Theology & DL

I'm hoping someone can help me. I'm looking for an accredited school that offers a tuition-free (or very low tuition) Theology program ultimately leading to a PhD in Theology.

I currently hold a BA in Economics from an Ivy League school, but I'm feeling a call to teaching and apologetics.

Initially I was looking at Trinity Theology, but based on previous posts on this board, I'm having second thoughts. The seminary where I would like to teach after obtaining the PhD will most likely require the degree to be from an accredited school.

My current plan goes something like this:

1. Complete the free 22 course certificate in Biblical Studies program at Ames Bible College (www.amesbible.org). At the end of the 22 courses I can make the 87 credits "for credit" by paying $20 per credit, or $440.

2. Transfer the 87 credits to the affiliated Ames Christian University (www.ameschristian.org). Then complete 11 more courses for the BA in Biblical Studies (11 courses x 3 credits per course x $66 per credit hour = $2178).

3. Use the BA from Ames to enter the MDiv program at Trinity Theology (www.trinitytheology.org). No tuition, just a registration fee of $340. The MDiv requires coursework and a thesis.

4. The MDiv will prepare me for the MTh, also at Trinity. Registration fee $390. Another thesis...

5. Finally, the MTh will allow me to enter the PhD program in Theology at Trinity. Registration fee of $1500 payable in 3 $500 installments. And yes, a 3rd thesis...

Total cost = $4848.


The ultimate goal of this program is to be qualified to teach and do original research in Theology and Apologetics. I'm just very concerned that since Trinity is not accredited, all this work would be for naught.

Can anyone offer any other suggestions on how to achieve this plan at a very low cost, yet still be accredited and 100% DL?

Thank you for all suggestions!

Jon

 

Well, let's see here. I did a bit of research for you. And here is what I have found.

As to the undergraduate institution you mentioned, it appears that Ames Bible College/Ames Christian University of Fort Myers, Florida, is accredited by the World Wide Accrediting Commission of Christian Educational Institutions http://fgci.tripod.com/wwac.html (hereinafter WWAC); however, the WWAC says on their own website that they have never sought recognition by the E(ligibility and) A(gency) E(valuation) S(ervices) (of the United States Department Of Education - hereinafter USDOE www.ed.gov) or the C(ouncil for) H(igher) E(ducation) A(ccreditation) www.chea.org (hereinafter CHEA). As such, their accreditation is useless.

As to Trinity School of Apologetics and Theology, of 8th Cross Maveli, Cochin University PO, 682022, Kerala, India, the fact that they are based out of India makes it a bit more difficult to determine what exactly would be recognized as the equivalent of accreditation under Generally Accepted Accrediting Principles. They do claim accreditation through International Council for Accrediting Alternate and Theological Studies. I could not find a website for this accrediting agency, but this wikipedia article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICAATS says that they received Government authorization from India in 2003; on the other hand, this thread http://forums.degreeboard.com/showthread.php?t=764 on Scofield Graduate School and Theological Seminary, another school claiming accreditation from ICAATS, seems to indicate that this is not government authorization or recognition as we understand it. Trinity School of Apologetica and Theology mentions that there are such things as "recognized institutions" in India (as there are in the UK and other countries that follow the UK system) wherein one school "recognizes" or "accredits" work done at another school and awards the degree based thereupon. The address given on the Trinity website has the name Cochin University therein; thus, I am assuming that they are claiming that Cochin University recognizes or accredits their work. However, looking at both of these Cochin University websites http://collegeskerala.com/cochin_university/index.htm and www.cusat.ac.in I could not find any place where Cochin University mentioned accrediting or recognizing work done at Trinity School of Apologetics and Theology. For further clarification on accreditation/authorization/recognition issues in India, you might check out the website of the Ministry of Human Resource Development of the Government of India www.education.nic.in .

Other resources for international educational accreditation issues include: _International Handbook of Universities_ (published by UNESCO); _World Education Series_ (published by Projects in International Education Research); _Commonwealth Universities Yearbook_ (published by the Association of Commonwealth Universities); and the _Countries Series_ (published by Australia's National Office on Overseas Skills Recognition). You might also check the Global Association for Transnational Education www.edugate.org .

That said, for starters, you will probably not even need an undergraduate theological degree to get into an MDiv program. Two excellent theological distance learning guides are Rick L. Josh Walston's _Walston's Guide to Christian Distance Learning_ (Longview: Persuasion Press, 1999) and Jason D. Baker's _Baker's Guide to Christian Distance Education_ (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 2000).

With respect to your MDiv, I would have to know your denominational affiliation first. As for your ThM and ThD, South African degrees seem to be a favorite around here for their inexpensiveness, if you think you are up to completing your graduate degrees by thesis/dissertation only. South African Theological Seminary www.sats.edu.za and the University of Zululand www.uzulu.ac.za seem to be in high favor here.

(Hopefully, I have not approached DesElms-level verbosity here. )

 

In all likelihood none of those schools would have enough of a reputation to qualify you to teach at anything other than an online school that you start yourself.

If you hold an ivy league degree you would find these programs to be totally frustrating and inadequate.

The most respected, low-cost options are the South African schools. But there are not a lot of SA trained teachers in US schools.

What school does your pastor suggest? Do you have your church's endorsement in this endeavor?

 

Hi Ted,

Great information! Thanks very much for the research info.

I have also read on this board that the South African degree is a favorite. I'll have to check that out some more...

PS: Your verbosity is appreciated!

Jon

 

Ultimate goal

Hi Brad,

Ultimately I want to teach at Robert Wesleyan Seminary in Rochester, NY. It is in the Free Methodist tradition, as am I.

My pastor very much likes RWS as a destination for me, but he really didn't have any input as far as what school to attend now.

By the way, can anyone describe the preferred/required background for a professor at seminary?

Thanks,

Jon

 

Re: Ultimate goal

Since I am just a mere humble Lutheran, I really can't say I know too much about the various affinities (e.g., theological conservatives or theological liberals) of the various groupings of the Wesleyan Methodist tradition, but I finally dug up an old thread started by our august former Senior Member the good Rev. Dr. Jimmy Clifton announcing that Wesleyan Biblical Seminary www.wbs.edu now offers an MDiv that is 2/3 online (and 1/3 residential) http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20586 . Previously, the Association for Theological Seminaries in the United States and Canada (hereinafter ATS) www.ats.edu required that no more than 1/3 of the MDiv can be via distance learning, but now they have loosened up on those requirements. Also, the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (hereinafter TRACS) www.tracs.org is also a legitimate, recognized accreditor of theological programs and it may be easier to find a fully distance learning MDiv there, if you can find one that meets your theological affinities.

As to the preferred background for a seminary professor, your MDiv will likely suffice for a series of adjunct (part-time temporary) professorships. Meanwhile, with that and perhaps a pastoral ministry, you might get your ThM and ThD/PhD in Apologetics through a good thesis/dissertation only program, such as one of the South African schools mentioned. BTW - A couple of other South African schools often mentioned as favorites around here are the old Greenwich School of Theology of Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education www.puk.ac.za , which has subsequently been merged into the University of the NorthWest and, of course, the University of South Africa www.unisa.ac.za (hereinafter UNISA). The University of Pretoria www.up.ac.za also has theological doctorates by dissertation only, but I cannot say as to whether that includes apologetics.

I also found this other old thread on Trinity School of Apologetics and Theology http://forums.degreeboard.com/showthread.php?t=4637 .

Oh, by the way, Baker's Guide is online at www.bakersguide.com .

 

Re: Re: Ultimate goal

Actually, as regards the question of whether the University of Pretoria theology doc has apologetics, their website had this interesting little PDF file: J. W. Gericke (PhD, Apologetics, University of Pretoria), "Autobiography of a Died Again Christian," http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-03192004-135203/unrestricted/11appendices.pdf (hopefully, this link will actually work). Very interesting piece.

 

Re: Ultimate goal

Normally, a rigourous PhD from a fully accredited, recognized school in the discipline being taught (e.g. to teach New Testament a degree in Old Testament is inadequate in and of itself). In your tradition they would probably prefer that the professor also have some hands-on pastoral experience for the seminary. A high level of personal integrity and faith experience will be a must.

If you want to get a sense for the types of people who teach at Roberts Wesleyan take a look at the university faculty list and the seminary faculty list. None of these people are casual theologians. Take note of where they studied. Schools of that caliber are the current bar. Rarely does the bar go lower over time -- only higher.

 

JCummings,

I will have to agree with the additional posts. However, in defense of Ames Bible College and Ames Christian University, I am currently in the program and enjoy it immensely. IT is a very well planned curriculum and not to be taken lightly. Yes, it is free or you can choose to pay $20 per course for credit to continue to their BSBS program only.

For teaching at a US DOE recognized accreditor, you will really want to pursue a degree from a US DOE recognized accredited institution.

Good luck in your endeavors and if you choose to seek the Ames program for a education and biblical enrichment. I think you will enjoy it.

Best of luck

 

Re: Ultimate goal

Hi, Jon! I went over to www.degreeboard.com to PM the good Rev. Dr. Jimmy Clifton, an august former Senior Member of degreeinfo, and he suggests Indiana Wesleyan University http://graduateministry.indwes.edu/master_ministry.htm or Universidad Facultad Latinoamericana Estudios Teologicos www.flet.edu . The former Western Evangelical Seminary, now George Fox Evangelical Seminary www.georhefox.edu has web-enhanced courses for their MDiv, but I cannot tell if they have a fully distance learning program. Godspeed, ny Brother!

 

FLET

Hi Ted,

FLET looks like a great option based on cost, accreditation, and 100% DL.

I thank you for your input, research and time!

Bless you,

Jon

 

Re: FLET

No problem. I'm a former MDiv student from Faith (Evangelical Lutheran) Seminary in Tacoma, Washington. I studied there in 1993-1994, but failing grades in Hebrew sent my GPA into a tailspin that ultimately resulted in my leaving seminary. Every now and then, I think about trying to return to seminary. But, at any rate, I have become quite well-versed in my knowledge of theology programs. Glad to pass on the info.

 

Cornell + NationsU = FLET?

If I have a BA in Economics from Cornell (accredited) and earn a BA in Religious Studies from NationsU (unaccredited), do you see any problem being accepted into the Masters of Theological Studies (MTS) program at FLET?

Thanks,

Jon

 

Overlap of degrees?

If I earned a Masters of Theological Studies (MTS) from FLET, would there be any benefit to going on to earn an MTh from SATS? Or maybe it would be better to wait for the DTh program to come online with SATS?

Thanks,

Jon

 

Re: Cornell + NationsU = FLET?

You can enroll in to MRS at NationsU with bachelor in any discipline.

 

Re: Overlap of degrees?

Many people on this board take distance Th.D or D.Th with U of Pretoria, UNISA, U of Zululand. You might search on this board and read how can he do it.

 

FLET

Actually it's a moot point now as FLET does not take English language-only students at this time. I received the unhappy news from the FLET admissions department yesterday.

I think my plan at this point will be to get the MRS at NationsU (unaccredited) for Theological background, and use that plus my BA in Econ (accredited) to enter the SATS MTh (accredited) program. By the time this is complete, then the SATS DTh program will be fully accredited.

By the way, for what it's worth, I got a 90% score on the NationsU sample exam. It was a big topic on another thread...

 

Re: FLET

Actually, you might find more depth and breadth (and theological compatibility) in the SATS BTh (accredited). You may find that you don't even have to finish the degree before sliding into the MTh there.

If you can scrape together the pennies, another option that would be even more compatible with the Free Methodist theological approach is the Nazarene Bible College online program. Tuition is reasonable but not dirt cheap.

Another option would be to work with a mentor (your pastor?) and set-up a personal reading program to develop some theological breadth on your own. Then you could slide right into the MTh at SATS without skipping a beat. (Technically I don't think SATS requires any theological background to enroll in their MTh program -- but it would sure help to have some.) A starting point might be passing the Bible proficency exam developed by Luther Seminary and widely used by American seminaries across the theological spectrum.

Another interesting option from the Free Methodist background, but not necessarily what Jon is looking for, is the Spiritual Formation and Leadership MA offered by Spring Arbor University.

 

Re: Re: FLET

Nazarene Theological Seminary www.nts.edu offers an In-Service Master of Divinity.

 

At $235 and $323 per credit hour respectively, that's way more than my budget can handle for these two programs. Even the SATS BTh is too much money. The SATS MTh is a flat fee $1240 per year for the first 2 years. That sounds a lot more reasonable, especially for an accredited program. The SATS MTh does not technically require a BTh, but if the undergrad degree did not contain at least some Theological material, then from the website:

<<If you have a "thin" theological background, e.g. an undergraduate degree in a different field with limited theological content, we will recommend the structured route, i.e. that you complete two or three mini-theses, not necessarily in the same discipline, around outcomes resulting from negotiations between you and your supervisor.>>

The Luther Seminary Bible Exam requires a login for current students, so I was unable to use that as a guage.

The idea of a structured reading progam is a good one, and a real possibility. However, I think that for $100 per year, I might as well go with NationsU and have the degree.

Great ideas, guys! I appreciate your input.

Jon