If I remember correctly you were considering registering through SATS/UZululand (South Africa). If you have proceeded could you provide an update. I have only contacted SATS but found them to be very responsive (prompt and helpful). I do not meet their requirements for the D.Th because I do not have a graduate theology degree. However, they offered to help ascertain whether UZ could meet my needs in terms of a doctorate (counseling oriented). I had wanted to structure it around Christian counseling. At on point I had eyed ABCS's D.Min in Christian Counseling. North
Hi, I was enrolled in the SATS D.Th. program but have backed off for now. I was very pleased with everything about the SATS program but just do not have time at present to put into the dissertation. Part of the problem is that I am also enrolled in the ABCS D.Min. program (not counseling). When I complete the D.Min., I'll consider going back and working on the D.Th. I was approved by both SATS and UNIZUL and was free to go through either school. The President of SATS also sits on the faculty of UNIZUL and they appear to have a very strong working relationship. Barry
Thanks for the information. How are you finding the ABCS D.Min? As I said I had looked at ABCS but they do not yet have V.A. approval (they do have the Federal Student Loans). I have also looked at another D.Min. program. I have the experience in non pastoral ministry but not the theology degree so I would have to complete more than the required D.Min. hours in both programs in order to make up the 42 credit hours I am missing (I have a 48 credit hour Masters) and then proceed to the D.Min. The reason I am considering D.Min. programs is the interest factor. Although accepted into an Ed.D program I actually have more interest in the theological subject matter. One side of me says to go with my interest, the other says that I suspect the D.Min. would be more limiting in terms of use. I may be wrong. North
North, There are a few ATS & RA seminaries which will allow a small percentage (2%) of the D.Min. candidates to enroll with the MA or MRE, plus other ministerial experience such as CPE, etc. Unless you just wanted to complete the extra 42 hours, and then complete the D.Min., and then the Th.D., I would suggest either pursuing the Ed.D. or enter a Ph.D. You could enter both the Ed.D. or Ph.D. with the MA. I would be glad to correspond with you on this matter if you would like. Russell [email protected]
Barry, Once again, thanks for replying. I did a Yahoo search to get to your site and accessed it through an old NBCi hosted page. It still had the endorsement for Trinity Seminary in Newburgh. I did not know whether you knew or not. What is your assessment of the ABCS program? North
I wasn't aware of that. In fact, I forgot I even had a copy of the website there! I'll have to get rid of that endorsement! My assessment of ABCS is as follows: 1) The work is consistent academically with what I had in my RA M.A. program. It is not more difficult but is academically challenging. 2) Basically they let you choose any courses you want to take from their graduate course selection. I don't know if this is normal or not for a D.Min. program (I suspect it is not), but it is actually very helpful for me having over 200 semester hours in Bible/Theology prior to enrolling. In most D.Min. programs that I have looked at there would be a lot of "repeat". 3) The only complaint I have is that they are not very competent when it comes to returning messages, etc... I completed two courses, gave them a call, and found out I wasn't yet enrolled! We straightened all of this out, but this is par for the course. They explained that they have grown so rapidly that they have not kept pace with staff, etc... If you write me at: [email protected] I can give you some more information that might be helpful to you. Barry
Hey North it was good reading your input on ABSC. I am currently taking a course from them tword a DMIN. I am also beginning to look at GST. and their PhD program and wonder if it might carry more weight than the DMIN. I also wonder if it might open more doors down the line. What do you think? Robert
Robert: I have a RA and ATS accredited D.Min. and am enrolled in the Potchefstroom (via GST) Ph.D. program. www.puk.ac.za It depends totally on what you wish to do with the degree. On a degree by degree basis, the Ph.D. vs. the D.Min. is a matter of function. The Ph.D. is an academic degree focusing on making a contribution to the body of knowledge which exists in a given discipline, focusing on research and writing. The D.Min. is a professional degree designed to increase and enhance one's ability to do ministry, and contains both practical and academic elements. The Potchefstroom Ph.D. program is a research degree offered via GST, one of 13 schools accredited by PU. All work is completed via GST, examined and collaborated on by promoters from both PU and GST, with the degree itself awarded by PU. GST is not a degree granting institution in and of itself, but rather an extension site of PU. All correspondence, collaboration, exchange of coursework, etc. is accomplished via e-mail (Word 2000 attachments), fax, phone, etc. Research and writing is completed in one's own context. Hope this helps, Russell
Russell is correct that the two degrees are for different purposes, one being professional and the other being academic. If you simply want an accredited doctorate and the D.Min would meeting your needs then that would seem to be a good choice for you. If you plan to try and teach as full faculty at a seminary the Ph.D. (accredited or GAAP) is a far better bet. In terms of prestige, there are very few that will argue that the Ph.D. does not have more weight. I think Jason Baker (Baker's Guide) called it the creme de le creme (excuse any spelling errors). I knew a Southern Baptist Chaplain who wanted a doctorate. I asked if he meant a D.Min. and he looked somewhat amused and said no he wanted a Ph.D. Here is the link for Jason's page. Scroll down and you will see a description of the different degrees. http://www.gospelcom.net/bakersguide/faqs.html For what it is worth, that is my opinion. Good luck in your choice. Potch/GST seems to have a lot going for it if that is the program you choose. North
