Theses
The thesis is an opportunity for a student to develop research skills and a body of work in an area of master’s level expertise. This option is primarily taken by Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) and Master of Divinity (MDiv) students. Those pursuing a thesis must have a concentration of at least nine credit hours and must enroll in THEO 5102 Research Methods. In addition, students register for three credit hours of thesis research for two semesters through the Seminary Academic Services Office. Students are charged the Thesis Fee in addition to tuition at registration. The topic is chosen in consultation with the director of the MATS degree program, who then assigns a thesis advisor to the student. The thesis must be submitted by the beginning of the eighth week of the final semester. An oral defense of the thesis before a faculty committee must occur no later than week twelve of the final semester. Full thesis guidelines will be distributed by the director of the MATS degree program. Successful defense of the thesis is required for completion of the MATS program. The grading scale for theses is high pass, pass, or fail.