I'm looking for a decent comparision of Auckland Park theological seminary (Pentecostal) and SATS. I am looking to complete a phd in practical Theol and I have been provisionally accepted to both. (they are waiting on my money). Any thoughts on these schools.
My thoughts are that your profile seems to indicate a preference for Pentecostal Theology. Therefore, you would seem to be more at home at Auckland and better able to find a faculty member who will work with you on a doctorate. That fact and the better known history of Auckland (more than 50 year old institution) would seem to given them the edge. IIRC, the cost is fairly similar (might even be less expensive). Both are accredited. SATS seems to have a very good reputation as student friendly but is a relatively new school. Both seem to have accreditation through SAQA. For other readers here are the sites: http://www.afmtc.org/site/index.php/about_ats http://www.satsonline.org/
Thank u. I'm leaning toward Auckland. SATS has been incredibly responsive. I still haven't discovered fees and defense processes for Auckland. Agin, thank u for ur insight.
ATS is a solid Pentecostal school, and fee/tuition should be in the same range as other RSA schools [though they no longer list the cost of postgrad studies]. Please know, that your postgrad/doc qualification will be awarded by North-West University [Potchefstroom] -- not ATS. ATS used to have a relationship with Univ of Johannesburg [who used to award their postgrad degrees] -- but are now aligned with NWU, who also works with quite a few other, smaller Bible schools. SATS is fully accredited by the South African gov't to award its own degrees, all the way through the PhD. This is one major difference between the two. SATS [in my experience] will also give you much better 'customer service.' Don't minimize this factor. SATS is also drawing a lot of foreign students [many from the US], and has a great mix of high-quality, international faculty, including several from the US. Also, SATS welcomes Pentecostals, as there are a number of such folks on faculty. They are both good schools, good people involved with both.
thank you. the 'customer service' issue is one of my top concerns. Initial concerns about SATS acceptability with my previous schools is somewhat an issue. I would like to at least teach adjunct. SATS has responded within hours. Auckland weeks. I was sending my tuition to SATS and Auckland Principal emailed stating he wanted to be my promoter. So....decisions, decisions, decisions
Thank you Dr. Grover. I have read your three articles on Conspectus e-journal. They are insightful. I desire to write up a Pentecostal theology of shared leadership with special attention on Trinitarian theological emphasis.I'm looking into the effects of Trinitarian theological training on the shared vision of associate pastoral staff members. Or something like that. We will see how the research proposal forms via SATS or Auckland Park. Hopefully, I'll make a decision this week.
Just mailed my SAQA application. Hopefully it arrives safely within the next two weeks. I paid for the 10 day rapid processing and the forwarding option. Hopefully Auckland Park has my stuff within 24 days.
Waiting to hear how it goes with ATS. SATS is indeed by all accounts a fine institution as Bill Grover states. In a relatively short amount of time it seems to have gained a good reputation, is well accredited, attracted credible scholars, publishes a journal and is friendly to foreign students. The thing is its relative newness and DL emphasis. I sort of picture it (SATS) like a Union Institute whereas North West University (Potch Campus) where your Auckland park degree comes from has a much longer and well established history and is also less expensive.
I think Aucklandpark has switched to the PhD rather than DLitt et Phil. My guess would be that when the UofJ was issuing the degrees that is what it was but now that NWU is issuing the degree it is a PhD.
