Capstone Project
School of Theology
The final requirement for the Master’s degree (M.Div. or M.A.T.) is a concluding exercise that demonstrates mastery of theological literacy. This is undertaken in the last year of studies in consultation with a student’s advisor. Students can elect one of three options:
Capstone Essays
To complete the Capstone Essays, a student will be given five questions based on coursework taken and in departmental areas of the student’s choice, one of which must be dogmatics, liturgy, or sacred scripture.* The student will select three of the five questions and respond to each question with an essay between 3,500 and 4,000 words (about 15 pages each; 45 total pages not including bibliography). At least one of the three selected questions must come from dogmatics, liturgy, or sacred scripture.
The essays should demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes associated with the degree. They should draw on established sources and follow Turabian/Chicago style.
Essays will be evaluated by the faculty members who set the essay questions. The grades for all three essays will be averaged to determine overall grade for the concluding exercise. A grade of B- (76%) or above is required to pass. If lower than a B- is earned, the student may retake the exam
once, within six months of the first attempt.
When: Essays must be completed by March 15th for Spring graduation, July 15th for Summer graduation, or November 15th for Fall graduation. Students may request questions no earlier
than ten months before applicable due date.
*Faculty from each department will provide at least one question that will serve as a capstone question in their area. These will be compiled and presented to the student; the choices
will not number more than five.
Theological Research Capstone
This option entails working with a faculty member to write a 40- to 60-page research paper (10,000-15,000 words, doublespaced, not including bibliography) that demonstrates achievement of theological literacy.
The topic will be determined by the student, the faculty advisor for the project, and the Academic Dean.
The paper must include an introductory chapter that demonstrates how this research fits within the larger field of research on this topic (this is sometimes called a State of the Art). This paper must further identify how it satisfies at least one other degree outcome.
The paper must draw on established sources and follow Turabian/Chicago style. Papers will be graded by a chosen research director and one other faculty reader. A grade of B- (76%) or above is required to pass.
When: Must be completed by March 15th for Spring graduation, July 15th for Summer graduation, or November 15th for Fall graduation.
Pastoral Research Capstone
The Pastoral Research Capstone is for students whose curriculum includes C.P.E. It has two components: a project that has direct pastoral application; and a research paper for which the project serves as the main focus. After completing C.P.E. (Clinical Pastoral Education), the student may begin developing a project in consultation with a faculty member serving as project director.
The student and selected director will agree on a combined project/paper that is of comparable scope to a 10,000- to 16,000-word paper (about 40 to 65 pages, double-spaced, not including bibliography). The Pastoral Research Capstone should demonstrate pastoral application of theological concepts. In addition, it must demonstrate achievement of at least one learning outcomes associated with the degree.
The Pastoral Research Capstone must draw on established sources and follow Turabian/Chicago style. The project will be graded by the project director and one other faculty reader of student’s choice. A grade of B- (75%) or above is required to pass.
When: upon successful completion of C.P.E. It must be completed by March 15th for Spring graduation, July 15th for Summer graduation, or November 15th for Fall graduation.