SASKATOON THEOLOGICAL UNION
GRADUATE STUDIES PROGRAM
Master of Sacred Theology
With a focus on
Rural Ministry and Community Development
Handbook on
Policies and Procedures
Revised
Sept 2008
CONTENTS
1.
Purpose
2.
Organization
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.
Admission
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
4.
Admission Requirements
Language Competencies
Overseas Equivalencies
Qualifying Work
Application and Admission
Advanced Standing
Program
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
5.
General Description
Program Advisor
Thesis Advisor
Program Design
Course Work Requirements
Grading
Thesis
Program Extensions
Grading Appeals
Fees
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1. PURPOSE
The Graduate Studies Program, leading to the Master of Sacred Theology (STM) degree,
has been established to provide advanced theological courses of study for those who
desire in depth theological study. Track 1 (thesis track) is intended for those who want
to do a focused piece of research or prepare for teaching or study at the doctoral level.
Track 2 (non-thesis track) is for those interested primarily in continuing education.
The program has been designed to appeal particularly to those who desire to combine
their study with ongoing ministry or who otherwise prefer to work towards the degree on
a part-time basis. The concentration on rural ministry and community development is
intended for those who wish to develop tools for ministerial leadership in rural and/or
remote communities. It is offered in a distance-ed, cohort format for those who desire
to complete a graduate degree without having to relocate, and to do so with a group of
committed colleagues.
2. ORGANIZATION
2.1
General Description
The Graduate Studies Program is a creation of the three member schools of the Saskatoon
Theological Union (STU). While the program is jointly administered, students enroll in the school
of their choice, which also grants the degree.
General oversight of the program is vested in the Graduate Studies Council, which consists of all
faculty members in the Saskatoon Theological Union.
The activities of the Graduate Studies Program are supervised by the Director, with the
assistance of the Executive Committee. The Director and the members of the Executive
Committee are appointed by the Graduate Studies Council.
2.2
Program Adviser
Each student will be assigned a Program Adviser who will supervise all aspects of a student's
program and advise the student as he or she moves through the program. The Program Adviser
is appointed by the Graduate Studies council after consultation with the student. The
appointment does not have to be made at the time of admission, but should be made as soon
as an appropriate adviser can be identified. The Program Adviser might be chosen with a view
to that person becoming the Thesis Adviser for students in the Track 1 program, but this is not
necessary.
2.3
Thesis Adviser
2.31 The Thesis Adviser is appointed in accordance with the following procedure:
2.31.1 By the end of the first year of their program the student, having made some
determination of the desired thesis area, identifies a faculty member prepared to
serve as Thesis Adviser. This might be the student's Program Adviser (see §2.2),
but not necessarily so.
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2.31.2 The student requests that this faculty member be appointed.
2.31.3 After reviewing the student's work to date, and taking the request of the student
into account, the Graduate Studies Council makes a recommendation to the
Director concerning the appointment of a Thesis Adviser (together with any other
recommendations concerning the student's program it deems appropriate).
2.31.4 Acting on the recommendation of the Graduate Studies Council, the Director
appoints the Thesis Adviser.
2.42 It is the responsibility of the Thesis Adviser:
2.42.1 To advise and supervise the student during the remainder of his or her program;
2.42.2 To assist the student in formulating a thesis proposal for submission to the
Graduate Studies Council;
2.42.3 To supervise the student in the research for and the writing of the thesis,
ensuring that the thesis conforms to the requirements of the program;
2.42.4 To inform the Director when the student is prepared for the oral thesis defense;
2.42.5 To ensure, if the defense is successful, that any corrections required by the
examiners are made in the thesis prior to its deposit in the library.
3. ADMISSION
3.1
Admission Requirements
3.1.1 Students must possess a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or college
and an MDiv or MTS degree, or their equivalents.
3.1.2 A minimum Grade Point Average of 75 per cent (or its equivalent) in the above
degrees is normally required.
3.2
Language Competencies
Students must be able to access materials needed for their chosen area of research. This
means they must have, learn, or acquire reliable translations of the language(s), ancient or
modern, in which the materials are written.
3.3
Overseas equivalences
Since methods of recording grades and conferring degrees differ from country to country,
overseas students wishing to enter the STM program must write to the Registrar of the STU
school in which they want to enroll, submitting details of their academic careers. This report
should include, wherever possible, transcripts of academic work and copies of any degrees
or diplomas held, together with some information about the institutions granting the
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degrees. For those whose first language is not English, a minimum TOEFL (Test of English
as a Foreign Language) score of 550 (paper based) or 213 (computer based) is a
prerequisite. Test scores must be forwarded directly to the Registrar of the appropriate
college.
3.4
Qualifying work
If there is a question about whether candidates have the prerequisites needed for the
program, candidates may be required to complete qualifying work prior to formal
admittance, at the discretion of the Graduate Studies Council.
3.5
Application and Admission
3.51 Applications for admission can be made to any of the three schools in the Saskatoon
Theological Union. Application forms may be obtained from any of the Registrars.
3.52 Applications are received by the Registrar and then forwarded to the Director.
After reviewing the application, the Director forwards it, with any pertinent
comment(s) to the Graduate Studies Council, with recommendation(s).
The Council rules on the application and communicates its decision to the school of
registration, which in turn notifies the applicant and (if the decision is positive) enrolls
the applicant in the program.
3.53 The STM program with a concentration in Rural Ministry and Community Development
is delivered in a cohort format over a three-year period. Cohorts are groups of six to
twelve students who will move through the program and graduate together. A cohort
will normally begin in August providing that a group of at least six students have
applied and been admitted. Students must have their completed application dossier
in the hands of their college Registrar by March 30 of the year they would like to
begin their program.
3.6
Advanced Students.
Students who have not completed the MDiv or MTS degrees, but whose remaining
requirements do not constitute a full semester load, may take classes for possible advanced
credit toward the STM degree in the January and/or winter semesters of the academic year
in which they complete the MDiv or MTS requirements, with the proviso that such classes:
(1) not number more than two;
(2) are not taken as an overload; and
(3) are declared as graduate courses at the time of registration.
The crediting of such classes toward a graduate degree remains in all cases subject to the
discretion of the Graduate Studies Council.
4. RURAL MINISTRY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
4.1
Program Design
4.1.1 The STM with a concentration in Rural Ministry and Community Development is
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primarily targeted towards rural clergy of all denominations in Western Canada who
are interested in a rigorous program of interdisciplinary theological study aimed at
helping them to lead their congregations in a more effective engagement with their
communities.
4.1.2 This STM will be taught in cohorts to ensure that students can learn in a community
of peers. A cohort will be started when the number of registrants reaches at least six.
Students must agree to take all of the courses.
4.1.3 Because this degree is offered in distance format, students' employers must agree in
writing to release and support their student for the time needed for the program.
4.1.4 The courses will be one-week intensives, taught by STU and qualified outside faculty
from the University of Saskatchewan and other schools (in consultation with the
Centre for Rural Community Leadership and Ministry).
4.1.5 Of the courses, two (Track 1) or three (Track 2) will be taken in non-theological
disciplines appropriate to the study of rural communities or as interdisciplinary
courses. Particular courses will vary from cohort to cohort depending upon student
interests but in general will cover issues in community development, rural culture,
rural health, ecology, and various aspects of rural ministry.
4.1.6 The program will run over 3 academic years as follows:
4.1.6.1 Year One
Late August: One week introductory intensive aimed at building cohort
relationships, establishing distance protocols, identifying interdisciplinary
methods (e.g. theology-ministry-community development) and introducing
rural ministry. Normally taught by STU faculty.
January and Spring: two one-week intensive courses
4.1.6.2 Year Two
August, January and Spring: three one-week intensive courses.
4.1.6.3 Year Three
August: Students take a capstone colloquium taught by STU faculty in which
Track 1 students present initial work on their thesis and Track 2 students
cover agreed-on topics in rural ministry and community development.
September to May: Students in Track 1 research and write theses. Students
in Track 2 take their final theology and cognate courses. Defense of theses
in mid-March. Graduation as a cohort in May.
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4.2
Course Work Requirements
4.2.1 Track 1: Thesis
1) Introductory course as above
2) Two intensive courses in a theological discipline
3) Two intensive courses in a cognate discipline.
4) Capstone Colloquium
5) Thesis and defense.
4.2.2 Track 2: Non-thesis
1) Introductory course as above
2) Two intensive courses in a theological discipline
3) Two intensive courses in a cognate discipline
4) Capstone colloquium
5) One additional theology course and one additional cognate course.
4.3
Grading
The minimum passing grade for a course is 70 per cent. Classes for which a student has
been assigned a grade lower than 70 per cent must be repeated or the student must offer a
substitute.
4.4
Thesis
The final requirement for the Track 1 program is the successful completion of a thesis.
While preparatory research and writing for the thesis will be done during the work within the
program’s courses, the substantive work of the thesis will occur between Sept and February
of the final year. The thesis should include an interdisciplinary element.
4.4.1 Thesis Supervision
The supervision of the thesis is the responsibility of the student's Thesis Adviser
working in conjunction with the Graduate Studies Council. Since this program is
interdisciplinary the student must identify a consultant in the cognate (nontheological) discipline(s).
4.4.2 Thesis Timeline (years begin in August, end in July)
4.4.2.1 Year One: During the first year and before the beginning of their fourth
course (normally the start of year two) students shall have:
1) Consulted with potential thesis advisors.
2) Identified their general area of research
3) Submitted a request for thesis advisor to the Graduate Studies
Council (GSC will confirm by Sept 30). A consultant in the cognate
(non-theological) discipline should also be identified at this time.
This timeline allows the student to focus their assignments in the coursework
of Year Two in the direction of their thesis interest. It also allows time for
preparation of a thesis proposal and requests for research funding during
Year Two.
4.4.2.2 Year Two: During the second year, in addition to course work, Track 1
students will prepare a thesis proposal in consultation with their thesis
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advisor to be submitted to the Graduate Studies Council by Mar 30th.
Students who want to apply for funding for their research are advised to
submit their proposals at least two months earlier to ensure that funds are in
place by the time their research begins.
4.4.2.3 Year Three: Track 1 students will complete their course work in August, at the
beginning of Year Three. They should then finish their thesis writing during
the fall months, regularly submitting drafts of sections to their thesis advisor.
In order to graduate in May of year three the final draft of the thesis must
receive the thesis advisor’s approval, and that approval must be
communicated to the Director of the Graduate Studies Council, by Feb 30th.
The Thesis Defense, organized by the Director of the Graduate Studies
Council, will be carried out by Mar 30th.
If the defense is successful any revisions (if applicable) must be completed
and the thesis submitted for binding by April 20th in order to graduate.
4.4.2.3 Thesis Proposal Format: The Thesis proposal must be approved and signed
by the Thesis Advisor and then by the Graduate Studies Council. The thesis
proposal should contain the following elements:
• working title;
• brief statement of purpose;
• longer introduction to the project, commenting on:
• the reason why the project is interesting or important,
• the scope of the material to be covered,
• the methodology to be used,
• possible results, etc.;
• tentative thesis outline;
• core bibliography
4.4.2.4 Thesis Format : The thesis must be typewritten or computer-printed in a
letter-quality style. It may be submitted in one of the following two formats:
1) Traditional STM format. 15,000-25,000 words including a title page
and 200-word abstract. The thesis should conform to one of the
standard style guides in its recent edition (eg. K. L. Turabian, A
Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations; W. G.
Campbell and S. V. Ballou, Form and Style; MLA Handbook for
Writers of Research Papers, Theses and Dissertations). Whichever of
these authorities is chosen, the student shall ensure that the rules
are applied consistently throughout the thesis.
2) Two different articles of sufficient depth on the thesis subject
developed from the students’ STM research, submitted to refereed
journals.
4.4.2.5 Thesis Defense: When the Thesis Adviser has determined that the thesis is
ready for defense he or she will inform the Director, who will arrange for an
oral examination of the thesis after first determining that all other
requirements have been met. The GSC Director shall normally preside at the
oral examination.
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The examination committee shall consist of the Thesis Adviser, and at least
two other faculty members. At least one of these must be from the STU.
One may be a faculty member with a doctorate from a non-theological
discipline from outside the STU.
At the end of the oral examination the committee shall make a decision
concerning the acceptability of the thesis and assign one of the following:
• Acceptable with distinction. This grade reflects a thesis of exceptional
quality that makes a very significant contribution to its field of inquiry.
• Acceptable
• Acceptable with Minor Revisions
• Not Acceptable without Major Revisions and a subsequent Defense
• Not Acceptable
4.4.2.6 Thesis Revisions and Binding: If the Examining committee assigns a passing
grade to the thesis, it shall be the responsibility of the Director to present the
recommendation of the examination committee for ratification to the
Graduate Studies Council, and to inform the Registrar of the school in which
the student is enrolled that all requirements have been met.
If the committee stipulates any corrections or alterations of the thesis, it shall
be the responsibility of the Thesis Adviser to certify to the Director, before
the recommendation goes forward to the Graduate Studies Council, that such
corrections or alterations have been made.
The student must finally submit to the school granting the degree two bound
copies of the thesis in its approved form, including the abstract and bearing
the signatures of the Thesis Adviser and the other examiners. A receipt from
the bindery indicating that two bound copies have been ordered will be
sufficient for graduation.
4.4.2.7 Failure of Defense: If the examining committee decides that the thesis is not
acceptable, the candidate may request the Graduate Studies Council to
approve a second defense. In considering such a request, the Council shall
take into account the reasons for the candidate's failure in the initial defense,
any remedial work undertaken by the candidate, and the opinion of the
Thesis Adviser. A second defense may not take place sooner than four
months and later than twelve months after the first defense. In case of
conflict with the absolute time limits for the completion of the program, the
limits can be extended to accommodate a second defense. A candidate who
is unsuccessful in a second defense shall be judged to have failed the
program.
4.5
Program Extensions
As indicated, courses will normally be offered in one-week intensive blocks. Since the
program is in cohort format, every effort should be made to complete the program with
one’s cohort in the three-year period. If this proves impossible an extension of up to one
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year may be granted upon written request to the Graduate Studies Council. Extension fees
will be assessed (see below).
The responsibility for identifying all requirements and for meeting them within the appointed
time-frame rests with the student.
4.6
Grading Appeals
A student who is not satisfied with a grade assigned in a course should speak with the
professor and seek to find a satisfactory solution. If such a solution is not found, the student
may submit a written statement of the grounds of the appeal together with the relevant
papers, to the Director of Graduate Studies. The Director shall appoint a committee, in
consultation with the faculty of the school in which the student is registered, to review the
matter. The decision of the committee shall be final.
5. FEES
5.1
All fees are payable to the school in which the student is registered.
5.2
Tuition fees are set by the Graduate Studies Council in consultation with the member
schools.
5.3
Tuition for thesis preparation and supervision is equivalent to two credit courses and is
normally payable when the thesis proposal has been approved.
5.4
If an extension of the program for an additional year is granted there will be a continuation
fee assessed for that year payable to the school of registration.
5.5
Two bound copies of the thesis are to be provided to the school of registration at the
student's expense.
5.6
There may be a graduation fee, as set by the individual schools.
5.7
The degree will be awarded only after the Registrar has ascertained that all fees have been
paid.
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