• Steps in the Process (Checklist)
  
• Request for Candidacy
  
• Thesis/Dissertation Guidelines
    - General Guidelines
    - Types of Research
    - Evaluation
    - General Development
    - Essential Elements
    - Basic Suggestions
    - Proposal Outline
  
• Document Samples:
    - Sample Proposal
    - Sample Self Evaluation
  
• Online Forms:
    - Candidacy Request Form
    - Advisor Signature Form

1. Select a Topic: The student should define a ministry problem or point of interest to be addressed, including a method of approach and ways to evaluate the results.
   
2. Consult with Prospective Advisor: The student should identify an advisor they want to use for their Thesis/Dissertation after they have selected a topic. They should meet with this potential advisor and see if they would be willing to serve in that role (an advisor must have a Masters or Doctoral degree where they were required to write a Thesis or Dissertation). The student should discuss the proposed topic with this advisor and refine as necessary.
   
3. Consult with IGSM Office: The student should consult with the IGSM office concerning the chosen topic and a potential qualified advisor.
   
4. Submit Request for Candidacy Form and Self Evaluation: These forms need to be submitted prior to Dec. 31 (at least 15 months prior to proposed graduation date).
   
5. Submit Thesis/Dissertation Proposal: The student should also submit a Thesis/Dissertation proposal by the Dec. 31 deadline. A fee equal to the current cost of one four credit course will be required at this time. The student will be notified of what changes are necessary before final approval will be granted. Approval is normally complete by January 31.
   
6. Conduct the Study: After receiving Thesis/Dissertation approval, the student may proceed to develop the Thesis/Dissertation, conduct it and begin writing. Please call IGSM the first week of February if you have not heard anything regarding your proposal.
   
7. Communicate Regularly with your Thesis/Dissertation Advisor: Give them copies of your chapters as they are completed for review and comment.
   
8. Submit First Draft by September 15: Dissertations/Theses will be evaluated in the order received. Submit one (1) boxed copy of first draft to IGSM for evaluation by outside professional readers. Please be sure your draft is in proper Turabian style and format, and has been carefully proofread for spelling, grammar, punctuation and format. To get you started, we have printable samples available that should help you regarding the Turabian format. In addition, a computer disc with the basic Turabian form as demonstrated in the Sample Format is available from the IGSM office upon request.
   
   We suggest you hire a professional proofreader familiar with the Turabian style manual (A Manual For Writers 6th or 7th ed). This is critical to the process. Drafts not conforming to the proper format will normally be rejected and the student will have to wait another year to graduate.
   
9. First Draft Returned by October 15: Your first draft will be returned to you with required corrections and revisions.
   
10. Submit Second Draft by November 15: Submit one (1) boxed copy of second draft to IGSM for reading.
    
    
11. Second Draft Returned by December 1: Second draft will be returned to you with any additional required corrections and revisions.
    
12. Submit Final Copy of Thesis/Dissertation by December 31: Submit one (1) copy of final draft on computer disk Submit two (2) boxed, laser printed manuscripts of your final draft on acid-free dissertation bond paper. There are many varieties. We have used Eaton Parchment 50, medium weight 20#, regular finish, 50% cotton, watermarked/acid free. Be sure to include the 2 “signed” original advisor signature pages and do not bend or fold (include behind title page for binding). The first bound copy will stay with the IGSM Library and the second copy will be given to you at the graduation ceremony. You may send additional copies for binding at additional cost at that time. Your graduation fee is due on the same date, December 31.

The Academic Affairs Committee will be meeting early in January to recommend candidates for graduation. Please contact IGSM if you have any questions about these procedures. We are here to assist you through this exciting process!

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With two (2) courses remaining (besides your Thesis or Dissertation) you may begin your candidacy process.

1. Open your candidacy file by submitting a Request for Candidacy Form. Note that you are asked to identify your Thesis/Dissertation Advisor. Please enclose a brief resume or indicate the key information in the space provided on the form. A Thesis/Dissertation Advisor is someone with an earned Masters or Doctoral degree (not necessarily in theology) that can advise you on all the technical aspects of producing a dissertation. Call IGSM if you have questions.
   
2. Submit a Self-Evaluation Statement to IGSM. The Self-Evaluation Statement includes a candid self-appraisal by the student that includes the following elements.
   • An assessment of your strengths and weaknesses in light of intellectual and spiritual growth produced through work accomplished at the school and in ministry.
   • An assessment of course work taken to-date at the school
   • The length of the Self-Evaluation Statement is to be about 1,000-2,000 words (6-8 typed, double-spaced pages).
     
3. Submit a Dissertation/Thesis Proposal - A Sample Dissertation/Thesis Proposal Outline is provided to assist you in writing your proposal. Note that the deadline for submitting these three items is Dec. 31, approximately 15 months prior to your proposed graduation date.

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Overview

Both the Master’s and Doctoral programs conclude with a Thesis/Dissertation that integrates both theory and practice of ministry. It is this combination of theory and practice in the field of the candidate's ministry that distinguishes the graduate programs at IGSM from programs that focus on academic research. Ordinarily, the Thesis/Dissertation engages the candidate in independent thought and research, bringing the theological and practical understanding of ministry to bear on a specific plan for the local church or other areas of ministry. In general, a Master’s Thesis or a Doctoral Dissertation at IGSM may be distinguished from typical graduate research as follows:

• The Thesis/Dissertation seeks to (1) apply a specific aspect of theoretical learning to a ministry task by which results can be measured and evaluated, and (2) demonstrate the candidate's competency in ministry.
• Typical graduate research seeks to (1) test a hypothesis which can be reported in such a way that it adds to the scholarly literature in the area of study, and (2) demonstrate the candidate's competency in testing a theory.

However, while the Thesis/Dissertation Project is distinguishable from purely academic research projects, it is to be a scholarly paper that will meet high academic standards. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to:

• Identify a specific concern in ministry, mobilize appropriate resources, develop a method for addressing the concerns, and evaluate the completed results.
• Reflect depth of theological insight in relation to practical ministry.
• Function responsibly under supervision appropriate to the Thesis/Dissertation.

General Guidelines

Advisor:
An advisor will be selected by the student to function as the primary mentor for the Thesis/Dissertation. Normally, such an advisor will live in the general area of the candidate and will be chosen on the basis of needed expertise for supervision over the Thesis/Dissertation. The advisor must be approved by IGSM. The normal limit will be two candidates for any one advisor. Approval of an advisor may be sought by submitting a letter of request, indicating the potential advisor's appropriate credentials, to IGSM.

IGSM will work with the student to develop an approved Thesis/Dissertation topic. They will also be available for consultation with the student on all phases of the Thesis/Dissertation. IGSM will oversee the reading of all preliminary and final drafts of the Thesis/Dissertation.

Thesis/Dissertation Proposal:
A potential topic may involve a need in the student’s ministry or development of the student’s own skills. The student may have several ideas in mind, but will need to focus on one area that is most suitable for a Thesis/Dissertation. The topic must be related directly to the student’s area of ministry. A student may not develop a Thesis/Dissertation on a purely theological subject without linking it to some aspect of actual ministry. Furthermore, the Thesis/Dissertation topic must lend itself to a depth of study and scope of interest that will qualify as graduate-level work.

The Master’s Thesis is not to be more than 75 to 125 pages of double-spaced, typewritten text, plus the bibliography and appendices. The Dissertation is not to be more than 150 to 200 pages of double-spaced, typewritten text, plus the bibliography and appendices. Students would do well to focus on a topic that is narrow enough to be handled within these limitations. The topics should be selected in consultation with IGSM.

Once a topic has been selected, the student, in conjunction with the Thesis/Dissertation advisor, proceeds to submit to IGSM a Thesis/Dissertation Proposal. A proposal may be submitted when the student has three courses remaining (including the Thesis or Dissertation), but no later than before the last course. Final approval of the proposal will come from IGSM. Approval may be granted subject to conditions. The proposal should be 15 to 20 double-spaced pages in length, and should set forth a description of the student’s plans under the following categories:

I. Statement of the Problem

A.  Major Question to be Answered

B.  Rationale for the Thesis/Dissertation

C.  Basic Assumptions

D.  Intended Outcome

E.  Title

F.  Definitions Foundational to the Topic

G.  Biblical and Theological Issues
      (Provide a first-level outline of subjects to be addressed.)

II. Annotated Literature Review

A.  Resources Related to the Topic
      (Provide a description of each resource researched so far, indicating relevance of each resource to Thesis/Dissertation topic.)

B.  Subjects to be Addressed in the Literature Review
      (Provide a first-level outline indicating subjects to be addressed in the Literature Review chapter of the Thesis/Dissertation.)

III. Design of the Study

A.  Purpose: Restate the major question or issue addressed by the Thesis/Dissertation and describe how this issue will be addressed.

B.  Process: List the steps needed to accomplish the purpose of the Thesis/Dissertation with a description of how each step contributes to the whole process.

C.   Procedures: List the specific methodologies to be used to implement steps of the process. Include specific target dates, teaching topics, curriculum, etc.

D.  Program Evaluation: List the methods and the instruments to be used to evaluate the effectiveness of each procedure.

E.  Uniqueness of the Thesis/Dissertation: What is it that makes this Thesis/Dissertation unique in terms of the content, the approach, the setting, the evaluation, or some other distinguishing element.

F.  Projected Appendices: List anticipated items to be included in the Thesis/Dissertation appendix. The appendix includes such items as sample items used to implement procedures as well as evaluative instruments.

A sample proposal is provided to help you as your prepare your own.

Throughout the Thesis/Dissertation Proposal, the student is expected to show ability to write clearly and to communicate effectively, concisely and correctly. An adequate proposal will enable IGSM to decide whether the Thesis/Dissertation is feasible and suitable, whether modifications need to be made and whether approval will be granted.

All written materials in the programs will conform to the most recent edition of A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, by Kate L. Turabian. In addition, the student is urged to consult a manual on English usage and style, such as The Elements of Style, by William Strunk, Jr. and E. B. White.

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While several basic methods of research have been developed, only the following will be acceptable for Master of Theological Studies Theses/Doctor of Ministry Dissertations:

New Program Development:
An attempt to develop new skills or new approaches that will help solve problems directly related to ministry. (Examples: A “Divorce Recovery Seminar,” a 13-week seminar on “Christian Parenting,” or a program for “Never Married Singles”)

This Thesis/Dissertation will usually center on developing, conducting and evaluating a new program. It must relate directly to the student’s ministry.

Critical Issue Research:
A study of a contemporary issue that is critical to the student’s present ministry, one that can be addressed in a practical manner. (Example: A Thesis/Dissertation on Home Schooling or The New Age Movement.)

This Thesis/Dissertation must result in the development of a practical approach to addressing the issue that can be used effectively in the student’s local church.

Program Evaluation:
A study of an existing program, strategy and/or methodology in the student’s present ministry.

This approach will usually center on conducting a particular program in various formats or settings to determine the most effective means of reaching goals.

Case Study:
An in-depth analysis of a group, event, seminar or situation directly related to the student’s ministry setting.

This approach usually involves the development of a theoretical model of ministry against which the student’s ministry is compared, resulting in a critical evaluation and clear recommendations.

Book Manuscript (Permitted only for Doctor of Ministry dissertation):
Doctor of Ministry students may use the dissertation Project to write a book manuscript. The same general format is to be followed as for the dissertation except for chapter organization.

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It is not acceptable for the student to simply develop a plan and execute a program. The Thesis/Dissertation must include a relatively objective assessment of how well the program accomplished its goals, at what points it might be improved, and how the improvements might be implemented. Case study approaches must include critical evaluation against a ministry model resulting in strong recommendations.

The Thesis/Dissertation evaluation is usually not expensive. However, some money should be budgeted for the possible printing of questionnaires, mailing, secretarial help, purchasing and scoring of surveys, travel expense and potential use of a consultant.

Most evaluation in ministry situations is subjective. Programs are measured by perceived attendance, favorable comments or good feelings. Such subjective evaluation is important, but should not form the backbone of evaluation in any Thesis/Dissertation. Other more objective tools should be used, such as:

• Participant questionnaires
• Independent expert observers
• Standardized tests
• Research instruments (non-standardized tests)
• Observation of objective data
• Analysis of existing information

The student should work closely with the Thesis/Dissertation advisor, the IGSM office and other resource people in developing an evaluation plan. Distribution of standardized tests is often limited to certified individuals, which may result in the need to hire a consultant to conduct a portion of the study.

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General Process
The following is a general process for students to follow in the development of a Thesis/Dissertation.

1. Conduct a literature review in the field of study. Begin by reading books, articles and talking with experts in the chosen field. The student should also select courses that aid in the development of the Thesis/Dissertation. A library should be contacted and a complete computer search conducted to determine previously written books, journal articles, magazines, theses and dissertations on the subject.
   
2. Prepare a Thesis/Dissertation proposal following the guidelines previously given.
   
3. After receiving approval of the Thesis/Dissertation proposal, the student should begin to conduct the study and start writing. Generally, initial chapters follow this format:

   a. First Chapter: General introduction to the Thesis/Dissertation.

   b. Second Chapter: Literature review of research accomplished by others.

   c. Third Chapter: Biblical and theological basis for the Thesis/Dissertation.

   d. Fourth Chapter: Procedures and design for the Thesis/Dissertation.

4. Conduct the Thesis/Dissertation that has been outlined in the initial four chapters. Formulate the initial findings of your study and continue to write the first draft of the Thesis/Dissertation.
   
5. Rewrite the initial four chapters as needed and add additional chapters to complete the Thesis/Dissertation. Generally, the final chapters follow this format:

   a. Fifth Chapter: Results and findings of the Thesis/Dissertation.

   b. Sixth Chapter: Summary of implications of the Thesis/Dissertation.

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The following descriptions summarize the essential elements that should be included in the Thesis/Dissertation. The specific chapter headings may be designed by the student.

1. Title Page
   
2. Dedication Page: (If applicable)
   
3. Acknowledgements: (If applicable)
   
4. Abstract Page: A brief summary of the Thesis/Dissertation, including the scope and limitations.
   
5. Table of Contents: A listing of all chapter headings and sub-headings.
   
6. Tables and Graphs Page: (If applicable)
   
7. Figures Page: (If applicable)
   
8. Introduction: A general overview of the Thesis/Dissertation which includes the major question and issues to be addressed, the need/rationale for the Thesis/Dissertation, the basic assumptions, the intended outcome, the major definitions foundational to the topic, and the uniqueness of this Thesis/Dissertation in light of what has already been done in the field.
   
9. Literature Review: A critical review of the literature pertaining to the designated field of study. Biblical, theological, ecclesiastical, historical and/or psychological data are part of the section. Do not give a book review. Develop an outline of topics relevant to your Thesis/Dissertation and then present a discussion of the literature as it relates to your Thesis/Dissertation. The student will also be expected to discuss any foundations pertinent to the study, such as theories of education, communication and learning.
   
10. Biblical Basis: An elaboration of the Biblical basis and theological doctrines involved in the study. The student is not to resort to the proof-text method, but to present a comprehensive and careful exegesis of the texts chosen. The link between the Biblical text and the development of the study must be shown.
    
11. Procedure and Design: This chapter should include a discussion of the following: (1) The purpose of the Thesis/Dissertation and how it is addressed; (2) the key elements involved in the process used to accomplish the Thesis/Dissertation purpose; (3) the specific methodologies used to implement the process (teaching series, special events, groups, etc.); and (4) the methods and instruments used to evaluate the procedures (surveys, questionnaires, standardized tests, etc.).
    
12. Results and Findings: A setting forth of the actual results of the study as determined by the goals, the strategy and means of evaluation. It will demonstrate the success of the Thesis/Dissertation and compare results with previously anticipated goals. It will show how the student's ministry and church benefited or changed through the study.
    
13. Conclusions: A discussion that summarizes the findings in the study and offers recommendations. The recommendations will vary according to the goals and scope of the study, but should focus on a local church or other ministry. Include implications for the church at large. In one sense, the Thesis/Dissertation is not to be considered completed, for it is expected that it will be continued through the ongoing ministry of the candidate.
    
14. Appendix: A collection of miscellaneous items not suitable for the body of the Thesis/Dissertation (sample teachings, outlines, survey forms, etc.).
    
15. Bibliography: A listing of all books, articles, etc., that were used in the Thesis/Dissertation.
    
16. Vita Sheet: A one-page vital statistics sheet giving some general information about the student's education, ministry, family and other facts of interest.

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Content
It will be helpful, in formulating the content of the Thesis/Dissertation, to keep in mind some basic questions that ought to be directly answered by the Thesis/Dissertation or capable of being answered by valid inference on the part of the reader.

1. Is there a clearly developed aim or controlling theme that integrates the raw material used in the Thesis/Dissertation in each area of emphasis?
   
   
2. In what way have Biblical and/or theological truths been used to form the critical evaluation of the field of ministry?
   
   
3. Do the purposes set forth within each area of emphasis for ministry emerge out of solid Biblical studies, coupled with valid theological insight?
   
   
4. Can the specific goals and strategy projected be related to the research done, both in terms of place of ministry as well as in the relevant Biblical and theological literature used?
   
   
5. Does the author take note of objections that can be raised to this theology of ministry and does he attempt to persuade the reader why he believes these objections to be invalid?
   
   
6. Does the Thesis/Dissertation identify the particular skills that are appropriate to the field of ministry, and does it persuade the reader that these skills have been adequately developed through the use of resources and field experience?

Deadlines
It is not wise to push the deadlines; and, if work is scheduled well in advance, the Thesis/Dissertation can be completed without undue haste and without pressure being put upon the IGSM office.

Deadlines are set so the student can work at a reasonable pace. Since most of our students are involved in full-time ministry, we have set the deadline so the students can complete the work and still continue to full-time ministry. If the deadlines are missed the student may have to delay the Thesis/Dissertation and graduation for one year.

Writing Style
The candidate is strongly advised to secure the help of a stylist or a grammarian even before the first draft copy is submitted. For the final typing, the candidate is urged to secure the services of a typist familiar with Turabian and experienced in typing these advanced papers. A third party should be asked to read all draft copies and to identify any typographical errors. It should be expected that there will be changes required in the draft copies prior to the typing of the final copy.

Time Requirement
The time required for the Thesis/Dissertation will vary according to the goals established by the candidate. The normal length of time is approximately one year, dating from the approval of the Thesis/Dissertation and extending to the submittal of final manuscripts to the IGSM office. The maximum time for the entire program is seven years.

Common Difficulties
Each Thesis/Dissertation is unique. However, there are some fundamental elements of structure and style that are common to all graduate Thesis/Dissertations. Anticipating common errors and writing the first draft in as polished a form as possible can solve significant rewriting. The following are some common errors to avoid:

1. A weak introduction not clearly stating the purpose of the Thesis/Dissertation and how each component will contribute to the purpose.
   
   
2. A lack of focus or a clear theme that is interwoven throughout the Thesis/Dissertation. The result is a compilation of good ideas, research, opinions or essays with little specificity or overall connection.
   
   
3. No introduction to each chapter explaining the transition from one chapter to the next.
   
   
4. No conclusion or summaries for each chapter that demonstrate how the chapter contributes to the purpose of the Thesis/Dissertation. Each chapter needs to keep the reader looking at the main argument or purpose of the dissertation.
   
   
5. Superfluous material in various chapters that does not contribute directly to the thought that is being developed.
   
   
6. No specific plan for evaluation of the Thesis/Dissertation.
   
   
7. Conclusions not related to the results of the study.
   
   
8. No final conclusions that bring it all together and shows that the purpose of the Thesis/Dissertation has been demonstrated.
   
   
9. Poor spelling or typing.
   
   
10. Poor sentence structure or writing style.

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The following outline identifies the areas that must be covered in your Dissertation/Thesis Proposal. The length of the proposal should be a minimum of 20 pages (double spaced). Much of this material will be used in the actual Thesis/Dissertation when it is written.

I. Statement of the Problem

1. Major Questions to be Answered
   
   
2. Rationale for the Thesis/Dissertation
   
   
3. Basic Assumptions to be Tested or Addressed
   
   
4. Biblical and Theological Issues Addressed
   
   
5. Intended Outcomes
   
   
6. Definitions Which Are Foundational to the Topic

II. Bibliography Review

1. Background Bibliographical Resources Related to the Topic (Provide a brief description of all resource material read to-date that is applicable to your topic.)
   
   
2. Intended Bibliographical Resources Related to the Topic (Provide a list of the proposed resource materials to be used in your study.)

III. Design of the Study

1. Purpose: Re-state the major questions or issues to be addressed.
   
   
2. Process, Procedures & Methodologies: Outline the process, procedures and methodologies to be used to accomplish the purpose of the Thesis/Dissertation with a description of how each step contributes to the Thesis/Dissertation purpose.
   
   
3. Projected Appendices: List anticipated items to be included in the Thesis/Dissertation appendix. The appendix includes sample items used to implement procedures as well as evaluative instruments (teaching outlines, curriculum samples, questionnaires, surveys, etc.)
   
   
4. Thesis/Dissertation Uniqueness: What is it that makes this Thesis/Dissertation unique in terms of the content, the approach, the setting, the evaluation, or some other distinguishing element.
   
   
5. Personal Application: Describe how this Thesis/Dissertation will be used to enhance your personal ministry and the ministry of others.

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