Hi, I recently completed the D.Min. from American Christian College and Seminary and received my diploma yesterday. I was kind of surprised that it was just printed on 8.5 x 11 linen paper. I called and asked if that was the norm and was told that is how "they" had been printing them for several years. You would think that professional printing would have been covered in the graduation fee. Is printing your diplomas in-house a new trend, or just the way ACCS does it?
Barry, Would you mind sharing your experience with ACCS? I am the chairman of our presbytery's committee on ministry and we are considering sending a couple of candidates to this school for the Bachelor's, the MDiv and possibly the D.Min. Thanks, ------------------ Howard Rodgers
Harold, I earned three accredited degrees in Bible/Theology (AABC & RA) before enrolling at ACCS, so I have something to compare them to. Overall, I was quite pleased with the program and found it comparable to the RA school where I completed my Master's. The work is challenging and demands a lot on the student's part. My only complaint: They have too few staff/faculty to handle the student load. Usually I would have to call three or four times to get a question answered. I never had an e-mail responded to, so I gave up.
Berry congrats. I am currently a student at ACCS. I just started and am in the early stages how long did it take you to complete the DMIN and did you have to defend your thesis in order to graduate. I am currenly considering not continuing my ACCS degree inorder to pursue a PHD from Greenwich School of Theology. As a ACCS grad do you have any advice for me as i consider the change.
Robert, It took me about a year and a half to complete the program. It would be a stretch to call the ARP a "thesis" as it is simply a professional project. I did the defense through a conference call. It was not difficult at all and only lasted about 20 minutes or so. While enrolled in the D.Min. program I was thinking of switching and enrolled in the D.Th. program at SATS. But since I had already completed much of my coursework at ACCS I decided to stick with it and dropped the D.Th. program. It is hard to say what would be best for you. If you are a pastor and continue on staying in that field, the D.Min. would open just as many doors for you (if not more) than the Ph.D. ------------------ THE CLAIMS OF CHRIST http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0595193501/103-5123770-0933413
Howard, are you part of the PCUSA? I'm a prospective seminary student and am planning to seek ordination in the PCUSA or KPCA(Korean Presbyterian Church in America), a sister denomination of the PCUSA with which the PCUSA even discussed union a couple years ago. Anyway, do you know if graduation from an non-ATS accredited RA seminary would qualify one to be ordained in the PCUSA?
How much was the graduation fee? Did the diploma have a nice seal on it at least? While I am somewhat put off by that I must say that you are not the only one. If I remember correctly there was someone from BYU (top notch RA school) who posted that his diploma looked like they whipped it off a laser printer. Maybe schools are getting cheap or their IT guy believes he can produce something that looks as good as the one from a real print company. Personally, I would rather pay a couple of extra bucks to the school and get a diploma that looks professional. North
The norm for a RA/ATS D.Min. program is 3 years, and while incorporating a professional ministry project, the thesis is indeed a thesis/dissertation. I have seen Th.M. theses at Duke University as short as 45 pages, and Ph.D. dissertations as short as 120 pages. I saw D.Min. dissertations at Erskine range from 70 to 300+ pages.
Robert: How far are you into the D.Min. at ACCS? If you have only just begun, then the PUCHE/GST route may be beneficial. If you are almost finished, I would complete the program and then enroll at PUCHE/GST. Be reminded that one is not enrolled in a GST Ph.D., but a Potchefstroom Ph.D. GST offers no degrees of its own, it is not a degree granting institution. It is one of PUCHE's accredited institutions, so upon graduation one has in hand a PUCHE Ph.D. Best wishes in your decision, Russell
******I am a Cumberland Presbyterian. We required that the minister have a M.Div or Equivalent from a Graduate School of Theology approved by the presbytery. In our presbytery this means that the school is accredited by an organization that is approved by the Dept. of Education. TRACS, DETC would be acceptable, however, the ability to obtain pastorates is greatly enhanced by a diploma from an R/A, ATS school. Check the requirements from the PC USA confession of faith. They are spelled out - then look for exceptions that might allow for an alternate approach. I think a M.Div from an ATS, RA or equivalent would be best - SA or Aust. might work. Good luck, let me know if I can help further. If you decide you want to become a Cumberland Presbyterian let me know. [email protected] ------------------ Howard Rodgers
Russell I am just in my first class. I was so sure that this was the rought i wanted to take, however as i look at the 12 or so classes a head of me i am wondering if a research degree might be more apealing. I also believe that the PHD would open more doors and give more broader possibilities. Interested in your input Robert
Russell, I would agree that that is the norm at a traditional seminary, but at ACCS you can move as rapidly through the program as possible. That is one of the reasons I went with them. Their ARP (Applied Research Project) is not the same as a thesis. I'm not saying it is easy, but it is a completely different format and has a different purpose.
North, I think the fee was $200. I can't remember for sure. The seal is simply printed and not raised.
Robert, If you would like to e-mail me privately concerning the PUCHE/GST program, I will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Russell [email protected]
