How to choose a Thesis topic

<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/b047bd39-2b00-497b-87c1-fe4a570db8c7/10A803A6-B6B6-45F1-9EEE-FE6168C88494.jpeg" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/b047bd39-2b00-497b-87c1-fe4a570db8c7/10A803A6-B6B6-45F1-9EEE-FE6168C88494.jpeg" width="40px" /> Choosing a thesis topic involves a structured approach focusing on three areas: target audience, purpose-driven goal, and signature methodology. Interests, career goals, preliminary research, advice, and reflection should guide the topic selection. The thesis, whether an academic essay or a senior project, should demonstrate academic rigor, thorough research, and comprehensive understanding. The length is usually around 50 pages for an academic essay. All sources must be documented, and a consistent format and typography should be maintained. The thesis must include a table of contents, a list of charts or illustrations if applicable, and a bibliography.

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Template for Thesis Topics broken down into 3 area of life impact: your target audience (”I help…”), your purpose-driven goal (”to…”, your signature method (”by …”).

Template for Thesis Topics broken down into 3 area of life impact: your target audience (”I help…”), your purpose-driven goal (”to…”, your signature method (”by …”).

When deciding on a thesis topic, you may find it helpful to apply a structured approach. This approach, which is broken down into three key impact areas, allows you to consider your thesis from various perspectives. These three areas are designed to ensure that your thesis is target-oriented, goal-based, and method-driven.

The first area is all about your TARGET AUDIENCE. This is represented by the phrase "I help...". Here, you clearly define the group or demographic that your thesis will be aimed at or benefit. This could be a particular age group, a specific industry, or even a unique community or subculture. The idea is to be as specific as possible, as this will not only guide your research but will also help you to tailor your writing in a way that resonates with your chosen audience.

The second area involves your PURPOSE-DRIVEN GOAL, encapsulated by the phrase "to...". This is where you determine the main purpose or goal of your thesis. This could be to educate, to inform, to persuade, or to contribute to existing knowledge in your chosen field. Having a clear goal will help to keep your research focused and ensure that your thesis has a meaningful impact.

The third and final area is your SIGNATURE METHODOLOGY, outlined by the phrase "by ...". This is where you detail the unique approach or methodology that you will use to achieve your goal and serve your target audience. Your method could involve a specific research technique, a unique analytical approach, or even a novel theoretical framework. Whatever your method, it should be a reflection of your academic strengths and interests, as well as being suited to your thesis topic.

By breaking down your thesis topic into these three areas, you can ensure that your work is well-targeted, purposeful, and methodologically sound. This approach also allows you to think critically about your thesis, challenging you to consider it from different angles and encouraging you to think deeply about its potential impact.

<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/10d16e4b-5d31-4984-ae1b-0c24c1ef1dd5/10A803A6-B6B6-45F1-9EEE-FE6168C88494.jpeg" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/10d16e4b-5d31-4984-ae1b-0c24c1ef1dd5/10A803A6-B6B6-45F1-9EEE-FE6168C88494.jpeg" width="40px" /> Your thesis topic, consider the following steps:

  1. Identify your interests: Look through the topic suggestions and identify which ones resonate with your own interests and passions. You will be spending a significant amount of time on this research, so it's important to choose a topic that you are truly passionate about.
  2. Consider your future career goals: Your thesis can be a stepping stone into your future career. Think about how each potential topic could align with your career goals and aspirations.
  3. Conduct preliminary research: Before settling on a topic, conduct some preliminary research to gauge the amount of information available. This will help you determine whether a topic is too broad, too narrow, or just right for a thesis.
  4. Seek advice: Don't hesitate to seek advice from your professors or other knowledgeable individuals. They can provide valuable insights that can help you refine your topic selection.
  5. Reflect on your decision: Once you've narrowed down your options, take some time to reflect on your potential choice. Consider how it aligns with your interests, career goals, and the amount of research available. </aside>

Schedule of Due Dates (view academic calendar for approx. dates):

TIME FRAME FOR SUBMISSION DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED
Mid-July (Life Impact Statement) Students complete and submit the Thesis Proposal form (see above) to the General Secretary ([email protected]) according to the guidelines in Lev 19:23-25 for time-based impact.
Students also complete the Thesis Proposal template and upload to their ePortfolio on their open research contributor identification (ORCID) together with supplemental documentation attached.
Mid- September (Outline) Students to include outline and preliminary bibliography to the same ePortfolio (ORCID) platform.
Early June (Final deadline) Submit thesis to both readers (per agreement with them). Email PDF of thesis to the General Secretary [email protected] and upload to ePortfolio.

No extension of deadline permissible for expected graduates. | | | |

Winter Graduation 2025 

gantt
    title Graduating Cohort Preparation for Winter Graduation
    dateFormat  YYYY-MM-DD
    axisFormat  %b %Y

    section Thesis Submission
    June 2025:done, des1, 2025-06-01, 30d
    July 2025:done, des2, 2025-07-01, 30d

    section Committee Review
    August 2025: active, des3, 2025-08-01, 30d
    September 2025: active, des4, 2025-09-01, 30d
    October 2025: active, des5, 2025-10-01, 30d
    November 2025: active, des6, 2025-11-01, 30d

    section Graduation Preparation
    December 2025: milestone, des7, 2025-12-01, 10d

December 2025 - Winter Graduation (1-10 Dec, CNX)

Here's a chart based on the thesis timeline for the final months before graduation, with short descriptions of each event and links to related pages:

Event

Description

Related Links

NOTE: Follow the guidelines below if your reader(s) require a physical copy of your thesis.

  1. The MDiv thesis may be a project or additional courses, not just an essay. It must show academic rigour and research.
  2. Your thesis should be original and developed with your faculty readers.
  3. An academic essay thesis is typically 50 pages. If your topic needs more, discuss with your first reader.
  4. For a senior project, document your purpose, sources, and methodology. The project may include a 12-20 page academic paper.
  5. Use quotation marks for short quotations and indentation for long ones. Attribute all sources and obtain necessary permissions.