ThM Thesis Information

Submitting Your Proposal

Thesis proposals can only be submitted after the student has successfully completed three courses and the research language exam.*


The student should submit a well-organized proposal of his or her planned thesis topic. The proposal should be no more than two pages in length, double-spaced, and clearly state the topic and summarize the student’s research. The student should also submit a one-page outline and a bibliography. The outline and bibliography should not be counted in the two pages. The total page count of the proposal and the outline/bibliography should be no more than 10 pages.


The student should submit his or her thesis proposal via email as a PDF to the Dean of Biblical and Theological Studies, Dr. Stephen Coleman and Cc the Program Manager, Myranda Scherschligt. If the work is satisfactory, the proposal will be sent to the entire field committee for review. The student will be notified of the decision by the Program Manager. Upon approval of the thesis proposal, the field committee will appoint an academic advisor.


The student’s thesis proposal must be approved by the field committee within one semester after the baseline coursework (six courses) is completed. All students must receive approval to pursue the thesis track. If approval is not granted, the student will be required to complete his or her degree through the two-course capstone track.


*ThM students who began their program prior to the 2021-22 academic year may submit a thesis proposal prior to completing the research language. However, the research language must be completed prior to submitting the thesis, and it must be incorporated into the project.


Submitting Your Thesis


  1. Acquire an editor no later than January 15th (optional). Requests made after this date may not be fulfilled.


  2. Early-September: Attend a required format workshop with the CTW and the Library.


  3. March 1st*: Submit a PDF copy of your thesis to support@wts.edu. Please also submit one hard copy bound in a three-ring binder and printed on one side only for the format review.


    Bring or send to:

    c/o Myranda Scherschligt

    Academic Support Office, 1st floor, Machen Hall

    Westminster Theological Seminary

    2960 Church Road

    Glenside, PA, 19038


  4. Pay the thesis fee (due upon initial submission).


  5. Student Success will distribute your dissertation to the following reviewers:
    1. the format review team (Professors Sandy Finlayson and Leslie Altena)

    2. your second reader (WTS faculty member in your field)


  6. The format review team will complete an initial format check-in. If you pass this initial check-in, they will continue on to do a full format review. If you fail this initial check-in, you will be required to make changes and resubmit a new hard copy.


  7. Review feedback from reviewers and edit your thesis in preparation for your oral comprehensive exam.


  8. Complete your comprehensive exam with your advisor.


  9. Submit final hard copies to Myranda Scherschligt by May 15th, adhering to the following guidelines:
    1. One copy on 20-24 lb, 100% cotton, 8 1/2" white paper
    2. One copy on regular printer paper

    3. No hole punches on either copy


  10. Sign the plagiarism pledge by May 1st.


  11. Send your completed TREN release form to support@wts.edu by May 1st.

Note: When submission deadlines fall on a weekend, the deadline will be moved to the following Monday.


*Students completing their ThM requirements in the fall may submit their completed thesis on October 1st and their final copies on December 15th. The process for submission, payment, and review otherwise remains the same as above.