Theology PhD's

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by CLSeibel, May 1, 2001.

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  1. CLSeibel

    CLSeibel Member

    I have recently begun visiting this site, and am delighted to discover that there is a forum in which people are gathering to dialogue about distance-based theological education. In the brief time I've been visiting this site, I've gained the impression that many individuals are interested in pursuing advanced theological education by distance education. Having read over everything that's been said at this forum thusfar, I've noticed that many outstanding distance-based masters and doctoral programs have yet to be mentioned. This being so, I thought I'd draw attention to a few programs worthy of notice. For today, I'll focus on research doctoral programs. However, I'll try to make mention of a few exceptional masters programs in the near future. Here are a few research doctorates:
    1) Spurgeon's College, London, England, was founded by Charles Haddon Spurgeon in 1856. Today, it is the largest Baptist theological college in the UK (although it serves a student body representing a wide range of denominational affiliations), and is arguably the most reputable Baptist college in Europe. The PhD is validated by the University of Wales, and is fairly inexpensive. Part-time PhD students should plan to spend 4-6 weeks in residence on campus each year, and should expect to be enrolled in the program for about 5 years.
    2) Nazarene Theological College offers a part-time PhD validated by the University of Manchester. Part-time students will be expected to spend a couple of weeks in residence each year, and must remain enrolled in the program for a minimum of 72 months. Part-time tuition is reasonably priced.
    3)Trinity College, Bristol, England, is an evangelical Anglical college that allows students to pursue reasonably-priced, part-time PhD studies at a distance. The PhD is validated by the highly-reputable University of Bristol. Students should expect to be enrolled in the program for at least approximately 4 1/2 years, and should plan to spend a couple of weeks in residence each year.
    4) London Bible College is a nondenominational college that enjoys an outstanding reputation throughout the UK and the world. Part-time PhD study is a bit pricier through LBC than through some of the other options mentioned here, but it may be quite affordable for some enquirers. LBC's PhD is validated by Brunel University. I am uncertain right off hand about LBC's residency requirements.
    5) Oak Hill Theological College, London, offers the opportunity to engage in affordable, part-time PhD study resulting in a PhD awarded by Middlesex University. While Oak Hill is an evangelical Anglical college concerned primarily with preparing individuals for the Anglical ministry, they seem quite willing to consider accomdating part-time, distance-based, PhD candidates from overseas. You should expect to spend a couple of weeks a year in residence.
    6) Highlands Theological College has only been in existence for about 7 years, but already has experienced tremendous growth and success. Their part-time PhD's formerly were validated by Open University, but I believe that they recently have switched to University of Wales validation. I'm not certain how much Highlands' PhD program is costing now days, but know that candidates should expect to make a brief visit to meet with a promoter in Scotland each year. Highlands is part of a consortium of colleges in northernmost Scotland that are collaborating to create the University of the Highlands and Islands. Last I heard, this project was going very well, and Univ. of H & I should be a full-fledged Scottish university in a few years. Highlands is staunchly Reformed in orientation. They have a cooperative relationship with Reformed Seminary in the US (one of Reformed Sem.'s faculty received his PhD from Highlands), and are contemplating forging a cooperative relationship with Westminster Seminary in Pennsylvania. Dr. Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has enthusiastically affirmed the quality of Highlands' programs.
    7) International Christian College was created in 2000 through the merging of Northumbria Bible College and Glasgow Bible College, two old and well-established institutions. One can pursue an Open University-validated PhD part-time at a distance.
    8)AFM Theological College in South Africa has expressed a willingness to admit Americans into their DLitt et Phil program, which is validated by Rand Afrikaans University. AFM is a well established and reputable institution, but singularly Pentecostal in orientation. Their tuition amounts to about 700 or 800 dollars a year, and the residency expectations call for a total of one month spent on campus in South Africa.

    Well, there are others to be mentioned, but I think that I'll save them for another time. Also, in the near future, I will make an effort to comment about a few great masters programs that seem to be overlooked in this forum. I will be pleased to provide further information about any of the above institutions upon request.
     
  2. Guest

    Guest Guest

    C.L.,

    Welcome to the forum, and thank you for your contribution. DegreeInfo.com does not focus 100% on theological distance learning, however, this discipline is one among many being discussed. You will also find that the overwhelming majority of those who post here are committed to legitimately accredited programs, and frown on the less-than-reputable ones.

    You are correct in your observation that many are pursuing higher education in theology via DL. The options are increasing, which allows those in ministry to pursue degrees without dislocation. This is especially beneficial for pastors, staff, missionaries, etc., most of whom cannot dislocate themselves to pursue higher ed.

    I look forward to your posts. [​IMG]

    Russell
     
  3. Tom Head

    Tom Head New Member

    Thank you, sir -- very useful options, there!

    For my part, I'm leaning more and more towards the idea of doing a Ph.D. in religion rather than theology, just because I've never really been the theological type; but we shall see.

    Speaking of which: Does anyone know whether the University of Notre Dame, Australia is in any way affiliated with the University of Notre Dame, USA? I'm mulling on the former and, if they do have a sister college relationship, that would be a major plus.


    Peace,


    ------------------
    Tom Head
    www.tomhead.net
     
  4. Tom Head

    Tom Head New Member

    Thank you, sir -- very useful options, there!

    For my part, I'm leaning more and more towards the idea of doing a Ph.D. in religion rather than theology, just because I've never really been the theological type; but we shall see.

    Speaking of which: Does anyone know whether the University of Notre Dame, Australia is in any way affiliated with the University of Notre Dame, USA? I'm mulling on the former and, if they do have a sister college relationship, that would be a major plus.


    Peace,


    ------------------
    Tom Head
    www.tomhead.net
     
  5. Lewchuk

    Lewchuk member

    Great contribution. The proclaimed "Bible" of DL theological education is supposed to be Baker's Guide but Mr. Baker seems to believe that God is American and doesn't include any "foreign" programs.

    The only problem I have with all of these programs is that they have a fairly heavy residential component which puts them out of the grasp of many. So far the only credible 100% non-resident programs I am aware of UNISA, GST and CS.

     
  6. Guest

    Guest Guest

    Ken:

    You are correct in noting that Jason Baker's book and website would be enhanced if they included non-American programs. Both offer a number of options for the DL student and Jason is to be commended for his splendid work, but most are indeed US programs. Nothing wrong with a US program, but for many a non-US route is more feasible in terms of cost, requirements, etc. and they are just as credible if they meet GAAP criteria.

    Russell
     
  7. Tom Head

    Tom Head New Member

    This wasn't his reasoning at all. In fact, in one of my email conversations with Jason Baker, he expressed that he would like to phase in some non-North American programs on his web site and asked to link to my philosophy and religion degrees list for this purpose, and I think I told him yes. He has all the respect in the world for foreign programs, but just like an Australian guide on theological distance education might nominally be expected to only list Australian programs, a U.S. guide might nominally be expected to list only U.S. programs.

    I realize that Steve is seen as being a little provincial -- but remember that the only theology program he has publicly considered, to date, is Spurgeon College's Th.M., which is a British program. And besides, Jason ain't Steve.

    For folks who might be considering a non-U.S./non-Canadian credential, Walston's Guide is probably a better investment -- and Bears' Guide has incorporated religion programs as of the last edition (14th), so there's that, too. For folks who would like to stick to North American programs, Baker's Guide is nothing if not comprehensive in that area, and a darned good little book for that purpose. It doesn't help me much in my hunt for an Australian Ph.D. in religion, but I'm afraid that's something of a niche market.


    Peace,


    ------------------
    Tom Head
    www.tomhead.net
     
  8. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    A bit of a caveat is due here..."Walston's Guide" lists, and also recommends, many unaccredited programs. The author (Rick Walston) holds unaccredited (as well as accredited) degrees, so keep that in mind when reading "Walston's Guide".

    Bruce
     
  9. Caballero Lacaye

    Caballero Lacaye New Member

     
  10. Caballero Lacaye

    Caballero Lacaye New Member




    Hello, Tom!

    That is not always the case in all instances. For example, when Spanish-speaking people make studies or compile books about Spanish-speaking universities, well, they talk about Spanish-speaking universities from all over the world, including Spain. Conclusively, if we consider Canada as part of the USA or an extension as Steve once said (I don't), then Jason is indeed lacking programs from other English-speaking universities from all over the world.

    Truly yours,


    Karlos Alberto "El Caballero" Lacaye
    [email protected]
     
  11. Tom Head

    Tom Head New Member

    Good points -- though Rick does take care to distinguish unaccredited from accredited programs, is very open about which of his own credentials are unaccredited, and so forth.

    Rick's history with unaccredited schools is really a rather sad one; I have no doubt that the Greenwich Ph.D. was legitimately earned, for instance. He did his dissertation under the supervision of a very well-known Pentecostal Bible scholar (whose name rang a bell, but has since slipped my memory), and this was all not very long after John gave up the presidency.

    As for unaccredited schools: since unaccredited degrees really do seem to meet the needs of some people (mainly pastors, who do happen to be his primary target audience), I'm glad there's a book that evaluates unaccredited religious schools from a religious perspective. I think that's a valuable service in and of itself.


    Peace,

    ------------------
    Tom Head
    www.tomhead.net
     
  12. BillDayson

    BillDayson New Member

    Comments on a number of issues raised in these posts:

    First of all, thanks to CL Seibel for the interesting and enlightening information.

    My interests are in religion myself, but like Tom H. perhaps, I would be more interested in a religious studies sort of program than in a strongly confessional Christian theology program. (I'm not a Christian for one thing...) So if anyone knows of any good options in that kind of area, particularly programs with interests in things like historical studies in late antiquity or religious epistemology, feel free to post them too.

    Next to non-US programs. I agree that distance education is making the national origin of a program less important. I would welcome information about interesting programs anywhere in the world. (I think we already do pretty well in that regard.) But I would hope that we could avoid the nationalism that often goes along with it (country A's programs are better than country B's...)

    Along that line, we might pay some occasional attention to distance learning options that are offered in languages other than English. I would not be able to use them myself, but it would be interesting to know what kind of things the other countries out there in the world are offering. My guess is that those Germans, French and Latin Americans are probably up to something behind our backs.

    Finally, non-accredited schools. I don't have any problem with listing them if there is some reason to think that they are more than mills. They would have to be very clearly labeled though. In my case, I am studying avocationally for my own personal interest. I already have an MA and don't really need any more degrees. So if there were a program out there that could put me together with others who share my scholarly interests, accreditation might not be the foremost issue on my mind.
     
  13. Guest

    Guest Guest

    Rick earned the unaccredited Ph.D. through Greenwich under the mentorship of Stanley Horton, Th.D., prominent Assemblies of God theologian. He then went on to earn an accredited Ph.D. through Potchefstroom University (www.puk.ac.za), which meets GAAP criteria. In addition to being very open about his credentials (both accredited and unaccredited), Rick has proven he could meet the challenge of the fully accredited Ph.D., and is to be commended for his volume on DL religious programs.

    Russell
     
  14. Caballero Lacaye

    Caballero Lacaye New Member


    Dear Bill,

    Hello again, and thank you for your comments.

    Well, in spite of the fact that it is a US-based institution, Global University of the Assemblies of God offers certificates, diplomas, and possibly degrees entirely in Spanish. If I ever study religion, I would certainly consider Global in Spanish. You know, it is easier to discuss academic issues with Hispanics in English than to discuss regilious issues with Hispanics in English, so in this particular case, I prefer to study in Spanish. I myself find that kind of Old English from the Bible difficult to understand. And needless to say, I always talk with God in Spanish.

    Well, aside from Global, there are some distance learning Licenciaturas in Spanish from Latin American countries. I think that Universidad Católica (Chile, Nicaragua) offers such. I think there are other programs, but I can't recall them at the moment. However, just in case anybody is interested, I can check my sources.

    My best regards,


    Karlos Alberto "El Caballero" Lacaye
    [email protected]
     
  15. Lewchuk

    Lewchuk member

     
  16. Lewchuk

    Lewchuk member

    I think that "a US guide to distance education" is somewhat of a oxymoron.

    Does Jason have Canadian programs now?... recently he did not.

     
  17. Lewchuk

    Lewchuk member

    The last I checked his site he didn't have Canadian programs... and I know of at least two which are high quality for the ultra-fundy crowd and a great value.


     
  18. Guest

    Guest Guest

    I agree with regard to the DL book. It is well written and somewhat humorous. If one enters into reading it with their eyes wide open it is a good reference book for consumers.

    For others who have not visited Rick Walston's site, he not only has the GAAP Ph.D. but an accredited D.Min. from NWGSM (TRACS accredited school). So Dr. Dr. Walston is kosher.

    If I were him I would remove the statement from his web site that goes something to the effect that in order to understand accredited and unaccredited options he did some unaccredited degrees.

    The other thing I would do is to develop a campus program (short residencies), begin a library, begin an endowment, and then apply for TRACS accreditation for his seminary (other than academic issues I believe that these others are some areas that TRACS looks at).

    While on the subject I would also tell James White (graduate from CES & giver of testimonial on CES site) to go ahead and do a Ph.D. from Potch or one of the other SA programs. He seems like a credible Christian apologist but judging by White's web page he continues to take heat rounds over his credentials. White probably writes well enough to have no problem writing a dissertation. His having to defend his credentials in straw man arguments is an example of the problems of unaccredited credentials.

    North


     
  19. Guest

    Guest Guest

    Well stated North! James White has indeed written some very good books dealing with apologetics. One in particular, "The King James Only Controversy," is an excellent treatise on the subject. But as you say he will have to defend his unaccredited Th.D. in many scenarios.

    Russell
     
  20. HJLogan

    HJLogan New Member

    Stumbling across this forum was certainly timely. I want to pursue formal theological education but don't have the luxury of uprooting my family to do so. Have crawled out of the ivory tower of academic with a couple of bachlelor degrees and a research MA there is some reluctance to drop everything and return to the library (both on my part and my wife's [​IMG] )It has not been so long that I have been a functioning, contributing member of society.

    DL interests me but I am admittedly hesitant due to a lack of knowledge over who is legit and who is not. I am strongly leaning towards Spurgeon's and so was happy to see it mentioned in the opening post of this thread.

    Spurgeon's has a relationship with Beeson Divinity School in Alabama, but I haven't seen any such relationship with a Canadian school (not as yet anyways).

    Once again thanks for the information and I will check in again - DL is an area of personal interest to me.
     

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