D.Min. at Charles Sturt University

How, in your opinion, does this compare to D.Min. in the U.S.? Is it the same quality?

Here's the link:

http://www.csu.edu.au/handbook/handbook05/pg/p1_2.html


It seems that this one doesn't require an M.Div. In fact, it seems to require fewer courses?


Roscoe

 

I don't know much about them, either, but have e-mailed them for more information... Hopefully, others will post info...

 

It's hard to tell exactly how Australian points calibrate with US hours. But the programs and the requirements look roughly the same as a US DMin. They don't require an MDiv but they do require a MMin degree (which may be less than an MDiv -- hard to tell in their setting). US DMin's vary in focus and this one in the doctoral level classes doesn't seem to have as much variety as what you'd find in many of the larger US seminaries -- that is, not as much choice for area of focus. They seem to have some kind of collaborative program with San Francisco Theological Seminary (Presyberian seminary). So I suspect that the standards are going to be similar.

DMin's in the US are generally field based and are probably the most flexible doctorate avaialble. I can't see any real advantage for someone in the US doing a DMin in Australia -- especially since Australians tend to gravitate toward US DMin's (that is starting to change as the Australian schools are playing catch up). Now, if they had a particular focus that was of interest to you, or if there was someone in Oz that you really wanted to study with -- that would be a different story.

 

Thanks, Brad.

Good info and good advice.

I also didn't see a requirement for languages.



Roscoe

 

There are some exceptions, but generally speaking, in the US biblical languages are a standard component in the MDiv. Some US DMin programs will explicitly state language prerequisites -- while others will simply assume that you have the languages because you have the MDiv. There is rarely any EXTRA language requirement for a DMin (because MDiv's have a certain amount of Greek and Hebrew under their belts already).

If languages are an issue don't let that be a barrier. Generally speaking, again, most MDiv grads in the US are not language geniuses. I have a Fuller MDiv (and DMin) and the languages were not easy for me. I'll never be an expert in Greek and Hebrew. But I'm more than glad for the exposure I've had. I can't imagine a solid theological education without the languages. And IF I CAN get by I suspect most seminarians can. I found that the school bent over backwards to make it happen for people like me. Push yourself on this one. It is worth it.

What I'm saying is, if the Australian degree doesn't assume language exposure, they should. I do suspect, though, that there is a language assumption tucked in there somewhere that isn't apparent at first glance.

 

I have e-mailed Charles Sturt University for more info regarding their doctorate in Ministry / Theology degrees, but have yet to receive any information. Same with two of the South Africa schools.

I'm not opposed to doing work at a school outside the USA, but wonder how responsive they might be to questions and information... Anyone have any experiences that might be helpful?

 

Re: Re: D.Min. at Charles Sturt University

There are no standard point values. Pretty much anything goes. Some universities use base 24, others use base 36, 48, 64 or perhaps something different (such numbers are much easier to divide). Oh the joys of Imperial!

I believe Charles Sturt has a base 64 year, so a ROUGH conversion would be

CSU unit *30/64 = US unit.

The Australian government works everything out in terms of equivalent full time student loads, so there might be a course might have a load of 0.125 EFTSL.

 

Have you heard anything from Charles Sturt?


Roscoe