For the UK/SA Ph.D., what normally are the pre-requisites? Here in the USA, a M.Div. seems to be sufficient, but I notice that a number of the overseas schools want a Th.M. GST indicates that the B.A. should be in theology to be admitted directly into the Ph.D. Russell, maybe you have posted your vita before, but what were your qualifications to get into the GST/PUCHE program? Thanks.
For South African programs, a master's degree (whether it be the MTh or the MA) in the relevant field, with a research component (i.e., a thesis) is normally considered prerequisite. You will note that most South African institutions indicate that they will accept students into doctoral study on the basis of the MDiv/BD in "exceptional" cases. By exceptional, I take it to mean that they will expect you to be able to provide evidence that you have a sufficient background in your proposed field of study, and that you are able to engage in graduate-level research. As far as British programs are concerned, you should be able to gain entry into PhD study based upon any relevant master's degree (e.g., MA, MTh, MDiv). However, if your master's degree has not included a research component, the greater likelihood is that you would be required to register first as an MPhil (thesis-based master's) student, and upgrade to PhD after a year or two of study, in order to prove your ability to engage in graduate level research. This seems to be common practice at many British institutions.
Thanks--that is helpful. My RA M.Div. was a traditional one, which required a thesis in additional to the three years of coursework. I guess I always thought the M.Div. was more involved and "higher" than a regular M.A.
As long as at least half of your M.Div. deals with theology and/or biblical studies, you should have no trouble getting admitted to a Ph.D. program in theology. The sticking point (and what makes an MA or ThM a "better" choice for these purposes) isn't so much the degree nomenclature as it is the presence or absence of a creative research project on par with a thesis. As the UK/AU/ZA doctorates are research-based, the schools sometimes want to see samples of your previous work. Still, as many courses as you've probably taken for your M.Div., I imagine most schools would probably waive that requirement. Good luck! Peace, ------------------ Tom Head www.tomhead.net
In the U.S., it is considered higher (than the M.A.) in the theological field, but lower than the M.Div. based Th.M. If you have demonstrated research abilities in the M.Div. program, via a thesis or submission of a major research paper as evidence of your research skills, it should be sufficient to meet the research component for most Ph.D. programs (assuming your coursework grades are very good also). I don't know about Africa, but in certain European countries like England, they are particular about the "caliber" of the degree you must have as prerequisite for doctoral research. At good schools in England, they often require for example, a B.A. (Honours) in Theology or related theological/religious field (if one wants to pursue that area) with a FIRST or HIGH SECOND class ranking. If you don't have this or the American equivalent, you probably have to enter a masters program like the M.Phil. or college level M.Th. to demonstrate further research skills. The M.Phil. is pretty much standardize as a research degree. The M.Th. in England however, has many tracks. There is the terminal track, usually meant for ministers in some form of applied area (sometimes not even requiring a BA--a Diploma in Ministry will often do), which normally does not meet the prerequisite for additional university research degrees in England. There is the university/college based M.Th. which does meet further research requirements. In America, we don't seem to categorize doctoral potential by the name or track of the degree so much as the grades we get in the program (i.e., M.A., M.Div. with a 3.8/4.0 g.p.a) and demonstration of research abilities, either through a major paper or thesis. In other countries, especially in certain parts of Europe, one's degree and its track may determine if one meets the prerequisites for additional studies immediately (or more provisional studies). I would assume then (from people that I have talked with) that European countries are aware of the American system and will view each American candidate on a case by case basis--using the American equivalent to the i.e., British equivalent. An acquaintance by the name of Richard Land, D.Phil., of the Southern Baptist Church, took a B.A. in History from Princeton, one of my alma mater, then based on his superior grades and demonstration of research skills, went straight into a D.Phil. program in history (focusing in Church History) at Oxford. He later finished a seminary degree in order to enter the ministry. My point in this example is that it will probably depend on the caliber of your program. If your M.Div. was of a high caliber and demonstrated superior research skills, I'm sure it will be a sufficient American equivalent to that European/African institution's own standards. EsqPhD
Craig: Welcome to DegreeInfo.com! Entrance into the PUCHE/GST Ph.D. requires a masters degree which meets the following criteria: 1. It must be in the same subject area which the Ph.D. will be researched and written. 2. It must be a masters earned via a modular format, i.e., a residency. This becomes the foundational course/class work upon which one builds the Ph.D. research. 3. And of course, it must be from an accredited/recognized institution. I was admitted into the PUCHE/GST Ph.D. program based on the following US RA degrees: BA (Pastoral Ministry) MA (Church Ministries) Clinical Pastoral Education (Parish Ministry) D.Min. (Pastoral Ministry) My Ph.D. research area is an extension/expansion of the MA/D.Min., which is practical theology. My thesis is titled "A Biblical Paradigm for Postmodern Ministry," in which I am researching/writing on the subject of ministry via the laity or whole people of God. Hope this helps, and best wishes in your pursuit. BTW, I spoke with Julia Funaki (202-296-3359) today, who is the Manager of the Office of International Education Services of AACRAO (www.aacrao.org). She stated that PUCHE was recognized by the Ministry of Education in SA, and that a PUCHE degree would be comparable to a US RA degree. AAHHH, no degree mill scenario here. Russell
