Purpose

The Master of Divinity curriculum provides a basic program in graduate theological education for those preparing for church or mission vocations requiring ordination. The program is designed to provide a broad biblical, theological, and practical foundation for those entering pastoral, missionary, or other Christian education ministries. The program may also provide a basis for further graduate study leading to such degrees as Master of Theology (Th.M.), Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), or Doctor of Theology (Th.D.).

In fulfilling the mission of the seminary, as stated and elaborated earlier in this catalog, the Master of Divinity program focuses on three areas of special emphasis: biblical understanding, personal growth, and professional preparation. The emphasis on a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Bible is demonstrated throughout the curriculum, especially in direct Bible study courses, and in the biblical language, hermeneutics, and theology courses. The emphasis on personal growth is demonstrated in the required discipleship labs, chapels, and in significant portions of the field education and pastoral ministries courses. The emphasis on professional development is demonstrated primarily through the pastoral ministries, expository preaching, ordination, and counseling courses.

Included in the areas of emphasis outlined above, the Master of Divinity program also intends to:

• Emphasize the primacy of the local church in commissioning for ministry and as the institutional focus for spiritual accountability
• Instill and nurture a missionary and evangelistic zeal
• Encourage growth in godliness, especially as demonstrated in an attitude of love and ministry as a servant, while developing the appropriate skills for leadership;
• Advance ability in independent and constructive thought in areas relating to ministry and contemporary concerns
• Promote growth in self-discipline, reading habits, and methodologies so that independent study may be continued as a pattern of life and ministry.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements listed later in this catalog, enrollment in the Master of Divinity program requires possession of a baccalaureate degree, or the academic equivalent, from an approved institution, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or above (on a 4.0 scale) for all undergraduate work. Applicants who are graduates of unaccredited institutions or who present grade point averages lower than 2.75 may be considered for probationary admission status if their references include unusually high commendations for potential ministry.


Graduates of Bible colleges, Christian liberal arts colleges, and secular colleges and universities are encouraged to apply. The seminary recommends that pre-seminary studies include a broad exposure to general education subjects. Normally this should include a minimum of 60 semester hours of liberal arts subjects. In particular, we recommend that adequate attention should be devoted to English composition; we are offering an English course. literature, speech, logic, and history—especially ancient and world history. Bible courses are also recommended, providing the student is attending an institution where such courses are competently taught in a context of faith and obedience.

Graduation Status

All students anticipating graduation must first qualify by assuming the satisfactory completion of all graduation requirements.

Graduation/ Evaluation Requirements

Admission to the seminary and satisfactory completion of academic requirements are a guarantee of graduation. Since the seminary's programs are designed to qualify its graduates for positions of pastoral leadership, the faculty and administration will also evaluate each student's personal, spiritual, doctrinal, and professional qualifications. Qualifications without which any attempt to serve or fill a role in a ministry of the gospel can result in nothing but personal tragedy. The seminary reserves the right to withdraw the privileges of enrollment from those whom after admission may prove to be lacking in these necessary qualifications.

The character qualities, knowledge, and skills described earlier in this catalog as personalized objectives will also serve as a standard for evaluation. Absolute fulfillment of these objectives is an ideal which will never be accomplished but should always be in process. What is expected is evidence of progress toward these objectives, continuing evidence of potential for such progress, increasing desire for such progress, and a genuine repentance when there is failure in any area.


Master of Divinity Thesis—A thesis is optional for Master of Divinity students; however, those who earn a grade point average of 3.25 or higher during their first (60 hours) of seminary studies are encouraged to write an original thesis demonstrating their ability to perform biblical and theological research at a scholarly level. The thesis must involve the exegesis of Scripture, employing the original languages as appropriate, either for the purpose of clarifying the meaning of some term(s) or passage(s) in Scripture; or for the purpose of clarifying the biblical evidence relating to some issue(s) of theological or pastoral significance. The thesis must contain not fewer than 50 nor more than 70 pages of text material, with approval based upon literary quality and theological content. Four hours of academic credit, as a part of the 98 hours required for the Master of Divinity degree, will be granted for the thesis project. The student may select a faculty adviser for his thesis project, dependent upon the faculty member's availability and consent, and upon approval of the Vice President for Academic Administration.

In fulfilling the thesis requirements the following deadlines must be observed:

• (1) The student must register for "M.Div. Thesis: First Draft" (in the approved area of study) for the fall semester prior to scheduled graduation;
• (2) Topic approval must be secured by the first Friday in September;
• (3) A first draft, including an adequate bibliographical listing, must be submitted by the first Friday in December;
• (4) The student must register for "M.Div. Thesis: Final Draft" for the spring semester;
• (5) An acceptable final draft must be presented by the first Friday in March;
• (6) An approved presentation copy, and a photocopy, must be submitted by the first Friday in April.

Additionally, The Master of Divinity thesis must be prepared in conformity with the most recent editions of the seminary’s "Guidelines for Theses and Dissertations" and Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. Where these sources differ, the seminary’s "Guidelines" takes precedence.

Program Flexibility—Graduates of Bible colleges and Christian liberal arts colleges are encouraged to apply to the Vice President for Academic Administration for a waiver of any course considered to be repetitious of previous education. When Old Testament Studies or New Testament Studies courses are waived it is required that they be replaced by an advanced (preferably exegesis) elective course in the same area. A waiver does not grant credit; it only allows an otherwise required course to be replaced by an elective course. In no case does GVTS grant credit for course work taken at the undergraduate level.

English Proficiency—All students are required to take a basic English proficiency exam as a part of orientation procedures for the first semester of their enrollment. Students who fail to demonstrate an adequate understanding of basic grammatical features such as the identification of parts of speech, grammatical inflections, and syntactical structures within sentences, will be required to take the English Refresher supplementary class during their first semester, unless enrolled for fewer than 8 units or if enrolled as a special student. The Vice President for Academic Administration must approve any exceptions. Students who pass the English proficiency exam but sense a need for more training in English will also be permitted to take these supplementary classes. No additional credit is given for this supplemental course work and no additional tuition is charged. We offer a English course.

Time Limitation—All work credited toward the Master of Divinity degree must be completed within six years from the time of matriculation. Any exceptions will be considered only in cases when the student is involved in a full-time ministry, and must receive the approval of the entire faculty. Working at your own pace you may finish sooner but no longer than six years.

Other Graduation Requirements

In addition to the requirements specified in the preceding paragraphs, which include completion of 98 semester hours of credit with a grade point average of 2.5 or above, and admission to candidacy status, each candidate must submit an official Application for Graduation when registering for their final semester prior to graduation. Transfer students must complete at least 49 semester hours of credit at GVTS. Graduation in absentia will be permitted only in cases of personal emergency or undue hardship .All current enrollment fees and any additional graduation fees must be paid in full before graduation.

Master of Divinity Curriculum

Students entering without Beginning Greek are expected to enroll in Hebrew Grammar I and II for the first year, enroll in Beginning Greek during the summer between the first and second year (this is in addition to the required 98 hours), and take Greek Exegesis I and II during the second year. An alternative is to enroll in Beginning Greek during the summer prior to the first year, then take Greek Exegesis I and II during the first year and Hebrew Grammar I and II the second year.

Students are encouraged to participate in a cross-cultural experience, either in another country or in an area ethnic church, during the senior year or the preceding summer.

Purpose

The Master of Theology curriculum provides a flexible program extending one to four years at the post-Master of Divinity graduate level. It allows for a degree of specialized preparation in Bible Exposition, Old Testament, New Testament, or Systematic Theology beyond what is possible in the basic three-year M.Div. program. While it also may provide a basis for further graduate study leading to more advanced degrees such as Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Theology (Th.D.), it is, in each case, designed for those preparing for church or mission vocations requiring ordination.

In addition, the purposes envisioned for the program include the following:

• Preparation of equippers of pastors for foreign assignments in institutional settings where doctoral-level credentials are not prerequisite. Such situations currently arising in third-world churches illustrate the need for teachers to train pastors at an advanced level, but without the need of formal accreditation recognition afforded by terminal educational degrees.
• Advanced preparation for pastoral ministries in local church settings. The program provides for a further sharpening of exegetical and theological skills for those sensing a further educational need beyond their M.Div. training. This would be particularly true for the ones who have no previous formal training in Bible and theology before their M.Div. programs.
• Preparation of pastors who are also inclined toward a calling in theological writing that requires a honing of exegetical and theological skills beyond what the standard M.Div. program offers.

Because the Th.M. program is limited in its enrollment, faculty can devote personal attention to individual students in regard to continuing spiritual and practical development, research techniques, teaching techniques, formal writing style, and supporting areas of pedagogical methodology. These supplementary features will ensure the effective use of advanced exegetical and theological skills gained in the program.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must present an acceptable undergraduate baccalaureate degree and a Master of Divinity degree, with a 3.25 grade point average in his divinity program. Master of Divinity students who have completed at least 80 semester credit hours by end of current semester are encouraged to apply and begin their Master of Theology program while completing their Master of Divinity requirements. In the application process, the applicant’s previous education is reviewed for the purpose of determining if any prerequisite coursework might be required that would enable the applicant to succeed in the program. Any post-Master of Divinity prerequisite work, if necessary, is provided without tuition cost. These costs are covered by the Master of Theology tuition fee.

In addition, applicants must also give evidence of the personal, character, and spiritual qualifications necessary for a minister of Christ as outlined in the admissions standards for GVTS. Graduates of other seminaries must file a full application with the Office of Admissions. Students currently enrolled at Grace Seminary may file for admission by submitting the abridged form available in the Admissions Office.

Transfer Credit-Up to four advanced graduate semester credit hours from an accredited theological institution may be applied toward fulfillment of Th.M. course requirements at GVTS.

Program Requirements

Prerequisites—Applicants must have successfully completed basic courses which parallel the following core classes of the Master of Divinity degree at Grace Seminary:

• Twelve semester credit hours of Bible courses, in addition to Old and New Testament Introductions (OT 796 and NT 796).
• Twelve semester credit hours of Old Testament language courses (OT 503, OT 504, OT 603, and a Hebrew Exegesis elective).
• Ten semester credit hours of New Testament language beyond Beginning Greek (NT 603, NT 604 and a Greek Exegesis elective).

Twenty semester credit hours of Theology (TH 507, TH 508, TH 605, TH 606, TH 705, TH 706).

Applicants deficient in any of these requirements may take the pre-requisite units while taking other Th.M. courses, but such deficiencies must be completed prior to or during the first year of Th.M. residency. Until these prerequisites are met, applicants will be admitted on a probationary status. Course work taken to fulfill deficiencies is not applicable toward the Th.M. residency requirements.

While not a pre-requisite, it is recommended that students anticipating a Th.M. degree program write a thesis as a part of their M.Div. degree program. Students not writing a thesis must demonstrate the ability to do significant theological research.

Residency—A minimum of two semesters in residence at P. V. Adkins School is required for the Master of Theology degree. Residency is understood to be a virtual presence or campus designated location of at least one day per week for classes and an additional day per week for library research and consultation with your adviser. Most students would be able to complete most of their course work in one year which would allow them to take a minimal number of courses while working on their thesis project during their second year. For those students with deficiencies, a third year may be necessary. All work is done at the students selected pace. We will allow a fast task study for students who show proficiency in study habits.

Program Length—All course work, examinations, and thesis requirements (totaling 30 credit hours) must be completed within four years, beginning on the date of the student's first registration for Th.M. courses at P. V. Adkins School Of Ministry. Students may go beyond this four year period only by requesting permission in writing to the seminary faculty. Permission for extension is granted only in cases of extreme emergency. In any case, the student will be required to pay a continuing registration fee for each semester during which he is not enrolled; failure to do so will be viewed as withdrawal from the program

Concurrent Enrollment—Senior Master of Divinity students who have completed eighty or more semester credit hours and who have been admitted on a probationary status into the Th.M. degree program may be permitted to take a maximum of four credit hours per semester of Th.M. courses (with faculty permission) for application to Th.M. program requirements. Such course work must meet all normal Th.M. standards and cannot be credited toward the requirements of other degree programs.

Master of Theology Thesis—An acceptable thesis evidencing a high degree of scholarly competence in the student's major field must be submitted by all Th.M. candidates. The thesis accounts for 4 hours of academic credit in the 30 hour curriculum and must contain not fewer than 100 nor more than 150 pages of text material. Approval will be based upon literary quality and theological content. Two copies are to be presented to the library for binding. Students who have completed their course work must register as a thesis-non-resident student for each semester the thesis remains outstanding.

In fulfilling the thesis requirements, the following deadlines must be observed:

• The student must register for "Th.M. Thesis: First Draft" in the approved area of study for the fall semester prior to scheduled graduation
• Topic approval must be secured no later than the last Friday in March of the year prior to graduation, though topic approval during the first semester of study is strongly recommended
• A prospectus (title page, outline, bibliography, and synopsis of argument) is due the last Friday of May
• A first draft must be submitted by the first Friday of December
• The student must register for "Th.M. Thesis: Final Draft" for the spring semester
• An acceptable final draft must be presented by the first Friday in March
• An approved presentation copy, and two photocopies, must be submitted by the first Friday in April. Your adviser may, at his discretion, interject additional deadlines within the broad dates listed above. However, failure to meet the deadline for either the first draft or the final draft will result in the postponement of your anticipated graduation date till the following year.

The Master of Theology thesis must be prepared in conformity with the most recent editions of the seminary's "Guidelines for Theses and Dissertations" and Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. Where these sources differ, the seminary's "Guidelines" takes precedence.

Graduation Requirements

Degrees are awarded to qualified candidates at the seminary's spring Commencement. To qualify for graduation, candidates must present an acceptable thesis (4 credit hours) and have completed 26 credit hours of required course work, with no grade less than B- credited toward the Th.M. degree. Candidates must also manifest promise of competency in Christian ministry, exhibit exemplary and consistent Christian character, and must be in accord with the ideals of the institution as recorded in its current catalog.

The Bachelor of Theology Degree

Purpose

The Bachelor of Theology program has the same purpose as the Master of Divinity program. Like the Master of Divinity program, it is designed to provide a basic learning program for those planning to invest their lives in church or mission vocations which require ordination. The program offers a broad biblical, theological, and practical foundation for such ministries. The program, however, is offered only to a select number of applicants who are beyond the average age of college students (usually at least 30 years of age), who have not completed a baccalaureate degree program but have earned a minimum of 60 semester units of undergraduate general education credits, and who have a consistent record of commendable Christian ministry experience. The nomenclature, Bachelor of Theology, is designed to emphasize the fact that in no case does the seminary offer graduate degrees (master's degrees) for those who have not completed a baccalaureate program.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements listed in the previous paragraph, and to the general admission requirements listed later in this catalog, applicants for the Bachelor of Theology program must present a letter of reference from a church board documenting effective ministry experience and recommending the applicant for intensive study and for continuing ministry.

Program Requirements

The curriculum, residence, and candidacy requirements for the Bachelor of Theology degree are the same as those for the Master of Divinity degree with the following exceptions:

• A grade point average of only 2.0 is required for graduation
• Writing a thesis is not permitted in the Bachelor of Theology program

The Doctor of Theology Degree


Overview

The Doctor of Theology is a three to five year program (including writing qualifying exams, dissertations, and completing residency) designed to give a select number of highly qualified Master of Theology (or equivalent) graduates, who have demonstrated the necessary academic abilities, ministry skills, and character qualities, the opportunity to pursue a terminal degree specializing in Bible Exposition, Old Testament, New Testament, or Systematic Theology. The program is based on the study of the original language texts of Scripture and requires an awareness of the entire sweep of historical theology and biblical theology systematically expressed.

The program requires a minimum of twenty-four credit hours of study while in residence, the first of which is the Dissertation Prospectus course. The remaining study load is designed to assist in the research/writing and defense of the dissertation. In cases of minor academic deficiency, additional coursework may be assigned (see "Residency Requirements: Coursework" below).

Coursework is not "dumbed-down" to the M.Div. level, nor are doctoral students consigned to a traditional classroom environment. Rather, the delivery mode follows the one-on-one mentoring model, with coursework comprised of directed studies and research seminars.

Objectives

As with the Master of Divinity and the Master of Theology degree programs, the Doctor of Theology program is specifically designed for individuals preparing for those vocations requiring ordination, with special emphasis given to training the next generation of professors to staff seminary and college/university Biblical Studies faculties.

The purposes of the program include:

• Preparing equippers of pastors for assignments in institutional settings where doctoral-level credentials are a prerequisite.
• Providing pastors and equippers of pastor’s opportunity to further sharpen their exegetical and theological skills beyond their Master of Theology studies.
• Equipping pastors who are also inclined toward a calling in theological writing that requires the highest level of exegetical and theological training.

To achieve the above purposes, the program is designed to enable the student:

• Develop an expertise in a specialized area of biblical and theological study through original research.
• Expand his breadth of knowledge beyond the scope of his specific discipline and dissertation topic
• Defend ideas and refute error among peers
• Enhance teaching ability
• Demonstrate proficiency in effective writing skills.

Design

The program is designed to permit the student to remain in his present location/occupation while completing the qualifying exams and the German language exam. For that reason, the exams are prerequisite to matriculation. Only after successfully completing these exams would the student need to relocate to begin his residency and to research and write the dissertation. Other programs often require students to relocate at the beginning of their doctoral studies, leaving students in the precarious position of not knowing if they will successfully complete the course work or pass the qualifying exams. In contrast, this program allows students to complete the qualifying and language exams prior to interrupting family life and initiating residency. Then, once begun, residency focuses predominantly on researching, writing, and defending the dissertation—a process that enjoys the benefits of frequent, personal interaction with one’s mentor, unlimited access to the finest library resources, and uninterrupted concentration on research and writing.

Administration

The Director of Doctoral Studies gives oversight to the program. Working closely with each doctoral student’s mentor and the Doctoral Studies Committee, comprised of the Dean, the senior faculty member of each discipline, and the Director of Libraries, the Director of Doctoral Studies oversees the orderly and timely completion of each student’s program.

Degree Nomenclature

While the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) nomenclature has been applied in recent years to terminal degrees offered in biblical and theological studies, Grace Seminary remains committed to keeping the purpose of the program central in both curricula content and degree nomenclature. Therefore, given the purpose and nature of the program, the Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) nomenclature is embraced, since it most accurately reflects the need of our purpose for offering the degree.

Prerequisites

The program is based on the (post-Master of Divinity) Master of Theology degree, in which approximately twenty-six semester credit hours of course work plus a research thesis are required.

Admission Requirements

The program, as outlined below, involves significant personal interaction between the faculty mentor and the student. Consequently, as a general rule, enrollment is limited to a maximum of two persons per discipline for each full-time faculty holding a terminal degree in that discipline. Permission to initiate application procedures is generally granted upon successful completion of the Master of Theology thesis.

Academic—A recognized Master of Theology degree or its equivalent (consisting of approximately twenty-six semester credit hours of course work), with an acceptable research thesis, provides the academic basis for the program. In addition, a scholastic record that demonstrates superior ability and offers promise of success in studies at the doctoral level is expected. Normally, a grade point average of 3.5 or above in all previous seminary studies is required. When deemed appropriate, Graduate Record Examination (GRE, aptitude section) scores may be required.

Character—In keeping with the purpose of Grace Seminary and the qualifications necessary for a minister of Christ (see 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9), the seminary requests references from the applicant’s pastor, former professors, and employers to evaluate his Christian testimony, spiritual vibrancy, and personal character. Failure in any of these areas after enrollment may constitute adequate grounds for disciplinary action or dismissal from the program.

Doctrinal—Essential agreement with the Statement of Faith of Grace Seminary is required of applicants. Failure to disclose any significant doctrinal difference in the application itself will be regarded as a breach of the character requirements noted above.

Experience—In order to expedite and achieve the purposes of the program, applicants must have demonstrated effective teaching and pastoral capabilities prior to admission into the program.

Pre-Matriculation Qualifying Exams

The nature of the program specifies that the qualifying exams be successfully completed prior to matriculation. Although some class work may be required in cases where a deficiency in a student’s previous education is noted (see "Residency Requirements: Course Work" below), the completion of the qualifying exams prior to matriculation allows the student to focus primarily on writing the dissertation while in residence. Except for the Oral Interview, each of these exams may be taken off-site. The exams, including guidelines and study questions to assist preparation, are available from the Director of Doctoral Studies.

General Background—A series of five, 4-hour exams are given to assess the applicant’s general academic ability in the areas representing his previous seminary studies. Weaknesses discovered in any of these five exams may require additional course work.

• Bible Knowledge
• Old Testament Hebrew and related introductory matters
• New Testament Greek and related introductory matters
• Christian Theology
• Church History

Specialized Background—Covering the applicant’s chosen discipline, this exam is designed to determine his general awareness of the selected field of doctoral study, his current position on certain salient issues relevant to that discipline, and his ability to express himself cogently in writing. Weaknesses noted in this exam would be covered in the Directed Readings exam.

Oral Interview—Upon successful completion of the Specialized Background exam, a personal interview will be arranged with the Doctoral Studies Committee. The interview, along with the application, transcripts and previous examinations, will be the basis for assigning additional course work (if any) due to academic deficiency and for determining the content of the Directed Readings exam. If married, the Committee may request an interview with the applicant’s wife as well.

Directed Readings—A major reading list with study guidelines, based on the weaknesses discovered in the Specialized Background exam and Oral Interview will be sent to the applicant following the Oral Interview. Once the prescribed readings have been completed, an exam covering them will be given.

Academic Adviser

At the time of admission into the program, the doctoral studies committee will assign an adviser to oversee the applicant’s qualifying exams and subsequent research and writing. The adviser will assess the student’s previous education and review his General Background and Specialized Background exams (cf. "Oral Interview" above), assigning additional course work as deemed necessary. At any time during residency, additional course work may be required of the student by his adviser.

Residency Requirements

Residency is understood to be a virtual presence or campus designated location of at least one day per week for classes and an additional day per week for library research and consultation with your adviser.

Course Work—A student must enroll in a minimum of twenty-four credit hours of study (see "Overview" above) during his academic residency, the first of which would be the Dissertation Prospectus course. These courses, selected in consultation with the adviser, are designed to assist in the dissertation research and would be in addition to any course work required due to deficiency. A grade of B- or higher is required.

Dissertation Prospectus—Each student begins his first semester of residence by enrolling in the Dissertation Prospectus course. This course will allow the student, under the adviser’s supervision, to refine the dissertation topic, defend its choice, establish its need, and outline the procedure for its undertaking. An extensive bibliography is also included. The Dissertation Topic Confirmation fee, payable at the time of enrollment in this course, authorizes the librarian to conduct a search of all known writings on the proposed topic and provides the student with significant bibliographic data.

Approval of the prospectus by the adviser and eventual admission to candidacy status does not guarantee acceptance of the proposed dissertation, but merely grants permission to prepare and submit the first draft of the dissertation to the committee for evaluation.

Length of Program—Although the actual length of the program may vary, depending on one’s capability and commitment. The maximum time allowable to complete the program is three years from the date doctoral study is initiated. In many circumstances this will requirement be relaxed, and then the Doctoral Studies Committee must be fully satisfied that there is sufficient justification for changes. Request for an extension must be made in writing to the Director of Doctoral Studies.

Advanced Standing/Transfer Credit

The nature of the program precludes the possibility of any transfer credit from previous doctoral studies or prior learning experience.

Admission to Candidacy Status

Application to Candidacy—Upon successful completion of the additional any requirements, the Dissertation Prospectus course, and any additional course work assigned by the academic adviser due to deficiency (cf. "Qualifying Exams" above), the student may apply for formal admission to the program. An application for admission to candidacy status form is available from the Director of Doctoral Studies.

Dissertation Committee—Once admission to candidacy has been approved by the Doctoral Studies Committee, the Director of Doctoral Studies will, in consultation with the academic adviser, select the faculty members who will serve on the student’s dissertation committee. The committee will generally consist of the student’s academic adviser (serving as chair), a second faculty member.

Dissertation Requirements

Dissertation Research—The dissertation is expected to embody the results of original research and make a significant contribution to knowledge in the field of concentration. In light of the structure and philosophy of the program, the dissertation should evidence a high level of scholarly competence and theological awareness.

Dissertation Length—An acceptable dissertation, consisting of not less than 250 pages or more than 400 pages of text material, must be submitted to the dissertation committee by the student prior to breaking residence. While the dissertation must adhere strictly to the length stipulations, approval is based on doctrinal integrity, literary quality, and academic competency.

Dissertation Format—All dissertation drafts must be prepared in conformity with the latest editions of the seminary’s "Guidelines for Papers, Theses, and Dissertations" and Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. Where these sources differ, the seminary’s "Guidelines" takes precedence.

Dissertation Deadlines & Acceptance—The first draft of the dissertation is due no later than September 1 of the year prior to anticipated graduation and should be submitted in triplicate, plus one electronic copy as an institutional backup, to the Director of Doctoral Studies for proper tracking. If major revisions are required by the dissertation committee, the student should be prepared to delay graduation by a full year. Final acceptance is predicated upon acceptance of the first draft by the dissertation committee, successful oral defense of the dissertation, and an acceptable final draft.

Dissertation Defense—Once the dissertation committee deems the dissertation draft ready, the student is required to defend the dissertation before his academic adviser (acting as chair) and the dissertation committee. Scheduled no later than February 1 of the year of anticipated graduation, the date and place of the defense are announced to all faculty so that interested members may attend. Two copies of the table of contents with a ten-to-fifteen page annotated outline of the dissertation must be presented to the dissertation chair no later than two weeks prior to the oral defense.

Following the defense, the faculty will be given opportunity to make suggestions to the student’s dissertation committee. Subsequently, the dissertation committee and the Director of Doctoral Studies will meet to decide upon one of the following actions:

• Approve the dissertation and its defense, subject to any minor revisions required by the committee
• Delay graduation by rejecting the dissertation and its defense until major revisions are completed under the direction of the academic adviser, necessitating another defense for the following year
• Reject the dissertation and its defense and terminate the student’s program.

The chair of the student’s dissertation committee will immediately notify the student of the committee’s decision.

Graduation Specifics

Once approval of the dissertation and its defense has been granted, the student must submit by the first Friday in April the following items:

• An "Application for Graduation."
• An approved original printed copy, three photocopies, and one electronic copy of the dissertation to the Director of Doctoral Studies. Each copy must include a one-page single-spaced abstract. Additional personal copies may be submitted for binding
• A vitae sheet, written in narrative style and including the date and place of birth, a summary of the candidate’s professional and academic career and degrees earned publications, memberships, and special honors.