Thomistic Institute

Graduate Scholarship Programs

Thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, the TI is pleased to offer full-ride scholarships for students to pursue graduate degrees in Theology at the Dominican House of Studies.

The Thomistic Institute is an academic institute of the Pontifical Faculty of the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. The primary purpose of the Dominican House of Studies is to provide a theological education for those intending to serve as ministers in the Dominican Order. Recognizing the wide appeal of a theological education in the Dominican tradition, the Dominican House of Studies also accepts other qualified students for its various degree programs. Under the tutelage of the Dominican friars, students follow a rigorous curriculum centered on the synthesis of the Catholic intellectual tradition found in the works of St. Thomas Aquinas.  

MA Scholarship Program

Each year, the Thomistic Institute offers at least two scholarships for students to earn their MA in Theology at the Dominican House of Studies.

Applications will open soon - check this page for updates!

  • This two-year Master’s degree program focuses on theology in the Thomistic tradition. It was introduced in 1993 to better serve laypersons by facilitating further theological studies for the faithful service of the pastoral needs of the Church.

    For more information, click here.

    • Full tuition

    • A living stipend of $20,000 per academic year

    • Additional funds to cover academic fees & books

    Scholarship awardees work up to eight (8) hours weekly with the Thomistic Institute staff on TI projects or with the DHS faculty on research projects.

  • To be considered for a TI Scholarship, you must submit two separate applications. The first application is the standard application for the degree program at the Dominican House of Studies. The second application is for the TI Scholarship (below). Both applications must be submitted by the January 28 deadline.*

    To apply for the TI scholarship, submit:

    1. A statement of intent: This document should describe 1) your involvement with the Thomistic Institute to date and/or how your nomination to the program would further the mission of the Thomistic Institute; 2) your reasons for pursuing the a degree at the Dominican House of Studies; and 3) your qualifications for graduate study. Your statement should not exceed two pages (double-spaced, 12 point font). 

    2. A Curriculum Vitae: The CV should include your educational background and any relevant professional/volunteer experience, leadership roles, academic honors received, etc.

    *Policy regarding GRE scores: To be eligible for the TI scholarship for degree programs that require the GRE, it is permissible for the GRE scores to arrive after the January 28 deadline, but the test itself must be taken before the January 28 deadline.

    Receiving a nomination for a TI scholarship will not guarantee or privilege your application to the DHS’s degree program. Conversely, your admission to a degree program is not a prerequisite for a scholarship application.

    Applications will open soon - check this page for updates!

  • In order to be considered for the TI scholarship, you must complete two applications:

    1) The TI scholarship application on this page, and

    2) The application for the degree itself.

    The application for the degree must be complete by the deadline, including GRE scores.

    It is permissible for the GRE scores to arrive after the January 28 deadline, but the test itself must be taken before January 28 and the transfer of scores to the DHS must be initiated before January 28.

  • Applications to matriculate in Fall 2026 are due January 28. Applications will open on this page.

  • Current or recent undergraduates who are eligible for the degree program are eligible to apply. Preference is given to students who are involved in the Thomistic Institute’s other programs.

  • For questions pertaining to the MA program, including the DHS application process and the program course of study, please contact the DHS Registrar, Mrs. Elizabeth Kimes: registrar@dhs.edu

    Questions about the Thomistic Institute scholarship program and application may be directed to Dr. Rebecca Marisseau: rmarisseau@dhs.edu

STL Scholarship Program in Thomistic Studies

Applications will open soon - check this page for updates!

The Thomistic Institute will offer at least one scholarship for a student to earn their Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) or Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD) in Thomistic Studies. It might not offer a scholarship for both each year.

  • The STL is the universally-required degree for advancement to doctoral studies in an ecclesiastical faculty and is a canonical degree required for professors who will teach in ecclesiastical faculties, such as any major seminary. The program requires that students have previously obtained a Bachelor of Sacred Theology (STB).

    The program includes the composition of a License thesis that prepares directly for the composition of an ecclesiastical doctorate. The program consists principally of graduate seminars. It seeks to initiate students to the study of Thomistic thought on several fronts, each of which can become the basis for thesis research:

    • Major Themes in Classical Thomistic Philosophy, Dogmatic and Moral Theology

    • The Modern Thomistic Tradition within the context of Post-Enlightenment Theology

    • The Study of Aquinas in Historical Context

    • Historical Methods for the Study of Medieval Theolog

    For more information, click here.

    • Full tuition

    • A living stipend of $20,000 per academic year

    • Additional funds to cover academic fees & books

    Scholarship awardees work up to eight (8) hours weekly with the Thomistic Institute staff on TI projects or with the DHS faculty on research projects.

  • Details forthcoming - check this page soon!

  • Applications to matriculate in Fall 2026 are due January 28. Applications will open on this page.

  • Anyone eligible for the degree program is eligible to apply.

    The Thomistic Institute does not offer additional scholarship funds to achieve the STB or STB-equivalency in preparation for the STL.

  • For questions pertaining to the degree programs, including the DHS application process, the program course of study, and STB equivalency, please contact the DHS Registrar, Mrs. Elizabeth Kimes: registrar@dhs.edu

    Questions about the Thomistic Institute scholarship program and application may be directed to Dr. Rebecca Marisseau: rmarisseau@dhs.edu

STD Scholarship Program in Thomistic Studies

Applications will open soon - check this page for updates!

The Thomistic Institute will offer at least one scholarship for a student to earn their Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) or Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD) in Thomistic Studies. It might not offer a scholarship for both each year.

  • The Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD) is a specialized degree program in Thomistic studies. It offers a terminal degree (the ecclesiastical doctorate) that is granted by the authority and in the name of the Holy See. Candidates may specialize either in the domain of Thomistic systematic theology or Thomistic moral theology.

    Applicants must have previously obtained an STL to be considered for the STD.

    For more information, click here.

    • Full tuition

    • A living stipend of $20,000 per academic year

    • Additional funds to cover academic fees & books

    Scholarship awardees work up to eight (8) hours weekly with the Thomistic Institute staff on TI projects or with the DHS faculty on research projects.

  • Details forthcoming - check this page soon!

  • Applications to matriculate in Fall 2026 are due January 8. Applications will open on this page.

  • Anyone eligible for the degree program is eligible to apply.


  • For questions pertaining to the degree programs, including the DHS application process, the program course of study, please contact the DHS Registrar, Mrs. Elizabeth Kimes: registrar@dhs.edu

    Questions about the Thomistic Institute scholarship program and application may be directed to Dr. Rebecca Marisseau: rmarisseau@dhs.edu

Former Scholarship Recipients

  • MA - Class of 2024

    “The fruits of this MA program will be life-long. My broad goal is to share the perennial truths articulated by St. Thomas with the world to the utmost of my ability, especially his wisdom on the human person. I intend to pass on the fruits of things contemplated by teaching, further study, and hopefully by ministering to individuals to help them come to their full fruition in the Truth.”

  • MA - Class of 2023

    “The classes taught by my professors in the MA program have not only been intellectually rigorous, but spiritually fruitful. The community of students, as well, have provided a delightful collegiate atmosphere where the pursuit of truth and the wellbeing of others is always a premier concern.”

  • MA - Class of 2021

    “I have loved my studies. The faculty and students here are truly guided by the Thomistic principle that "the ultimate perfection of the contemplative life” is that "the Divine truth be not only seen but also loved" (ST II-II, q.180, a. 7, ad 1.) In this environment, academic rigor is sought for the right reason – that we might think about God with the utmost clarity so that we might love Him with the utmost fervor and subsequently share that integrated knowledge and love with the world.”