website with list of Christian degree mills

I was looking for a website that I think Steve Levicoff had online which had a super comprehensive list of all the known degree mills and their background info. Is that still around? If so, where is it? If not, is there something similar out there?

Just curious as I'm looking for a DMin or other religious studies doctorate and am looking for that list of schools to definitely stay away from. Thanks!

 

It's hard to maintain a "super comprehensive list of all the known degree mills" as new ones sprout up and old ones change names and locations.

You might do better to redirect your search to find reputable schools. Check your library for _Bears' Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning_ and for _Best Distance Learning Graduate Degrees_ for general info.

See http://distancelearn.about.com/library/weekly/aa011701a.htm for an article on how to assess the truth of claims and promotions, including a list of general good/bad signs.

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Kristin Evenson Hirst
DistanceLearn.About.com

 

I agree with the counsel that it is better for you to "redirect your search to find reputable schools." However, Bear's Guide will not be of service to you in the hunt for a reputable DMin. Such degrees are not covered in Bear's guide. Other "religious studies doctorates" are mentioned, however.

 

Hmmmmmm...

When it comes to U.S. schools, it's probably best to stick with those that hold recognized accreditation--either through one of the six regional accrediting agencies (Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Northwestern Association of Schools and Colleges, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), recognized religious accreditors (in practical terms, the Association of Theological Schools and TRACS), or the DETC. In practical terms, your two choices will probably be regional accreditation (with or without additional ATS accreditation) or TRACS. Regional accreditation is more widely accepted, but there are no TRACS-accredited degree mills, so it's probably safe to go either route.

There are two handbooks on Christian distance education: Baker's Guide to Christian Distance Education and Walston's Guide. I can't remember which profiles more D.Min. programs, but I think it's Walston's.

One other point worth mentioning is that D.Min. programs tend to be low-residency by design, and are not usually advertised as distance learning programs; so the best way to find an appropriate D.Min. is to check your denomination's list of approved seminaries and see which of them offer low-residency D.Min. degrees (chances are good that at least one-third of them do).

Good luck!


Peace,

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Tom Head
www.tomhead.net

co-author, Bears' Guide to the Best Education Degrees by Distance Learning (Ten Speed Press)
co-author, Get Your IT Degree and Get Ahead (Osborne/McGraw-Hill)

 

Baker's Guide does not include DMin programs for the very reason Tom cites (by design, they involve minimal residency).