Page 64 - THBI Student Handbook - 2020

Final Bachelor/Graduate Degree Papers

The purpose of a final paper, thesis or dissertation is this: To exhibit that the student has developed
mastery in his or her field of study.
➢ Bachelor Degree: Mastered the necessary COMPREHENSION of the knowledge studied
➢ Master’s Degree: Mastered the necessary UNDERSTANDING of the materials studied
➢ Doctorate Degree: Mastered VITAL DISCIPLINES of the field of study.

NOTE: Knowledge alone is not sufficient to write a passing graduate paper! If you submit a paper that
only showcases what you know, or think you know about a subject, topic or issue - - your paper
will fail, which means you have failed your entire degree study program!

ALL DEGREE PROGRAM students must make three important transitions:

1. The transition FROM: “How much knowledge I have”; TO: “How much comprehension have I
developed?”
2. The transition FROM: “Disseminating knowledge to others” (mere academic exercise); TO: “The
ability to impart understanding to others” (THBI’s definition of “Teaching”)
3. The transition FROM: “Being a learner”; TO: “Being a LEADER”

Additionally, especially in the case of the graduate level student, the thesis or dissertation shows the
THBI Leadership if you have made these transitions or not.

Therefore: Your graduate paper must convince the Reviewer that you:
1) Comprehend the knowledge about and,
2) Have developed UNDERSTANDING of the subject you are presenting and, 3) You can be a
LEADER in ministry service.

DEGREE PROGRAM STUDIES FINAL PAPER WRITING REQUIREMENTS
All THBI students are required to illustrate their level of learning advancement and abilities
development in order to receive their respective degree.

Bachelor Degree Program: Final Paper Requirements are found in “Appendix A”.
Objectives:

At THBI, both the thesis and dissertation are required to exhibit the ability of the graduate level
student to guide or assist the reader into understanding the point of view, perspective, concerns
and conclusions of the paper.

While gaining knowledge is important, a well written paper that only shows how much the student
knows misses the entire purpose of the requirements! Or, to so how well the student comprehends
his/her knowledge, again, fails to achieve the objectives of what THBI requires.

Also, merely stating a position or conclusion will not be sufficient to meet the requirements of THBI - -
while academic ability is vital, the application is equally or more so - - therefore, the student must be
able to help the reader gain the benefit of personal application of the conclusions of the paper.

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