M.Div. Thesis

Master of Divinity students may write a thesis in fulfillment of curricular requirements under the following guidelines:

1.     The thesis will count as the equivalent of one elective.

2.     The topic of the thesis may be a specialized subject of research in any theological discipline or may have an interdisciplinary character.

3.     A Thesis Proposal is to be prepared and submitted on a form available for this purpose (see Appendix). This calls for a clear statement of the topic, the method of inquiry to be used, and the resources available.

4.     The advisor will normally serve as the student's principal source of advice and guidance concerning the thesis. In consultation with the advisor, the student selects a faculty member to serve as second reader and secures this person's consent to serve.

5.     The thesis must use scholarly methods of research and must measure up to acceptable standards of excellence.

6.     The expected length of the thesis cannot be stated precisely; however, it would normally approximate 100 typewritten pages.

7.     A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations, by Kate L. Turabian (paperback, University of Chicago Press), latest edition, is the authority on all questions of format and mechanical preparation of the thesis.

8.     Upon completion of the work, the student will take the initiative in arranging for a colloquy on the thesis with the faculty advisor and the second reader. These oral examinations will be scheduled before March 31, and in no case will be held later than one month before the student's anticipated date of graduation.

See Student Academic Handbook for date time line.

This webpage was last updated July 11, 2006