MISHAWAKA, Ind., Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Graduate Theological Foundation has announced the creation of the first-ever online Tribunal Studies program. This groundbreaking, intensive program allows for rigorous post-graduate training in Canon Law with the convenience of online studies.

Successful graduates of the program will receive a Master of Tribunal Studies (M.Tr.S.) degree or a Doctor of Tribunal Studies (D.Tr.S.) degree. The program is designed at the master's level for volunteer or credentialed chancery and tribunal personnel, and at the doctoral level for chancery and tribunal personnel engaged in advanced study and research in Canon Law. The focus of the rigorous academic program is on Tribunals, with studies emphasizing the Roman Rota in Tribunal Practice.

Two highly accomplished scholars in Canon Law will serve as faculty for the Tribunal Studies online program. The Rev. David Mulvihill, J.C.D., has been a Judge of the Illinois Ecclesiastical Court of Appeals since 2004. The Rev. Dr. John Mulvihill, J.C.L., Ed.D., has served as Adjutant Judicial Vicar of the Illinois Ecclesiastical Court of Appeals since 2006.

"Tribunal Studies at the Graduate Theological Foundation are uniquely Tribunal-oriented," Dr. David Mulvihill said. "Papal documents, Roman Rota decisions and the 1983 Code are faithfully followed for effective Tribunal Practice. There is no other Tribunal degree program quite like it."

The online Tribunal Studies program at the Graduate Theological Foundation is the first of its kind to be offered in the Western hemisphere, and is designed for working professionals – lay, religious, ordained or civil lawyers – seeking flexible, focused studies in Canon Law without relinquishing their current position.

Both the master's and doctoral online programs culminate in a five-day residential Case-Based Tribunal Studies Practicum held in Chicago, Ill., and a required academic thesis with oral defense before the faculty.

About GTF

Since its founding in 1962, the Graduate Theological Foundation has become recognized the world over as a premier non-profit educational institution for ministry professionals and as a leader in ecumenical and interreligious education that encourages pluralism, fosters dialogue and supports academic excellence. We engage in scholarly research, academic publishing, awarding of professional and academic degrees across a range of disciplines, and awarding of fellowships and grants.

For more information on the Tribunal Studies program, please visit our website. 
Master's: http://www.gtfeducation.org/academics/master-of-tribunal-studies-online.cfm 
Doctoral: http://www.gtfeducation.org/academics/doctor-of-tribunal-studies-online.cfm

CONTACT:
Kyna Morgan
Director of Marketing & Publications
Graduate Theological Foundation 
publications@gtfeducation.org 
574-255-3642

SOURCE Graduate Theological Foundation