Licentiate in Canon Law
Description
Program Overview
The Licentiate in Canon Law degree (JCL) is an ecclesiastical program governed by the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium and other norms of the Holy See. The program consists of 75 course credits, covering the fundamental principles and specific canons of the Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church.
Throughout the program of studies, emphasis is placed upon the practical application of law. Students are required to do a major research project accomplished in the research seminar under the guidance of a professor of the Faculty of Canon Law.
The JCL degree enables clergy, religious, and lay persons to hold a variety of roles in tribunals and diocesan curias. It also prepares them to serve as key leaders and advisors in dioceses, religious institutes, societies of apostolic life, and various Catholic organizations.
The JCL is always pursued concurrently with the Master in Canon Law.
Admission Details
Program length: 6 terms (2 years, full-time); 12 terms (4 years, part-time).
Program delivery method: On campus and online.
Language: This program is also available in French.
Admission
The Licentiate in Canon Law degree (JCL) is an ecclesiastical program governed by the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium and other norms of the Holy See. The program consists of 75 course credits, covering the fundamental principles and specific canons of the Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church.
Throughout the program of studies, emphasis is placed upon the practical application of law. Students are required to do a major research project accomplished in the research seminar under the guidance of a professor of the Faculty of Canon Law.
The JCL degree enables clergy, religious, and lay persons to hold a variety of roles in tribunals and diocesan curias. It also prepares them to serve as key leaders and advisors in dioceses, religious institutes, societies of apostolic life, and various Catholic organizations.
The JCL is always pursued concurrently with the Master in Canon Law.
Admission Details
Program length: 6 terms (2 years, full-time); 12 terms (4 years, part-time).
Program delivery method: On campus and online.
Language: This program is also available in French.
Admission
- An applicant must have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent with at least a B (70%) average, and a minimum of two years of study in philosophy and theology, either at the undergraduate or graduate level, which should include the study of philosophical anthropology, metaphysics, ethics, Sacred Scripture, fundamental theology, Trinitarian theology, Christology, grace, ecclesiology, sacramental theology (general and particular), moral theology (general and particular), and an introduction to canon law. They also need to have an adequate knowledge of Latin. An applicant who lacks sufficient preparation in philosophy and theology or Latin may be admitted provisionally, but must complete the prerequisites, under the direction of the Dean, before final acceptance into the program.
- One (1) letter of recommendation by a person who knows the applicant and can attest to the applicant’s capacity to pursue graduate study. In addition, a letter of permission from the applicant’s bishop (for secular clergy) or superior (for members of institutes of consecrated life or societies of apostolic life).
- A curriculum vitae.
- Excellent knowledge of English or French and, for DCA 6921 Canonical Latin, a passive knowledge of the other language.
Program Requirements
Compulsory Courses (66 units)
DCA5103 Universal and Supra Diocesan Church Structures (3u)
DCA5127 Particular Churches (3u)
DCA5128 Sanctifying Office (3u)
DCA5129 General Norms (3u)
DCA5130 Matrimonial Law (3u)
DCA5131 Christian Faithful (3u)
DCA5132 Administrative Institutes (3u)
DCA5133 Procedures I (3u)
DCA5134 Eastern Canon Law (3u)
DCA5135 Matrimonial Jurisprudence (3u)
DCA5136 Introduction to Canon Law (3u)
DCA5137 Teaching Office (1.5u)
DCA5138 Special Matrimonial Cases and Procedures (1.5u)
DCA5203 Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (3u)
DCA6112 Administrative Procedures (3u)
DCA6113 Temporal Goods (3u)
DCA6114 Procedures II (3u)
DCA6115 Penal Law (3u)
DCA6116 Foundations of Canon Law (3u)
DCA6117 Institutes of Law (3u)
DCA6321 Seminar on Tribunal Practice (3u)
DCA6394 Research Seminar – Preparation (0u)
DCA6395 Research Seminar (3u)
DCA6921 Canonical Latin / Latin canonique (3u)
Optional Courses (9 units)
9 units from:
DCA5139 Canon Law on Safeguarding Minors and Vulnerable Persons (3u)
DCA5304 Comparative Particular Law (3u)
DCA5396 Directed Studies I (3u)
DCA5397 Directed Studies II (3u)
DCA5398 Directed Studies III (3u)
DCA6301 Special Problems in Canon Law I (3u)
DCA6302 Special Problems in Canon Law II (3u)
DCA6315 Liturgical Law Outside the Code (3u)
DCA6316 The Laity and the Power of Governance in the Church (3u)
DCA6363 Special Problems in Canon Law III (1.5u)
DCA6364 Special Problems in Canon Law IV (1.5u)
DCA6365 Special Problems in Canon Law V (1.5u)
DCA6366 Special Problems in Canon Law VI (1.5u)
DCA6367 Special Problems in Canon Law VII (1.5u)
DCA6396 Selected Topics in Canon Law I (3u)
DCA6397 Selected Topics in Canon Law II (3u)
DCA6398 Selected Topics in Canon Law III (3u)
DCA6922 Field Practicum / Stage en milieu de travail (3u)
DCA6961 Study Visit to the Roman Curia / Voyage de formation à la curie romaine (1.5u)
DCA6962 Special Issues in Consecrated Life / Questions spéciales relatives à la vie consacrée (1.5u)
HTP5101 Victims of Sexual Abuse in Society and the Church (3u)
HTP5102 Perpetrators of Sexual Violence in Various Contexts and Prevention (3u)
HTP5103 Special Topics in Safeguarding Minors and Vulnerable Persons (3u)
Note: Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.
DCA5304 Comparative Particular Law (3u)
DCA5396 Directed Studies I (3u)
DCA5397 Directed Studies II (3u)
DCA5398 Directed Studies III (3u)
DCA6301 Special Problems in Canon Law I (3u)
DCA6302 Special Problems in Canon Law II (3u)
DCA6315 Liturgical Law Outside the Code (3u)
DCA6316 The Laity and the Power of Governance in the Church (3u)
DCA6363 Special Problems in Canon Law III (1.5u)
DCA6364 Special Problems in Canon Law IV (1.5u)
DCA6365 Special Problems in Canon Law V (1.5u)
DCA6366 Special Problems in Canon Law VI (1.5u)
DCA6367 Special Problems in Canon Law VII (1.5u)
DCA6396 Selected Topics in Canon Law I (3u)
DCA6397 Selected Topics in Canon Law II (3u)
DCA6398 Selected Topics in Canon Law III (3u)
DCA6922 Field Practicum / Stage en milieu de travail (3u)
DCA6961 Study Visit to the Roman Curia / Voyage de formation à la curie romaine (1.5u)
DCA6962 Special Issues in Consecrated Life / Questions spéciales relatives à la vie consacrée (1.5u)
HTP5101 Victims of Sexual Abuse in Society and the Church (3u)
HTP5102 Perpetrators of Sexual Violence in Various Contexts and Prevention (3u)
HTP5103 Special Topics in Safeguarding Minors and Vulnerable Persons (3u)
Note: Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.
Related Courses
- Particular Churches
- Sanctifying Office
- General Norms
- Christian Faithful
- Administrative Institutes
- Eastern Canon Law
- Matrimonial Jurisprudence
- Introduction to Canon Law
- Teaching Office
- Administrative Procedures
- Temporal Goods
- Penal Law
- Foundations of Canon Law
- Institutes of Law
- Seminar on Tribunal Practice
- Research Seminar - Preparation
- Research Seminar
- Canonical Latin
- Canon Law on Safeguarding Minors and Vulnerable Persons (Graduate)
- Special Problems in Canon Law III
- Special Problems in Canon Law IV
- Special Problems in Canon Law V
- Special Problems in Canon Law VI
- Victims of Sexual Abuse in Society and the Church
- Perpetrators of Sexual Violence in Various Contexts and Prevention
- Special Topics in Safeguarding Minors and Vulnerable Persons
Overview

- Institution: Saint-Paul University
- Program type: Graduate Certificate
- Language: English
- Program Code:
- Delivery Method: Blended/Hybrid Learning
Disclaimer:
Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.
Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.