LAUREA. - It is the degree that is obtained after attending the courses of a university faculty and passing the respective examinations by means of public discussion (in Italian universities) and the publication of the thesis, called precisely the l. thesis (in ecclesiastical universities and faculties, with the exception of the three sections of sacred music).
The l. issued in Italian universities is an exclusively academic title, inasmuch as, without a specific qualifying examination, it does not open the way to teaching and to the exercise of a profession.
After the constitution Deus scientiarum Dominus of 24 May 1931 and the annexed Ordinationes of the Sacred Congregation of Studies and Universities (12 June 1931), in the ecclesiastical sciences the l. is obtained in the following disciplines: theology (after a course of at least 5 years); philosophy (4 years), canon law (3 years); utrumque ius (4 years); Sacred Scripture (at a minimum of two years' distance from the licentiate, which can be obtained only after two years of study); oriental sciences (3 years); Christian archaeology (3 years); ecclesiastical history (3 years); missiology (3 years); Gregorian chant (3 years); composition of sacred music (5 years); organ (4 years).
Even in ecclesiastical subjects the so-called l. honoris causa is granted, but only by express concession of the Holy See, to be given case by case (art. 40 of the cited constitution). The right to confer the l. is reserved exclusively to universities and faculties approved by the Holy See (can. 1377 § 1, art. 6 of the cited constitution). The l. constitutes the highest academic degree and therefore cannot validly be granted before the licentiate (v.) in the respective subject (art. 39); it must always be given in the name of the reigning supreme pontiff, or, in time of vacancy, in the name of the Holy See (art. 35 of the constitution).
Besides the faculties dependent on the Holy See, there exist in some countries theological faculties dependent on the State; these are lacking in Italy, yet the Italian State, in accordance with art. 40 of the Concordat, recognizes the l. in theology issued by theological faculties approved by the Holy See, also for scholastic purposes.
The l., besides the right to teach and the title of doctor, carries with it the privilege of the ring with a gem and the doctoral cap with four corners, though not during sacred functions. Furthermore, graduates have preference over others, other conditions being equal, in the selection for the various ecclesiastical offices (can. 1378).
The l., until now required or at least desired in cann. 331 § 1 n. 5 (for appointment as bishop), 320 § 2 (abbots and prelates nullius), 367 § 1 (vicars general), 396 § 3 (first dignity in the cathedral Chapter), 399 § 1 (canon theologian and penitentiary), 404 § 2 (canons), 434 § 2 (capitular vicars), 1366 § 1 (professors of theological, philosophical and juridical subjects), 1573 § 4 (official and vice-officials), 1589 § 1 (promoter of justice and defender of the bond), 1637 § 2 (advocates), is today by law replaced by the respective licentiate alone, in accordance with the declaration of the Sacred Congregation of Studies and Universities of 23 May 1948. It remains necessary even now for the professors of universities and faculties that have the right to confer academic degrees; moreover, for the auditors of the Sacred Roman Rota the l. in utroque iure is indispensable, in accordance with can. 1598 § 2.