As a capstone to each Master of Arts program, students design a project that will affect their practice of ministry in a specialized area.  The project is based upon solid, interdisciplinary research integrating biblical, theological, and social science findings. Students conclude their projects by developing an original ministry plan that integrates what has been learned throughout their studies.  

Students choose their topic of study in collaboration with their faculty advisor after considering the real life issues they face in day to day ministry.  The rigor of this endeavor is designed to help students articulate a thorough knowledge of their field of ministry, help them show competency in using good methods of research, and involve them in designing a plan or strategy of ministry based upon a solid research base.

It is recommended that students enroll in this course over a two semester period in order to have ample time to complete the research and written requirements.  Students will be held accountable for their progress through the following methods:

• Research Seminar:  Students will attend a one-day research seminar near the beginning of the fall semester.  Library-based research standards will be discussed.  Students will be trained in how to write a project proposal.

• Research Proposal: Students will submit a project proposal by the last Friday in September.  The proposal will include a schedule of the various stages of the research and writing project.

• Annotated Outline: An extensive outline of each chapter will show the structure of the study.  Annotations should describe the content under each point of the outline.  Due the third week of November.

• Rough Draft: Students should hand in their best work according to the standards stated for this project.  Faculty will identify major problems that need to be corrected for the final copy.  Faculty will not correct errors in the draft.  Due the fourth week of March.

• Final Copy: Students will hand in two copies of the manuscript by the fourth week of April.  Students must follow the MLA Handbook for format and documentation.

For more specific requirements and detailed expectations, students should contact their faculty advisor.