Master's Thesis Guidelines

Thesis Guidelines

Victorious Living Bible Institute

The master’s thesis is a significant academic requirement that demonstrates scholarly research, critical thinking, and theological insight. To maintain academic excellence and consistency, all students are required to follow the guidelines below when preparing their thesis.

Length and Formatting Requirements

  • Length: 50–80 pages (excluding the bibliography)

  • Font & Spacing: Typed in 12-point font, double-spaced

  • Margins: One-inch margins on all sides

  • Page Numbers: Pages must be numbered consecutively

  • Style: Follow the Chicago (Turabian) style for formatting, citations, and structure

  • Table of Contents: Include at the beginning of the document

  • Bibliography: A properly formatted bibliography is required at the end

Thesis Submission Guidelines

  • Cover: The thesis must be professionally bound in an approved cover

  • Subject Approval: The subject must be approved in advance by the assigned professor

  • Committee Review: The thesis must be evaluated and deemed publication-worthy by the Thesis-Dissertation Committee

  • Number of Copies: Submit two (2) bound copies. These become the permanent property of Victorious Living Bible Institute

Approved Style Manuals

Students must use one of the following style manuals:

  • The Chicago Manual of Style, University of Chicago Press
    (Library of Congress: Z 253, U58c, 1993)

  • A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations by Kate L. Turabian
    (Library of Congress: LB 2369, T929m, 1987)

Recommended Resource:
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Amazon)

Proposal Submission Process

Before beginning your thesis, submit a detailed proposal to:
Victorious Living Bible Institute
Attn: Master’s Thesis Committee
979 Tebeau Street
Waycross, Georgia 31501

Your proposal must include:

  • Thesis topic and overview

  • Chosen style manual (Chicago or Turabian)

Important: No thesis may begin without prior approval from the Committee.

Feedback and Notification

  • You will be notified of your proposal’s approval status.

  • The Thesis Committee will provide guidance and feedback throughout your writing process.

  • Any revisions or changes must be approved before final submission.

Research Resources

To assist with your writing and formatting, we recommend the following:

  • The Chicago Manual of Style

  • A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations by Kate L. Turabian

  • Additional online guides on research writing and academic formatting

If you have questions or need clarification, please contact the Master’s Thesis Committee at VLBI. We are here to support you in producing a thesis that reflects academic excellence and honors your calling in ministry.