DL masters and B&M Ph.D

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by cbryant, Sep 10, 2004.

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  1. cbryant

    cbryant New Member

    I don't know if this has been talked about (probably it has) but I will ask again. Has anyone on this list completed a DL Master (specifically DL M.A. in religion/theology) and used it to try to get into a Brick and Mortar Ph.D program?

    I am fairly early in my Masters program with aspirations of doing Ph.D work. Any advice would be helpfull.

    Thanks,

    cbryant
     
  2. Jack Tracey

    Jack Tracey New Member

    In an attempt to buoy this thread so that someone with more experience in this particular area might answer, I will offer and answer myself.
    The biggest problem in answering your question comes from the language you've used in forming the question itself. By this I mean your use of the terms "DL Masters" and "Brick and Mortar PhD." Please allow me to expand.
    There are many DL Masters degrees in Religion/Theology. They are NOT all created equal. Some are accredited, some, unaccredited and some from the later catagory are degree mill degrees. Now as to the term "Brick and Mortar," there are some B&M degrees that are accredited and some that are unaccredited. Which do you mean? Also, where do the non-US degree programs fall in your question?
    I know that I'm being a bit of a pain in giving this sort of reply but frankly it's a "garbage in, garbage out" type of deal. If you want a good answer you've got to ask a good question.
    Beyond all that I'd guess that the answer to your question is "Yes." It's entirely possible to earn a legitimate Masters degree through DL and then go on the earn a PhD from a B&M university. Many PhD programs are extremely competitive and admission is frequently based on more than the simple completion of a Masters program. In my own opinion, an unaccredited Masters degree would have to be supplemented by something VERY special in order to be accepted into an accredited PhD program.
    Jack
     
  3. cbryant

    cbryant New Member

    Ok, let me clairify.

    I am currently working on a M.A.R. degree from Reformed Theological Seminary (RA accredited and accredited with the ATS) which is done by distance (minus the 6 hour on campus requirement). However my concern is this, is a masters degree of this type suffecent for the requirements to a Ph.D program where the Ph.D program is done entirely IN RESIDENCE.

    I know that my Masters degree ALONE will not work ( I will need to submit a paper I have written, GRE scores, recomendations form faculty, pastor, etc.) however while I have just begun this program I want to make sure I am prepareing myself for what I want to acomplish.

    cbryant
     

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