I have a sneaking suspicion that when SATS' DTh program is[/] approved, they're going to be getting a lot of applications .... perhaps more than a few from those involved with this forum. Good thing, too, from what I can make out. Matt
waiting for Godot, or kairos, or the next bus to Lonehill Thanks, Dr Clifton, for the update from SATS. Just so, Matt!
Buy that place is cheap--and I don't mean maybe! Can it really be $1100+/- per annum for a Masters in Theology? Why are U.S. programs so all-fired expensive? Does anyone know of any other inexpensive programs?
The price is related directly to geography. All the South African programs are inexpensive. You could take a peek at the UNISA Department of Theology as a starting point point for a comparison with the SATS programs. Jack
Which sort of makes it a case study in economics, doesn't it? I mean, the value of things in South Africa is what it is; and the value of the currency there, as compared with the US dollar, is also a big factor. No? I mean... I don't think there's any mystery here. The dollar goes a long, long way in lots of places... not as many as we'd like, of course... but lots of places, nevertheless. It's always a combination of how the US dollar compares, as well as just plain what stuff there is worth. I'm thinking of the Philippines, for example, where one peso isn't even worth 2 US pennies (or thereabouts, last time I checked); and a physician, for example, doesn't even earn $500(US) per month (as compared with what they make in the US). Costa Rica, too (though less so). Lots of places! Right now, the South African degrees, just generally, are the just about the biggest bargain in distance education. South Africa's accreditation standards are high -- on par with those in the US -- and its degrees tend to fare well with the US foreign credential evaluators who routinely declare them equivalent to similarly-named US regionally-accredited credentials. I'm a huge fan... but that's just me.
I am with Gregg, I am also a fan of the South African schools. The SATS price tag is fairly comparable to the other educational institutions in South Africa. I also negotiated with Free State who at first had a higher price tag, but eventually came down to the exact same price as SATS (which was in the 1000 US dollar range, as you mentioned earlier). The reason for the higher price tag initially, was that they charged for the program as a whole, not just per year. But after evaluating my transcripts, they knocked off a year, so I only had to pay for half the program. This was done by both SATS and Free State. Anyway, all of that to say the price is stinkin' cheap in SA for us folks from the US. Although the dollar doesn't stretch so far in Europe..... clint
Besides the price factor of SATS, Having studied with SATS and living in the opposite part of the world (Asia), I must admit that they have an incredibly fast response time for a Distance learning institution. Of course this could be attributed to lesser students as compared to let's say UNISA. But having lesser students prove to be an advantage in terms of study too... you get a very personal approach even with the thesis supervisor/promoter. You are not treated just like a number. I wouldn't be surprised if many will apply for their DTh when it's launched especially for us who've had good experiences there.
The economic benefit of pursuing an education through the South African system truly is astounding. I am working toward the completion of my PhD at the University of Pretoria under the supervision of a scholar who is highly regarded internationally. When all is said and done, my total tuition costs will add up to less than $3,000. The raise that I will receive as a result of having completed my doctorate will be considerably more than this. Fantastic!
I have been following things at SATS also. I'm not sure I'd ever really do this, since I'll already have one doctorate by 2007 or 2008 (DMin). On the other hand I like school and the price seems so good that I might be tempted to get a DTh in pastoral counseling at SATS. A doctorate in social work at one of the other SA universities is also appealing. I like what I'm hearing about the SA schools. Tom Just curious, CL? What is your PhD in? Tom
I am working within the field of practical theology. My dissertation is entitled "Intergenerational Reconciliation and Justice as Essential Dimensions of Missional Renewal in the Postmodern Era." Thanks for your interest.
Dr. Grover: I am curious. How did you choose your guide/advisor/helper, who was from DTS, if I recall properly? Did you know the individual personally? If not, how did you approach him/her? Was this an Unizul requirement? Did you pay this person extra, or did he/she do it pro bono? Was their any formal relationship between this individual and Unizul? Regards, and congrats on your new appointment. marilynd
Estimated cost of the SATS Th.D. is between $3500-$4000, according to Dr Reuben van Rensburg, Vice-Principal, via an email I received today. By the way, it is snowing like crazy here in south central Indiana! Expect up to six inches!
Six inches? That's hardly "snowing like crazy," you Southern-Indiana wimp! Try living in Chicago or Minnapolis for a while... or on the Southeast or Eastern side of Lake Michigan, where two to six feet of lake-effect snow can sneak-up on you in a matter of hours. (just yankin' yer chain) So, Jimmy... this thread, except for your most recent post, is months old. In your recent email, did SATS give any hint as to maybe a revised ETA?
Wimp? Hey I lived in Michigan for six years, two in Detroit! I guess I should have said "coming down like crazy." No, they feel sometime in early '06. Still deal with the government.
