Understanding STB and STL, and other degrees

[eekiee]

Here are a couple of questions regarding ecclesiastical degrees (and other degrees) that have been bothering me for a few days already:

1. Can a lay obtain an STB/STL/DD? I noticed that only priests have such acronyms attached to their names.
2. Can one be ordained after finishing an STL? For example, priest A finished his STB. He didn’t get ordained yet, so he decided to proceed STL. After finishing STL, that’s when he gets ordained. Is that possible? Or is being an ordained priest a requirement to take an STL?
3. I noticed that our priests have other acronyms too. Some have MBA, MA right after STB and STL. So… can diocesan priests study [other degrees, like History and Management] for years right after ordination? Like, can they opt not to get assigned to a parish and go on for years of studying?

Sorry if I used some terms wrongly. Thanks for the responses in advance!

 

[Fauken]

Can a lay obtain an STB/STL/DD? I noticed that only priests have such acronyms attached to their names.

Yup! Although DD – Doctorate in Divinity – is generally given to bishops. Degrees in Divinity are generally for clergy. A layperson can get a doctorate in canon law (JCD) and theology (STD).

Can one be ordained after finishing an STL?

Sure!

So… can diocesan priests study [other degrees, like History and Management] for years right after ordination? Like, can they opt not to get assigned to a parish and go on for years of studying?

They can get degrees after ordination, but I’m pretty sure that it’s up to the needs of their diocese/order. Some also may have earned these degrees before they were ordained.