Diploma in Theology UG vs graduate?

Hi,

I'm new to the idea of distance learning. I'm considering
trying to get a Diploma in theology. I have an interest in
the subject and I've followed with interested the threads
about UNISA, SATS, U of L Heythrop College and others.
My question is that I already have a Bachelor's Degree
in Engineering from a ABET RA school here in the USA, but
I only have limited experience in theology.

I"m not sure that I want to commit to a masters degree.
I've noted various "Diplomas in Theology/Biblical studies...etc"
from many places. I'd like to take courses that might eventually
transfer to an ATS seminary or perhaps a GAAP one. I come
from a Reformed/Evangelical Christian background and I was
wondering if the group could answer two questions.

1. Which Diploma should I pursue? One at the undergraduate
level or at the postgraduate.

2. Which of the many seminaries that allow for distance learning
degrees should I go to? Some ideas were had were
U of L (but this is a Jesuit background), SA Theological
Seminary (cheap, accredited, D/L based, but only
a Diploma at the UG level), UNISA, Stellenbosch?

Can anyone give me some ideas?

Thanks sincerely.

 

People like Janko, Bill Grover and others will have a much better input into the US end of things, so I'll leave them to answer that one.

If you're interested in courses in the UK and from a reformed/evangelical tradition, you'll be much happier at the London School of Theology http://www.lst.ac.uk/ (as the London Bible College is now called). Better still, you can take any of their undergraduate courses as a DL independent study option at any time, so why not just try one of the undergraduate certificate modules and see whether you like it and whether you're comfortable at this level or would like something more demanding. It's only about $160 for a ten credit module.

The one caveat I would include is that switching fields at the graduate level to a subject you've no formal background in is not an easy task. I'm not saying it's impossible, because that's what I did when I moved into computing a couple of decades ago, but it's bloody hard work.

Good luck!

Angela

 

I may not be understanding your comment about SATS only offering a diploma at the UG level.

SATS offer a Bachelor of Theology degree.

You might want to see what Liberty has to offer as well as Reformed.

I know you want an ATS school, but you might look at www.tracs.org just for the heck of it.

The London School of Theology is a good recommendation.

Best of luck!

 

What I meant is that I don't want to commit to a full degree program such as a BD or a MA in Theology.
SATS offers a 30 credit Diploma in Theology at
the UG level. Stellenbosch offers a 30 credit diploma in theology
at the Postgraduate level.

 

Also, what I meant is that I'd like the credits I take at a DL
school to transfer, if possible to an ATS school perhaps.

Is such a thing possible or is that unlikely?

I'll take a look at TRACS. Thanks for the pointer.