M.A. Program: Summative Evaluation

M.A.students not seeking rostering as Associates in Ministry or Diaconal Ministers must fulfill the summative evaluation requirement by completing an academic paper as an independent study. During the Spring Semester of their first year of study (or during their eighth course) M.A. students, in consultation with their academic advisor and the Director of the M.A. Program, must choose a topic for their paper. They must also choose a second reader. They must register for the summative evaluation in the Fall term on their second year. The evaluation must be completed during the Spring term of their final year of study. Successful completion of the evaluation is a prerequisite for graduation and will result in one course credit. The evaluation will be graded pass/fail unless the student requests a letter grade.

For M.A. students in the Diaconal Ministry Program, the two-part Diaconal Ministry Project (see section on Diaconal Ministry Program) fulfills this requirement.

                        M.A. Thesis (One-Course Credit)

a.      During the Fall Semester of the second year of study (or while completing the eighth course) a thesis or project proposal is submitted to and approved by a supervisor, chosen by the student after consultation with this faculty person, the student’s academic advisor, and the Director of the M.A. Program.

b.     The thesis or project is completed by the end of the Spring Semester of the second year of study (or the sixteenth course) and is then evaluated by the thesis or project supervisor and the Director of the M.A. Program or a faculty person designated by the Director.

c.      After the thesis or project has been evaluated, a grade is assigned by the supervisor and a course credit is recorded on the student’s transcript.

d.     A thesis of between 30 and 40 pages may be written in any field represented by the LSTC faculty.

Associates in Ministry candidates may choose the above M.A. Thesis option or a Vocational Theological Reflection for the Summative Evaluation.

      Vocational Theological Reflection

a.      During the Fall Semester of the second year of study (or while completing the eighth course) a proposal is submitted to and approved by a supervisor chosen by the student after consultation with the student's academic advisor and the Director of the M.A. program.

b.     Before the end of the Spring Semester of the second year of study (or before completing the sixteenth course) the student prepares a reflective essay of between 30 and 40 pages in which the student integrates theological learning with issues of vocational identity and vocational expectations.

The supervisor and the Director of the M.A. program, or a faculty person designated by the Director, evaluate the essay and meet with the student to discuss the essay. After these requirements are successfully completed, a pass or fail grade is assigned by the supervisor, and a course credit is recorded on the student's transcript. Letter grades may be given if requested.