The student will develop a thesis that considers a practical problem and make suggestions based upon scripture and the theological tradition about how this problem may be answered. The thesis project will provide an opportunity for the student to use the principles of practical theology and to integrate the specialized knowledge the student has gained in the program. The integrative colloquium (THEO 510) will aid the student in preparing for the thesis project. After completion of the project, a panel of three persons will discuss the thesis and either approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve with recommendations for improvement.

Thesis procedures

The deadlines outlined below pertain to students participating in commencement. If you do not wish to participate in commencement, the requirements remain the same but the deadlines are not necessary unless stated.    

1. All students must register for THEO 512 for the fall semester no later than August 15, regardless of commencement participation.
2. Students must submit a topic and outline, along with the name of the proposed thesis director and two readers to the committee by September 1 of the academic year one wishes to graduate. The purpose, rationale and intent of the thesis should be explained. The resources you will use should be listed so that you can demonstrate the feasibility of doing this particular thesis. Resources would include, among other things, a partial bibliography. Submit these proposals using the approved outline format to the MTS program coordinator, who will then distribute them to committee for review.
3. The committee will respond to the individual no later than September 30. The topic will be approved, disapproved or further explanation sought to ascertain the viability of the proposal.  It is extremely important that you meet with your thesis director on a regular basis in order to complete your project in a timely manner.
4. Students are required to provide both readers and director approved thesis draft no later then December 31, to allow the readers time to review the thesis project early in the writing process and to provide the student with feed back and recommendations.  Please review the "Library Thesis Requirements" document for proper formatting. 
5. All students must register for THEO 513 for the spring semester no later than January 15, regardless of commencement participation.
6. Students who wish to participate in the May commencement, must have copies of the final thesis in the hands of the director and readers no later than February 1 as to give ample time for the readers to review prior to the appointment of the thesis discussion. The library must also review and approve the thesis formatting.  It is strongly advisable to have the library review the thesis before distribution of a final copy to the readers.  Please do not give the library a draft.
7. After the library, director, and readers have had time to read and give suggestions/changes to the thesis project the student initiates scheduling and appointment with all three readers for discussion of the thesis.  The discussions are to be held on campus with room reservations scheduled in advance.  Please contact the MTS program coordinator to make this reservation.  The director and readers will approve the thesis or make suggestions for modifications or changes.  The changes, unless substantial, may be approved after reading without an additional meeting.  Please not e that all three panel members must sign off on all three signature (title) pages upon completion of the approved thesis.  This can be done at the time of the discussion, be sure to have the title page printed on the same paper your final project will be copied on.   Please see the "Sample Title Page" for proper formatting.
8. If a student wishes to participate in the May commencement, final signed copies of  the thesis must be submitted to the MTS office no later than March 1. The thesis must be submitted to the MTS program coordinator in triplicate (3 originals) and include a check for $60 made payable to the St. Norbert College Library. This covers the cost of binding the thesis projects. One copy is kept in the MTS Office, one at the SNC library and one is mailed to the student. If a student would like additional copies, each copy costs $20. Please note that the binding process takes 30-60 days.

1. The thesis director must be a tenure track Religious Studies faculty member at St. Norbert College.  Requests for directors other than SNC faculty members, must  be approved by the Thesis approval committee.  The two readers are not required to a be a member of the St. Norbert College Religious studies faculty, but must have their Master's Degree.  Readers must also be approved by the committee.  
2. Completion of the master's thesis is typically completed at the end of the second semester during enrollment of THEO 513. If you foresee needing additional time to complete the thesis project you will be required to register for THEO 600 each semester thereafter. This is a 0 credit course; however, there is a $100 fee for each semester. Students submit the registration form indicating course number THEO 600 along with the $100 fee each semester.   Students who require longer than one year to complete the project will need written permission from the director of the program.

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• Procedures
• Project outline
• Library requirements
• Sample title page
• History of Thesis Titles