University of London International Programmes BD

I am a practicing attorney in Texas, as well as a part-time Christian minister. I am unable to attend a brick and mortar seminary from where I am located in Texas. I am eyeing the London International Programmes BD, but have questions as to its equivalence to an American MDiv. I know some years ago American seminaries transitioned from a BD to the MDiv. Is the London BD the equivalent to the American MDiv? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

It appears to be listed with undergraduate programs on the website. I would think that it would not be equivalent.

 

it is often difficult to compare UK and US degrees because they are such different animals. In the UK many first degrees, such as the BM (Bachelor Medicine) and LLB prepare a student for a professional career. UK degrees tend to concentrate on the major leaving general studies to high school (A-levels). I also consider UK degrees to be far harder then US degrees based on my own experience (engineering).

 

Is there any reason you have not considered a US based MDiv through Liberty U or Luther Rice Seminary?

BD through University of London is credible but will likely be seen as an undergrad degree. The standard ministerial credential in the US is the MDiv and there are distant learning programs here.

 

The UK-US translations are very difficult. Garp, Liberty is not ATS-accredited, which is a downer for securing teaching positions at ATS-accredited schools. I'm not familiar with Luther Rice Seminary.

 

The London BD is an excellent, solid and rigorous program.... but as mentioned, will not get you through the same 'doors' that an MDiv will, and also will not be regarded equally with an ATS MDiv.

Also, at present, no ATS MDiv is available fully DEd. If one of the few offered non-ATS MDiv's will not meet your needs [e.g., Liberty, or Luthern Rice -- both Baptist], then you will have to consider one of the several ATS MDiv programs that are a combination of distance and on-campus courses.

Would recommend Baker's website, as it has an excellent list of MDiv programs.

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