LAUREA. — This is the title obtained after attending the courses of a university faculty and passing the corresponding examinations by means of a public defense (in Italian universities), and by publishing the thesis, known precisely as the thesis for the l. (in ecclesiastical universities and faculties, with the exception of the three sections of sacred music).
The l. conferred by Italian universities is an exclusively academic title, since, without a specific qualifying examination, it does not open the way to teaching or to the practice of a profession.
Following the constitution Deus scientiarum Dominus of 24 May 1931 and the accompanying Ordinationes of the S. Congregation for Studies and Universities (12 June 1931), in the ecclesiastical sciences the l. is awarded 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 (after a minimum interval of two years from the licentiate, which may 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); sacred-music composition (5 years); organ (4 years).
In ecclesiastical subjects as well, the so-called l. honoris causa is conferred, but only by express concession of the Holy See, to be granted on each individual occasion (art. 40 of the constitution cited). 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 constitution cited). The l. constitutes the highest academic degree and therefore cannot validly be conferred before the licentiate (v.) in the respective subject (art. 39); it must always be granted in the name of the reigning supreme pontiff or, during a vacancy, in the name of the Holy See (art. 35 of the constitution).
Besides faculties dependent on the Holy See, in some countries there are theological faculties dependent on the State; these are absent in Italy. Nevertheless, under art. 40 of the Concordat, the Italian State recognizes l. degrees in theology conferred by theological faculties approved by the Holy See, including for educational purposes.
In addition to the right to teach and to the title of doctor, the l. entails the privilege of the ring with a gemstone and the doctoral cap with four points, though not during sacred functions. Graduates also enjoy preference over others, when conditions are equal, in selection for various ecclesiastical offices (can. 1378).
The l. formerly required, or at least desired, in cann. 331 § 1 no. 5 (for appointment as bishop), 320 § 2 (abbots and prelati nullius), 367 § 1 (vicars general), 396 § 3 (first dignity in the cathedral Chapter), 399 § 1 (theological canon and penitentiary), 404 § 2 (canons), 434 § 2 (capitular vicars), 1366 § 1 (professors of theological, philosophical, and juridical subjects), 1573 § 4 (official and deputy officials), 1589 § 1 (promoter of justice and defender of the bond), 1637 § 2 (advocates), is today legally replaced by the respective licentiate alone, in accordance with the declaration of the S. Congregation for Studies and Universities of 23 May 1948. It remains necessary, however, for professors at universities and faculties entitled to confer academic degrees; moreover, for auditors of the S. Roman Rota, the l. in utroque iure is indispensable, in accordance with can. 1598 § 2.