Finished 1st course at Nations U.

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by jcummings, May 25, 2006.

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  1. jcummings

    jcummings New Member

    Nations University has been a frequent topic of discussion here so I thought I would add my 2 cents.

    I enrolled in the Master of Ministry program in late April of this year. The MMin program is 36 credits with coursework ranging from the "who and what" of the Bible to theology, service projects, essays, worship planning, and ministry.

    I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when I enrolled, but I knew I needed a solid understanding of scripture for my future goals. Besides, the enrollment fee of $100 per year for US students not incarcerated was an unbeatable deal.

    Well, the first course is The Hebrew Scriptures for 3 credits. It covers all 39 books of the Old Testament through 5 exams. The exams are 70 questions each for a total of 350 questions. Some questions are very easy, many are not. There is a great deal of detail covered in these exams, so although the exams in this course are primarily muliple choice, it is certainly no "cake walk".

    I passed the last exam yesterday and earned an "A" for the course. I spent about 2 hours a day on average reading the OT, taking notes, and studying. It took about 1 month for me to complete the course. Now I'm on to the 2nd course, The Greek Scriptures. I anticipate it will take me about 1 1/2 years to complete the degree.

    The people at NU have been very receptive to phone calls and emails when I have had questions. The website has been pretty comprehensive in terms of the coursework, references, and "things to know" for the exams.

    For anyone looking for a very inexpensive way to earn a religious studies or ministry degree, I would recommend NU. Note: NU is not accredited by TRACS or ATS, nor do they have any plans to be. NU fit my plans, but may not work for everyone. But I will say the work is rigorous and challenging, especially for anyone without a Bible background.

    Thanks again for this board!

    Jon
     
  2. raristud2

    raristud2 New Member

    RA accredited Nazarine Bible College offers a Bachelor of Arts in
    Ministry online.

    http://online.nbc.edu/

    Students may also enroll in a module plus program. Those who complete 24 courses are awarded a program certificate. The cost is only $50 per course. Each course is worth one credit hour.

    Here are a few DETC accredited universities of interest:

    Catholic Distance University: http://www.cdu.edu/masters.asp

    Universidad FLET: http://www.flet.edu/index2English.htm

    Global University: http://www.globaluniversity.edu/
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 25, 2006
  3. CoachTurner

    CoachTurner Member

    I'm also working on the NationsU MMin. Though I have a background in the Church of Christ theology, I don't have a strong academic background in religion.

    I've also found this first course to be very demanding and a time-eater. There's just no easy way to go about "cramming" for these tests, you either know this material or you don't.

    For those looking for a solid program in religion, NU is worth a look. For those hoping to find an easy degree there -- this one ain't it.

    Can't beat their price!

    http://www.nationsu.org
     
  4. jcummings

    jcummings New Member

    Hi Coach

    If I may, how far along are you in the MMin?

    Thanks,
    Jon
     
  5. CoachTurner

    CoachTurner Member

    I'm running through the module exams on MRS001 this week. I've been studying for these for just over a month now. Looks like I'm in the same place you are or just a touch behind you.

    I've read over the material for some of the other courses and am intrigued to say the least.

    I reasearched Nations U. very much before I decided to give it a go. It seems there are alot of folks who take issue with the fact that they aren't accredited but, as far as I'm concerned, accreditation isn't an important consideration in meeting my objectives.

    I've also found that Nations U. is well regarding by many in the Church of Christ - of which I happen to be a member.

    I fear that I may wash out before I finish this whole program -- it's going to be tough for me as I have no real academic background. I expect though that I'm going to learn alot. I already have.
     
  6. lchemist

    lchemist New Member

    What worries me about Nations University is the issue of academic level, after reading its syllabus for MRS 001 The Hebrew Scriptures (graduate) http://www.nationsu.org/index.pl/brs1_mod0 it seems to me it is an introductory class at the pre-college level, not a graduate level class, it its similar to the pre-requisite class on Biblical Content offered at the pre bachelor level at, for example, ISEDET http://www.isedet.edu.ar/sitioweb/principal/marco.htm But in no way a graduate class.

    The class could be offered as a non credit course, but such fundational course should not carry credit towards a Masters degree.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 26, 2006
  7. jcummings

    jcummings New Member

    I can see your point in some respects...

    however, just as an MBA is broad in spectrum yet relatively shallow in depth, the MMin at NU requires a very broad range of study, including theology, church structure and administration, and service projects of 120 hours each. The exams are a combination of multiple choice and essays, so critical thinking and the ability to rationally connect thoughts and events sometimes separated by hundreds of pages and thousands of years is required to succeed in this program.

    The MMin certainly does not compare with a Masters degree in a specialized discipline such as chemistry, however, just as no MBA program catalog I ever saw required more than introductory economics, the MMin at NU begins with foundational courses and builds to higher level, more difficult courses such as theology.
     
  8. CoachTurner

    CoachTurner Member

    Remember too that the NationsU MMin is not a MDiv or an MA in Religion. In a way, the similarity with an MBA is very valid. The degree is really designed to prepare for missions and ministry at the entry level.

    My reply of late has been, if you don't like the curriculum at NationsU then certainly don't take the courses...

    Those arguing against the level of the courses seem to have more problem with that single issue than anything else but never seem to complain that law schools teach "Introduction to International Law" in their JD programs.
     

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