Where can I go from here...

In May 2007, I will complete a MA in Biblical Studies from Beacon University, a nationally accredited school. I always thought that my ultimate goal would be to obtain a Master of Divinity to help me in church work. I was not bothered by attending a nationally accredited school since I was not using the degree to further my career with the federal government or to teach at a college or university.

Now, I don't know if I have the desire to spend another three years trying to complete another 48 semester hours for the MDiv. So, I think I made a mistake choosing a nationally accredited degree program because I would now like to enter a doctoral program in something.

I already know what you're thinking...I should have pursued a RA degree just in case my plans changed. Don't worry, I have already kicked myself for going with a NA school. I will continue doing church work but I don't need a MDiv to continue in my role as an associate pastor.

I know many of you will probably think this is terrible and stupid--and that's okay--but I would really like to pursue a doctorate in something just for the academic accomplishment. The hight cost of obtaining a doctorate does not scare me. Does anyone know of a distance learning doctoral program that would accept someone with a NA Master's in Biblical Studies? I have a RA undergraduate degree in business.

I am open to any suggestions. The distance learning Ed.D in Organizational Leadership at Nova Southeastern looks real interesting, but I have not contacted them because I think they'll laugh at me.

If I'm out of luck and my only hope for getting into a doctoral program is to get a RA Master's please let me know. Life could be a lot worse...

 

According to the Nova Southeastern Ed.D. application packet, available here, there are "Alternative Admissions Requirements" for those without regionally-accredited degrees (see page 3 of the form). So they should be prepared to consider someone in your situation without laughing.

However, the process may involve significant paperwork and expense. It appears that you may need an outside firm to evaluate your Beacon degree, and you may need to compile a "career portfolio" to "demonstrate academic and pedagogical growth appropriate for entry into the doctoral program."

Even if you jump through these hoops, admission to the EdD program may not be a sure thing. Odds would likely be better with an NA DETC degree, rather than with an NA TRACS degree. On the other hand, your RA bachelor's degree may help.

 

Hodge Family,

Hahahah.. You didn't make the wrong decission to attend NA school. I always oppose the NA schools, but depends on the situation; or the need of individual. As long as the schools are recognized by DOE and CHEA.

Anyway, there are three RA schools offer Ph.D/D degree that accepts NA degrees.

Northcentral University: http://www.ncu.edu (Can apply to the Ph.D degree without a Master degree).
Capella University : http://www.capella.edu
University of Phoenix : http://www.phoenix.edu (http://www.uopsucks.com/)

Avoid University of Phoenix, if that is possible. I high recommend Northcentral University.

Good Luck.

 

CalDog and Tekman,

Thanks for the info! There is hope for me yet!

 

Steve,

Great idea. Thanks!

 

1. What is Beacon's web address?

2. What is their denominational affiliation?

3. What field do you propose to do your doctoral studies in?

 

Re: Re: Where can I go from here...

Ted,
I think these answers for those questions.

1. Beacon University: URL: http://www.beacon.edu/
2. Interdenominational Christian
3. I believe it is Ph.D/D.Ed in Education in Organizational Leadership

 

Since your Beacon University MABS is accredited by TRACS, your best bet might be Liberty University, which is accredited by both TRACS and the Southern Association.

 

Thanks for posting those answers Tekman.

A doctorate in Organizational Leadership would be great. I am also open to other possibilities. I am looking into Liberty as a possibility.

By the way, I noticed that Walden University states on their web site that they will accept students with NA degrees in their doctoral programs. How good is Walden University? This looks like a real possibility for me.
http://www.waldenu.edu/c/Admissions/Admissions_395.htm

 

Have you considered any of the international degrees (e.g. Unisa's Doctor of Education)?

e.g.

http://www.iaci-canada.com/doctoral_degrees.htm

(scroll all the way down)

For what it's worth, it wouldn't suprise me if doctoral DETC offerings increase significantly in the months to come ...offering even more possible options.

Hope this helps.

Greg

 

Greg,

Interesting question...the thought of attending a foreign university has not crossed my mind. I wouldn't even know where to begin trying to evaluate foreign doctoral programs. I will give it some thought...

 

Walden charges for the semester and it is not cheap. It is a great deal if you can dedicate a lot of time and knock out the classes quick. Some are priced by credit, some by quater credit (http://www.waldenu.edu/c/Admissions/Admissions_397.htm). If tuition is an issue make sure you know what you are getting into.

 

Here's a DETC Doctor of Education...

http://www.chumsci.edu/pages/degree/doctoreducation.asp

Greg

 

Randall,

You're right, Walden is certainly not cheap. That is an important consideration.

Greg,

Interesting find...I will check it out.


By the way, I talked to the folks at Northcentral University today about their Doctor of Education program. I was told that because I work for the federal government I qualify for a tuition rate of $285 per hour. That's a good deal; however, I'm not sure if NCU is a good choice. Any comments about NCU?

 

Uh oh!

 

Yes Ted,

60 minutes shouldn't have done a piece on the UFC - they should have done a piece on NCU and Degree Info

Looks like we have ringside seats again...

Shawn

 

Well, I don't know about others; but to me, Northcentral University is really solid. I'll apply to Northcentral University for my Ph.D degree once I complete my Master Degrees with Aspen University and Southern Methodist University.

Even though Northcentral University is young, but I believe NCU is better than U of Phoenix and Capella.

 

UFC?

 

If you have an RA undergraduate degree you may qualify for admission to any doctoral program, regardless of the accreditation of your Master's

Blessings,