of Dayton offers in joint venture with IMRI a master's degree in Theological Studies with a Marian concentration. The concentration in Marian Studies is available for those who take a minimum of twelve hours up to a maximum of sixteen hours in specially designated courses in the area. These designated courses are listed under Marian Studies in the University of Dayton Graduate Bulletin .

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

A Certificate Program is available for qualified students who do not wish to pursue the full rigors of the S.T.L./S.T.D. courses of study, or who may be lacking in some of the basic requirements for entrance into that program. It involves basic courses (36 quarter credits) giving a broad foundation in the study of Mariology and the writing of a research paper.

GUIDED STUDIES PROGRAM

The Certificate Program is also available as a Guided Studies Program. The core content of the program may be completed between two to four years depending on the learner's preference and time availability. The suggested time frame for each of the twelve required courses is three to six months.

CERTIFICATE IN MARIANIST STUDIES

The Marianist Studies Program is open especially to Marianists, their affiliates, and to all those interested in learning more about the Marianist religious heritage. This program (36 quarter credits) involves basic course work giving a broad foundation in the study of Mariology, specialized course work in the Marianist religious heritage, and the writing of a research paper on a topic in the Marianist religious heritage.


Programs

COURSES *

INTRODUCTORY MRI 600 Research and Bibliography (1cr)
COURSES MRI 601 Introduction to Contemporary Mariology (1 cr)
MRI 602 Methods in Theology (1 cr)

CORE COURSES MRI 610 Mary and the Old Testament
MRI 611 Mary and the New Testament
MRI 612 Mary and the Apocrypha
MRI 620 Christ in Patristic Period
MRI 621 Church in Patristic Period
MRI 624 Mary in Patristic Period
MRI 625 Mary in Medieval Period
MRI 626 Mary in Modern Period
MRI 630 Mary in Contemporary Period
MRI 631 Marian Doctrine
MRI 632 Marian Spirituality
MRI 633 Mary in Liturgy
MRI 634 Mary and the Church
MRI 636 Mary and Ecumenism
MRI 638 Mary in Theological Anthropology
MRI 650 Ecclesiology
MRI 651 Christology (Soteriology)
MRI 652 Spirituality

SPECIAL COURSES MRI 691 Special Marian Topics (1-3 crs)
MRI 692 Monographs (1-3 crs)
MRI 695 Mary in Art (1-3 crs)
MRI 696 Mary in Music (1-3 crs)
MRI 697 Mary in Literature (1-3 crs)

MARIANIST COURSES MRI 640 Chaminade: Marian Apostle
MRI 641 Sources of Chaminade
MRI 642 A History of Marian Spirituality
MRI 643 Adele de Trenquelleon and her Spirituality

THESISMRI 790 Dissertation (12 crs)

* 3 quarter credits, unless otherwise noted.


Descriptions

MRI 600 RESEARCH AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

This course introduces students to the resources and bibliography for theological studies, with attention to research in Mariology. It offers suggestions for organization and information management.

MRI 601 INTRODUCTION TO CONTEMPORARY MARIOLOGY
Designed for students who are new to the program or who simply have an interest in Mariology, this course explores basic Marian issues and emphasizes major developments in Mariology since Vatican II.

MRI 602 METHODS IN THEOLOGY
This course deals with various methods used in the study of contemporary theology. It points out their specific focus and philosophical foundation, as well as advantages and limitations. Their application to research in Mariology will be examined.

MRI 610 MARY AND THE OLD TESTAMENT
Study of the principal Old Testament texts with reference to Mary and the work of redemption; protoevangelium; types and symbols, e.g., Eve, Hannah, Daughter of Sion, and Ark of the Covenant.

MRI 611 MARY AND THE NEW TESTAMENT
Study of the principal New Testament texts with reference to Mary as Mother of the Redeemer, as figure of the Church, and with reference to her role in the history of salvation.

MRI 612 MARY AND THE APOCRYPHA
By studying the principal Old and New Testament texts with reference to Mary, and their impact on the apocryphal writings, this course will concentrate on the relationship of Mary to the Hebrew Scriptures. It will prepare students to study Marian symbols and topics in devotion, religious culture and art.

MRI 620 CHRIST IN PATRISTIC PERIOD
Study of selected patristic texts regarding the redemptive work of Christ.

MRI 621 CHURCH IN PATRISTIC PERIOD
Study of selected patristic texts regarding the Church as instrument or sacrament of salvation.

MRI 624 MARY IN PATRISTIC PERIOD
Initial developments of Marian doctrine and devotion in Greek, Latin, and Oriental patristics (first six centuries).

MRI 625 MARY IN MEDIEVAL PERIOD
Study of the development of Mariology from the 7th century till the Renaissance: Marian doctrines, Marian devotions, Mary in art and liturgy, Marian feasts, and principal Marian works.

MRI 626 MARY IN MODERN PERIOD
Study of the development of Mariology from the Renaissance until the 20th century: principal Marian questions/controversies, Marian devotions, Marian shrines, Mary in art and liturgy, Marian feasts, and principal Marian works.

MRI 630 MARY IN CONTEMPORARY PERIOD
Study of the teaching of Vatican II about the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially in chapter VIII of Lumen Gentium and its implications and developments in contemporary Marian doctrine and devotion. Recent encyclicals on Mary.

MRI 631 MARIAN DOCTRINE
Historical and theological study of principal Marian doctrines: Divine maternity, virginity, Immaculate Conception, and Assumption. Study of the question of Mary's spiritual maternity, intercession, and mediation.

MRI 632 MARIAN SPIRITUALITY
Study of Marian spirituality, e.g., Mary and the Holy Spirit, Mary's virtues, Mary as first disciple of the Lord, as Servant of the Lord, and as Model of the Church. This course likewise studies the various historical expressions of Marian spirituality, e.g., the place of Mary in the spirituality of various religious congregations.

MRI 633 MARY IN LITURGY
Importance and significance of the liturgical cult of Mary, her presence in the mysteries of Christ celebrated throughout the liturgical year, principal Marian feasts, and doctrinal synthesis.

MRI 634 MARY AND THE CHURCH
This course concentrated on the various pastoral dimensions of Marian theology.

MRI 636 MARY AND ECUMENISM
Study of Mary and her place in the Church and related questions as seen by the various Christian and other religious traditions.

MRI 638 MARY IN THEOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
This course presents an anthropological approach to the understanding of Mary and examines its challenges and limitations in light of a theological study of the human person, as paradox and mystery. It will give a special emphasis to the relationship between theological anthropology and Marian dogmas.

MRI 640 CHAMINADE: MARIAN APOSTLE
By using selected texts, this course investigates Fr. William Joseph Chaminade's spiritual development and method. Special attention will be given to the Marian dimension of his spirituality and apostolic method.

MRI 641 SOURCES OF CHAMINADE
A study of Chaminade's teachings on Mary contrasted with those of his contemporaries, writers of the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as earlier Christian sources.

MRI 642 A HISTORY OF MARIANIST SPIRITUALITY
Based on the spiritual charism of William Joseph Chaminade, this course attempts to trace the history of the Chaminadean charism up to the present, taking into consideration its various corporate and cultural expressions.

MRI 643 ADELE DE TRENQUELLEON AND HER SPIRITUALITY
By using selected texts, this Marianist studies course investigates Adele de Trenquelleon's spiritual development and method.

MRI 650 ECCLESIOLOGY
The Church as the people of God, Bride of Christ, the Body of Christ. The mission of service leading to the establishment of the Kingdom of God. The Church as sacrament of salvation.

MRI 651 CHRISTOLOGY (SOTERIOLOGY)
The redemptive work of Christ, Son of God made man: Our Eternal Mediator, Savior, Redeemer, Messianic character of the Kingdom.

MRI 652 SPIRITUALITY
Basic elements of spirituality; its various schools with emphasis on the French school.

MRI 691 SPECIAL MARIAN TOPICS (2 credits)
Study of a particular contemporary Marian question: Marian apparitions, Mary and Feminism, Mary and Liberation Theology, etc.

MRI 692 MONOGRAPHS (1-3 credits)
Detailed study of the Marian writings of a father or doctor of the Church or of a modern writer on Mary.

MRI 695 MARY IN ART (1-3 credits)
Study of the place of Mary in art, concentration on specific themes or periods.

MRI 696 MARY IN MUSIC (1-3 credits)
Study of the place of Mary in music, concentration on specific themes or periods.

MRI 697 MARY IN LITERATURE (1-3 credits)
Study of the place of Mary in literature, concentration on specific themes or periods.

MRI 790 DISSERTATION GUIDANCE
Each student registers for 12 credits of dissertation guidance.


Requirements

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. The applicant should have a reading knowledge of Latin and a modern language other than English. Formation in biblical Greek and Hebrew is also strongly recommended. Special consideration may be given to well-qualified students who have some deficiency, especially in Latin.

  2. The applicant must have adequate background in the study of philosophy (at least 9-12 semester credits), especially in such basic areas as logic, metaphysics, epistemology, and rational psychology.

  3. The applicant should have the equivalent of a Baccalaureate of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.). Ordinarily this would compare favorably with the first three years of study in a seminary. For those with an M.A. in Theology/Religious Studies, it would probably mean at least an additional year of study, e.g., 18 more semester credits.
    Each applicant is evaluated as to past achievements. Applicants will be asked to make up deficiencies before being formally admitted into the program. In evaluating past work, IMRI considers the strength and breadth of previously acquired degrees, courses taken, other academic work, and work experience.
    Below is an outline of the basic course work that some pontifical universities require for the S.T.B. Credits are listed in terms of quarter credits; three quarter credits equal two semester credits:

    Foundations in Theology (21 credits)
    Methodology, Moral Theology, Patristics, Liturgy, Pastoral Theology, Spirituality, Canon Law

    Systematics (15 credits)
    Revelation, God, Christian Anthropology, Christology (Soteriology), Church, Eschatology

    Sacraments (6 credits)
    General introduction, specific sacraments

    Moral Questions (9 credits)
    Individual and Social Ethics

    Scripture (15 credits)

    Church History (3 credits)

  4. Applicants who have an S.T.L. from another pontifical university can be admitted into the S.T.D. program, but they will be asked to make up their deficiency in Marian Studies. This usually involves 30 quarter credits in basic course work for the S.T.L. The courses are chosen in consultation with the thesis moderator.

  5. Applicants are asked to submit transcripts of previous academic work, a curriculum vitae, and a letter of recommendation from: their bishop, for diocesan priests/seminarians; their provincial superior for reli- gious; or from an ecclesiastical authority, e.g., parish priest, for lay persons.


Program Cycle

The International Marian Research Institute organizes its intensive program of Marian Studies in a three-year cycle. The courses are mainly taught in the summer. To alleviate the heavy summer school schedule, part of the summer program is offered in the spring, anticipating the upcoming course offerings. The same courses are again offered in the fall. The courses are distributed over the three-year cycle in the following manner:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

The following remarks are intended to facilitate the organization of your studies (course work):

  1. The S.T.L. requires 57 quarter credits of courses, plus a thesis.

  2. The course work for the S.T.L. can be completed over a period of three years by taking a heavy load of 18 credits each year.
    The student can also take a lighter load and finish in four years. However, the student must schedule properly. The three-year cycle of core courses allows the student to know what will be offered and when. Monographs and special courses, however, are not projected that far in advance.

  3. Those who have the S.T.L. without specialization in Mariology can finish the required course work in two summers; the courses they take are determined by their thesis topic. They should take courses that will help them in their research.

  4. During fall and spring sessions, we encourage students to choose a guided studies course in addition to each regular course for which they register. For those who need to satisfy a requirement in the area of general theology (non-Marian disciplines), guided studies can also be provided.

  5. The S.T.L. thesis and the S.T.D. dissertation can be presented and defended almost any time during the year.


Research

With a degree in theology, you will be expected to be familiar not only with your area of specialization in Marian Studies, but also with the current literature in all the branches of theology systematics, historical studies, Scripture, etc. Familiarity with the wide range of theological literature is an absolute requirement.
The subject of your research project should be something original, a contribution to the field. The topic's ultimate justification is not that it is relevant to today's questions, but that it provides interested persons with information not previously available in that way.
A research project must include both a text and a context, that is, it must both have a specific focus but situated within a larger background.
Good research projects are focused and limited.

  1. RESEARCH PAPER
    The research paper required for the Certificate Program is produced under the direction of the student's moderator. It must be original and is due upon completion of the student's course of study. There is no oral defense.
    Students enrolled in the S.T.L. program are asked to write a major research paper for each of the three summer sessions. The paper has to be related to one of the themes treated during the summer session. It must be original and is produced under the direction of a moderator. It is due at the end of November following the summer session.

  2. DEVELOPING A PROPOSAL (S.T.L. thesis; S.T.D. dissertation)
    Developing the proposal is a major step in writing the dissertation. The proposal must be clear, precise, and specific. The proposal indicates that the student has a grasp of the overall direction of the project, the principal divisions of the work, the method which will be followed, and the bibliography. By outlining as clearly as possible the entire project (either by principal divisions or chapters), one can avoid repeating the same material in different places a fault common to many theses.
    Before submitting your proposal, you should be able to give thorough and complete answers to the following questions:
    1) What is the general field of inquiry and the specific focus of the study?
    2) What articles and books have been already written on the topic? What is your work going to add to the previously existing body of literature?
    This is sometimes known as the status quaestionis ; you should show that you are aware of and have studied the strengths and limitations of what has already been written on a topic. The fact that a topic has been written about previously does not preclude further investigation, provided that you can demon- strate the shortcomings or incomplete nature of what has already been published or what a new investigation might reveal. For example, many studies have been made on the Marian teaching of St. Bonaventure. What would justify another study? A possible response could be that previous studies on Bonaventure's Marian teaching have been limited to an examination of his theological works; no study, however, has been made of the Marian teaching found in his homilies and liturgical works.
    3) What are the original or primary materials which will furnish the basis for the study? Distinguish carefully between original materials and secondary materials (articles containing interpretations or commentaries on primary materials). The main body of research should be limited to an investigation of the original materials. For example, the primary materials contain the interpretations which you may or may not judge to be pertinent and accurate. A danger to be avoided is allowing the secondary materials to form too large a part of your evaluation.
    4) How will the original materials be analyzed or studied? A body of materials requires some heuristic device to bring out its full meaning. There are many methods of studying a text. But it is important that the method arise from the text, and not be imposed in such a way as to distort the meaning of the text. An external critique would involve a study of all the influences from without which may have influenced the text. An internal critique would examine a text from a point of view of consistency, accuracy, development. Various methods of textual or literary criticism are also possible (consult the MLA Bibliography).
    5) What are the hypotheses which will furnish the direction of the study? As you sift through large amounts of materials, questions or "hunches" or suppositions will arise which direct your efforts. Generally speaking, with the exception of a serendipitous discovery, you only find what you are looking for. Without questions or hypothesis, research lacks aim or direction. During the course of the research, our hypotheses may be modified, but it is those hypotheses which shape the study and eventually furnish the conclusions for your study.

  3. PRESENTING THE PROPOSAL
    The thesis or dissertation proposal for the Licentiate or Doctorate must be presented to the Director of IMRI and the faculty of IMRI and/or the Marianum for approval. It should in some way include the following:
    1) a title indicating both the general field and the specific topic of investigation;
    2) a review of the research on the topic indicating the strengths and omissions of what has been previously written;
    3) an explanation of the specific contribution which this study will make to the field of knowledge;
    4) a preliminary outline giving the principal divisions or chapters;
    5) the method of analysis or way of treating original material;
    6) a bibliography of primary and secondary materials with occasional annotations on the usefulness of a book or article.
    All of the above are offered as suggestions for the proposal; the outline need not be slavishly followed. The methods of investigation are myriad. Generally speaking, the researcher should not impose categories on the material, but rather follow the directions which the material indicates. It is the material itself which indicates or provides the method.
    In writing the thesis or dissertation, either Turabian or the MLA style manual may be followed. For footnotes and bibliography, consistency in the form used is what is important.

  4. S.T.L. THESIS
    a.
    The thesis must be an original scholarly work that has not been presented at another academic institution.
    b.
    The topic should be chosen by the half-way mark of the student's studies and a basic outline and bibliography presented by the end of the second summer of the student's studies.
    c.
    The topic must be approved by a thesis moderator and by the Council of the Director. The moderator can be a professor of IMRI, the Marianum, or another pontifical faculty.
    d.
    Thirty days before the defense, five typed copies must be presented to the Director of IMRI with the nihil obstat of the thesis moderator. One copy is to be sent to the Marianum.
    e.
    The defense takes place before the Director of IMRI, the moderator of the thesis, and two examiners designated by the Director. The defense includes a discussion of the principal theological themes related to the candidate's thesis.
    f.
    The candidate explains for 20 minutes why this topic was chosen, what methods were followed, difficulties met, results attained, and what is original in the conclusions.
    g.
    Each professor who reviewed the thesis has 15 minutes to ask questions and to explain his/her appraisal of the thesis. At the end, the moderator of the thesis may intervene for 10 minutes.
    h.
    The final evaluation is based on the following scale: summa cum laude = 29-30, magna cum laude = 27-28, cum laude = 24-26, bene probatus = 21-23, probatus = 18-20. The written thesis and the oral defense each receive 50% percent.
    i.
    For the licentiate, seven copies of the revised thesis should be given to the Director of IMRI.
    j.
    The diploma, signed by the Director of IMRI, by the President, the Grand Chancellor and Secretary of the Marianum, will be awarded the student.

  5. S.T.D. DISSERTATION
    a.
    The topic of the student's dissertation must be chosen at the time of entrance into the program. During the first semester, the candidate must present an outline of his/her dissertation with a tentative bibliography.
    b.
    This initial summary is evaluated by the moderator of the dissertation and by a second professor from IMRI. It is then submitted to the Director's Council and eventually sent to the Marianum for the approval of its Council of the President.
    c.
    The dissertation must conform to the Norms established by the Marianum:
    • The work must be original and be a genuine contribution to the development of knowledge.
    • It must not have been previously published nor presented to another faculty. An S.T.L. thesis presented at IMRI or at the Marianum can be the basis of one's doctoral research.
    • A dissertation of at least 150 pages is expected wherein the personal work of the candidate and its scholarly value can be appraised.
    • Three months before the defense of the dissertation six copies must be given to the Institute; two are sent to the Marianum. It must have the written approval of the Director's Council and of the professor entrusted with the preparation of the candidate for the doctoral degree.
    d.
    The dissertation may be defended at the IMRI or at the Marianum. If the defense is held in Dayton, the dissertation must be approved by a commission of two reviewers from the Marianum.
    e.
    For the defense, the same procedures as given above for the S.T.L. thesis are followed with these differences:
    • There are three examiners.
    • In the evaluation, 50% is given for the written dissertation, 20% for the defense, and 30% for the studies and scholarly activities of the candidate.
    f.
    After the defense, the candidate submits to IMRI a summary of the dissertation (approximately two typewritten pages) and receives a copy of the observations submitted by the reviewers.
    g.
    To obtain the diploma for the S.T.D. the candidate must publish his/her thesis in whole or in part, taking into consideration the observations and directions of the board of examiners. The nihil obstat of the Director of IMRI is necessary for publication. The text may be published in offset.
    h.
    Seventy copies must be given to IMRI, of which forty will be forwarded to the Marianum. A copy is sent to the Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education.
    i.
    For the doctorate, the complete work (ready to be photocopied) and a 350-word abstract should be sent to Dissertation Abstracts International . The complete revised text must be given to the Director of IMRI.

  6. THE DEFENSE
    The defense begins with the candidate explaining the reasons for the choice of the topic, the method fol- lowed, the difficulties encountered, the results and what is original in the topic, as well as a reference to the principal theological themes related to the dissertation topic. The dissertation advisor and examiners are given the opportunity to ask questions about the research and the theological implications of the work. The Director of IMRI may also intervene.

  7. TIME LIMIT FOR COMPLETION
    Ordinarily the following time frame should be observed:
    a.
    Certificate Paper: present within one year after completion of course work.
    b.
    S.T.L. Thesis: present within three years after completion of course work.
    c.
    S.T.D. Dissertation: present within five years after defense of S.T.L. thesis or after the completion of course work for those students who have an S.T.L. from another pontifical university.


Admission

ADMISSION INTO THE PROGRAM

Admission into the program is approved by the Director of IMRI and his council. Those who possess all the requirements are admitted without reservation. Those who do not possess all the requirements are admitted provisionally, pending confirmation by the Marianum in Rome.

REGISTRATION

  1. Registration for the most part is processed by mail. New students should contact IMRI at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the term for registration materials. Currently enrolled students are mailed registration materials. Anyone not receiving a preprinted registration form should contact IMRI by mail or visit during regular office hours.

  2. Registration is subject to approval by the Director of IMRI. To allow sufficient time for processing registration, the #2 form, and the payment of fees, it is imperative that the registration form be returned immediately.
    Mail received by June 1 will be processed and the #2 form (payment) will be mailed to registrants. Mail received after June 1 should have full payment enclosed with the registration form.

DROP/ADD

  1. The official drop/add form must be used for any change in registration. The bursar will receive a copy of the drop/add form after it has been processed by the Registration Office and will adjust fees at that time.

  2. Proper consultation at the time of registration should eliminate most drop/add situations.


Financial Information

This will change from year to year, conforming to current practice at the University of Dayton in its various programs.
Tuition for IMRI is calculated on a par with that for the Education Specialization Degree offered by the University of Dayton School of Education. This is a post-master's degree, and the tuition charged reflects the discount that is given to religious and to educators. See "Program in Marian Studies" for current fees.
Limited scholarships are available. Applications should be submitted by April 15 at least one year in advance of attendance.


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