Dissertations & DMin Projects: Step # 1: Getting Started

Click each question to expand or collapse.

1. What are the deadlines for completing my project or dissertation?
   What are the deadlines for completing my project or dissertation?
   Specific deadlines are dependent on department, and can be found in the Catalog. Questions about deadlines or program requirements should be directed to the CST Registrar or the student's faculty advisor. 


2. Do I need to get IRB approval?
   Do I need to get IRB approval for my dissertation research?
   Are you collecting any information from or about any living human being(s) through surveys, interviews, or direct observations? If yes, you need Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. If no, you do not need IRB approval. Click here for more information about the IRB proposal and process.


3. What services does the Thesis Secretary provide?
   What services does the Thesis Secretary provide?
   The Thesis Secretary ensures that your project or dissertation meets CST's standards for professional appearance and documentation. There are separate secretaries for the DMin and PhD programs. The Thesis Secretary must approve your proposal and your official drafts before you are able to move on to the next stage of the process. The Thesis Secretaries will provide guidance for correct documentation and formatting, but they are NOT editors or proofreaders. Students are responsible for identifying and correcting any errors in the text, documentation, or formatting of the dissertation or project, or for hiring an editor.. 


4. Where can I receive editorial assistance?
   Where can I receive editorial assistance?
   Faculty committees will advise writers to obtain editorial assistance if needed, or candidates may take the initiative to seek this help. Stephanie Rice, the Director of the Writing & Speech Center, coordinates editorial services for project and dissertation writers, and can be contacted by email at srice@cst.edu. While the Writing & Speech Center does not edit projects or dissertations, it can provide contact information for editors available for hire. Writers also have the option to contact persons of their choosing for editorial assistance.


5. What are the manuscript requirements?
   What are the manuscript requirements?
   The CST Catalog specifies a length of 50 to 80 pages for a DMin practical research project, excluding preliminary pages, appendices, and bibliography. The Catalog sets a limit of 250 pages (approximately 62,500 words) for a PhD dissertation. Questions about the length of a project or dissertation should be directed to a candidate's faculty committee chair.


6. What if I have reference or resource questions?
   What if I have reference or resource questions?
   Candidates should contact the Theology Librarian or set up a reference appointment.


7. What fees are associated with the Dissertation and Practical Research Project?
   What fees are associated with the Dissertation and Practical Research Project?
   There are no fees associated with the practical research project or the dissertation. There may be a graduation fee for students who are completing their degrees. Students should consult the Business Office to make sure their accounts are clear before graduation.