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

1. Students must submit a topic and outline, along with the name of the proposed thesis director and two readers to the committee by July 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 De'Ette Radant, program coordinator, who will then distribute them to committee for review.
2. The committee will respond to the individual no later than August 1. The topic will be approved, disapproved or further explanation sought to ascertain the viability of the proposal. All students must register for THEO 512 no later than August 15, and register for THEO 513 no later than January 15, regardless of commencement participation. 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.
   Students who wish to participate in the May commencement, must have copies of the 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 prior to the discussion. The student must also provide a copy of the thesis directly to the readers. Please note that all three readers must sign off on all three signature (title) pages upon completion of the approved thesis.
3. An appointment will be scheduled with all three readers for discussion of the thesis. The student initiates the scheduling of this appointment. The discussions are held on campus and a room must be reserved in advance. Please contact De'Ette Radant to make this reservation. The 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.
   If a student wishes to participate in the May commencement, final copies of the director approved version of the thesis must be submitted to the MTS office no later than March 1. The thesis must be submitted to De'Ette Radant 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. Two copies are kept at St. Norbert College 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.
4. The thesis director is paid a stipend of $400 and the two additional readers each receive $150. These stipends are paid by the program and are not a responsibility of the student. The director and readers are paid after the thesis discussion. If the director or any reader is not a member of the St. Norbert College faculty, an Independent Contractor form will need to be completed to process the payment. Every effort will be made to have any payroll forms to the director and readers at or before the thesis discussion.
5. 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 to De'Ette Radant 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