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Thesis and Dissertation Guide

Introduction

The following guidelines may be followed for completion of your Thesis or Dissertation.

Important:

  • NCU offers both research based Accelerated degrees and Full Curriculum degrees
  • Accelerated degrees can be competed thesis or dissertation only, following the Eurpopean standard.
  • Full Curriculum degees require a thesis or dissertation as well as multiple Core Courses.

How Important Is Earning Your Accelerated Degree?

Are you willing to make this your number one priority? If you are, you really can earn your degree faster than ever with NCU.

  • Print your Thesis and Dissertation Guide now.
  • Do not procrastinate—apply today and begin tomorrow.
  • The reward will benefit you for a lifetime.

“The great benefit of an accelerated degree program, beside the huge savings of both time and money, is that study is focused on your major only. This concentrated study allows the student to become an expert in their field , a master of their major.

Accelerated degree programs eliminate unrelated subjects and focus only on your major, allowing mastery of the subject in less time.

Instructions for Preparation

  • Focus exclusively on your major.
  • Select a title that directly mentions your major.
  • Use references and footnotes to support findings.

Research Sources

  • A valuable source of reference: the 66 books of the Holy Bible.
  • Online research is encouraged.
  • Use NCU’s free online library (~50,000 books and periodicals): www.NTSlibrary.com → PDF Book Section.
  • Download Adobe Reader to access books.

Credit for Previously Written Work

  • Books, articles, manuscripts, and extensive papers related to your major may be considered for content of your Thesis or Dissertation.
  • Minimum: 100–150 pages, 12-point font, double spaced.
  • Work already graded at another school cannot be submitted for credit.

Thesis and Dissertation Suggestions

  1. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide your research.
  2. Brainstorm and prepare an outline.
  3. Gather primary sources (books, Bible references, scholarly works).
  4. Organize findings according to your outline.
  5. Document all references for your bibliography.

Note:

  • No proposal or challenge required (time-saving).
  • Theme/title must directly relate to your major.
  • Focus on demonstrating expert knowledge, not surveys or questionnaires.

Page Count Requirements

  • Minimum: 100–150 pages (double spaced, ~25,000 words).
  • Equivalent to ~50 single-spaced pages.

Title Suggestions

  • Ministry Major Example: An In-Depth Analysis of the Ministry of Jesus
  • Leadership Major Example: Maintaining Christian Standards in Christ centered Organizational Leadership

Cover Page Format

Your single title/cover page must include:

  • Thesis/Dissertation Title
  • By (Your Full Name)
  • Description paragraph: Submitted to Northwestern Christian University toward fulfillment of requirements for the degree of (B.A., M.A., M.Div., Th.D., Ph.D., D.Min., etc.)
  • In: Subject Major
  • Date Submitted

Required Structure

  1. Title Page
  2. Table of Contents
  3. Introduction
  4. Body of Paper (detailed, documented research)
  5. Conclusion
  6. Bibliography
  7. Footnotes or Endnotes

Requirements:

  • 100–150 pages, 12-point font, double spaced.
  • Minimum 10 Biblical references (from the 66 books).
  • Additional references: books, articles, periodicals, online sources.
  • Paper must be proofread (grammar, spelling, organization).

Submission Guidelines

  • Submit completed thesis/dissertation only (no partial papers).
  • Send as a PDF attachment to: NCUamerica@gmail.com
  • Grading turnaround: 12–48 hours.
  • Papers may be returned for improvement if standards are not met.

Credit Distribution

Bachelor Program

The NCU Bachelor degree program is a 120 cr. Program which equates to 4- years. However, students may participate in PLA / Prior Learning Assessment which can fulfill substantial credit requirements if documented by transcripts and legitimate certifications. 120 cr. Hrs. must be satisfied to earn the NCU Bachelor degree.

  • PLA: 90 credits
  • Thesis: 30 credits
  • Total: 120 credits

Master’s and Doctoral Programs

  • Thesis/Dissertation: 30 credits
  • Optional PLA: 30 credits
  • Total: 60 credits
  • Thesis/Dissertation-only degree available without PLA.

Additional Notes

  • Pre-written work related to your major may be included as content for your thesis/dissertation.
  • PLA Extra Credit Available (not mandatory for Master’s and Doctorate degrees).
    • PLA / Prior Learning Assessment

Closing

We pray this Thesis and Dissertation Guide provides the direction needed to begin your work.

Apply today and begin your Degree Program tomorrow.

Questions? Email: NCUamerica@gmail.com

“Study to show thyself approved of God, a workman who need not be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.”
— II Timothy 2:15

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