EMT Student Book

14.1 Purpose

Graduation at Everlight Ministry of Theology (EMT) is not merely an academic achievement—it is a sacred milestone.
It marks the completion of a season of formation in faith, scholarship, and service to Christ’s Church.

This section outlines EMT’s standards for degree conferral, academic completion, record management, and official documentation, ensuring that all graduates meet both institutional and spiritual expectations.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

14.2 Program Completion Requirements

To qualify for graduation, students must:

1. Successfully complete all required courses in their degree program (typically 36 credits).
2. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or higher.
3. Fulfill all course-specific essay and reflection requirements (3,000–5,000 words per module).
4. Submit and receive approval for the MA Capstone Thesis or Final Integrative Project (15,000–20,000 words).
5. Complete all administrative and mentorship components.
6. Pay the one-time $150 Administrative Fee in full.

Students who meet these conditions are eligible for the conferral of their degree and may participate in graduation ceremonies (virtual or in-person, when offered).

14.3 MA Capstone Thesis or Final Project

The Capstone Thesis is the culminating academic and spiritual expression of a student’s theological study.
It requires critical engagement with Scripture, theological scholarship, and real-world ministry contexts.

Thesis Requirements

• Word count: 15,000–20,000 words
• Format: APA Style, 7th Edition
• Must demonstrate:
• Biblical exegesis and theological synthesis
• Scholarly research and analysis
• Ministry relevance and application
• Integration of personal faith and academic insight

Theses are reviewed by faculty and, when applicable, external theological reviewers to ensure graduate-level quality and doctrinal soundness.

14.4 Capstone Evaluation Rubric

Criteria	Weight	Description
Theological Accuracy & Depth	30%	Demonstrates strong grasp of Scripture and doctrinal clarity.
Research & Academic Integrity	25%	Uses credible scholarly sources; adheres to citation standards.
Critical Thinking & Integration	20%	Synthesizes multiple theological and practical perspectives.
Ministry Application	15%	Connects academic insights to real ministry or leadership contexts.
Writing Quality & Organization	10%	Clear, structured, and professionally written.

A thesis scoring below 80% overall will be returned for revision before degree conferral.

14.5 Degree Conferral Process

Degrees are officially conferred upon satisfactory completion of all program requirements and verification by the Office of Academic Affairs.

Steps to Conferral

1. Final Grade Submission — All grades must be recorded by instructors.
2. Academic Audit — The Registrar verifies credit completion and GPA.
3. Thesis Approval — The Academic Dean certifies capstone project completion.
4. Administrative Clearance — Confirmation that all fees and obligations are settled.
5. President’s Authorization — The President of EMT signs the official degree conferral statement.

Diplomas are then issued in digital and/or printed format, accompanied by an official transcript.

14.6 Degree Certificates

Each EMT graduate receives a formal degree certificate featuring:

• Student’s full name
• Official degree title (e.g., Master of Arts in Theology)
• Date of conferral
• Signatures of the President and Academic Dean
• Official EMT seal

Certificates emphasize that all EMT degrees are religious in nature and intended for Christian ministry and service.

14.7 Graduation with Honors

To recognize exceptional academic and spiritual achievement, EMT awards distinctions as follows:

Honor	Cumulative GPA	Description
Cum Laude	3.50–3.74	Honors — consistent academic excellence.
Magna Cum Laude	3.75–3.89	High Honors — superior performance and theological insight.
Summa Cum Laude	3.90–4.00	Highest Honors — outstanding scholarship and exemplary character.

Honors are recorded on transcripts and diplomas.

14.8 Official Transcripts

Students and graduates may request official transcripts through the Office of the Registrar via:
📧 registrar@everlightministry.org

Transcript Policy

• Transcripts include all courses, grades, GPA, and degree conferral details.
• Processing time: 7–10 business days.
• No transcript will be released for students with unresolved administrative matters.
• Digital (PDF) and printed copies are available upon request.

14.9 Academic Record Retention

All permanent academic records are securely maintained by EMT in both physical and electronic formats.

Retention Schedule

• Academic transcripts: Permanent
• Enrollment and admissions data: 7 years post-graduation or withdrawal
• Capstone theses and major papers: Archived indefinitely (digital format)
• Administrative or financial records: 5 years

Records are encrypted, backed up, and protected according to EMT’s Data Privacy Policy (§11).

14.10 Degree Verification

EMT may verify the academic standing or graduation status of a student or alumnus when authorized in writing by the individual.

Verification requests should be directed to:
📧 records@everlightministry.org

Only official EMT representatives may provide degree verification or reference letters.

14.11 Replacement Diplomas

Replacement diplomas may be issued in cases of loss, damage, or name change.
Requests must include legal documentation and a $25 replacement processing fee.

14.12 Graduation Ceremony

EMT may host virtual or in-person commencement ceremonies to celebrate graduating cohorts.
Participation is encouraged but not mandatory.
Graduation events feature worship, exhortation, and recognition of academic excellence in the spirit of Christian fellowship.

14.13 Institutional Legacy and Academic Integrity

The conferral of a degree by EMT signifies more than completion—it represents a covenant of calling.
Each graduate becomes a living ambassador of EMT’s values:

• Biblical fidelity
• Academic excellence
• Servant leadership

Degrees may be rescinded in cases of proven fraud, academic dishonesty, or misrepresentation.

14.14 Summary Statement

Graduation at EMT is both a scholarly and spiritual testimony—affirming not only what a student has learned, but who they have become in Christ.
The degree symbolizes readiness to serve, teach, and lead with excellence, humility, and faithfulness.
“And the things you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” — 2 Timothy 2:2