Paths to a PhD - Advice and direction sought...

Greetings Folks - It has been a while since I last posted (not that I am a big poster anyways ... just a lurker).

After deciding to embark on a slow path with a SATS partner out of South America I was disillusioned with their changing requirements and after completing one course and dropping out of another one I am now coming back to the drawing board. I am considering two paths for which I now come running to the experts on this board for advice. I am considering two paths now...

Slow Path -After communicating directly with SATS due to my background my only option is to take 5 bridge courses to get a BTh. Then continue there or elsewhere in South Africa towards a DTh (with an MTh in between). Of course if my financial situation improves I could switch over to completing the higher-level degrees close to home (Toronto).

Not so Slow Path - Leverage the MSc from LSE in Local Economic Development and go directly into an inter-disciplinary PhD ... I have actually spent a lot of time thinking about my research topic - "Faith-Based Community Economic Development." I really like this option and I have access through my volunteer work to the groups that would provide primary research. This is an area that really interests me and which I am involved in every summer ... the only problem is that I do not know how to find the right program/mentor. I tried communicating with some Stellenbosch Theology profs and all I received back from them was the standard 'apply here' email. Not sure if my expectations are out of line but I want to talk to someone who can guide me. SATS would be out of the question for this option since this is outside of theology (although related to it).

I would like to hear some opinions from the experts here. Any comment is valid - because it will make me think.

If possible, can you guys provide me some examples of what a PhD thesis/research proposal looks like? I am assuming I have to start building something like that ...

Thank you for reading this and I thank you in anticipation of your responses...
Regards,
JHC

 

Sorry, can't advise on SATS. However, the doctoral program I'm in directed us to read this excellent book long before we begin the lit review process. It should give you some great insight. Amazon.com: writing the winning thesis or dissertation: Books

 

Stellenbosch is a well respected school and as I recall is well ranked. They are even open to research based PhD's at a distance. The problem is that they do not bend (AKIK) on the residency which is to be completed near the beginning of your studies. I think they will break it up but not more than that. This means you will have to go to South Africa.

University of Zululand used to get mentioned a lot and is very inexpensive. The problem with them is that they are extremely hard to get anyone to respond when contacted.

Another South African option is Potchefstroom (sp??) now University of the North West. They are affordable. You can go through Greenwich School of Theology to register there. http://gschooltheol.com/
Their fees are almost double if you live in North America (versus Europe and elsewhere) so that is not thrilling and way more expensive that the University of South Africa.

Because of your LSE background, the University of South Africa is also a good bet. Need to have patience as you navigate the registration process. There is a Canadian entity that helps do this. Very affordable and is well respected. http://www.iaci-canada.com/ I contacted them and they were quick to respond. PhD somewhere around 5000 or so for the program.

 

Have you looked into the D.Prof offered by Middlesex University in the UK. I seriously thought about them several years ago and there is at least one visitor to this forum working on his doctorate there.
Research degrees

 

Thanks for your replies and help. The biggest thing that I need to consider is being patient through the process... and being 'okay' with sometimes not getting a response quickly.

@Ian - For a brief moment I was very excited about Middlesex until I read this: Part-time £4850 per year (only available via distance learning; due to UK Government visa regulations, students from outside the EU may not study part-time in the UK) ... Maybe later on in the future.

@Garp - The more I look into it, UNISA seems to be the best option for me. Just kind of torn because I 'also' want (and think I should) do the BTh option as well. Just not sure what I can handle all at once.

@SurfDoctor - checked the book out. Looks good... definitely should get a copy.

Need to investigate IACI-Canada as well.

Thanks,
JHC

 

Is a US DL degree an option for you?

Shawn

 

The US is always an option... just thought that South Africa would be more affordable. Any recommendations?

 

Truckie is the one to ask, but would a DPA from Valdosta State work? The tuition is very reasonable:

eTuition for Graduates

Economic Development, IMHO, would be a worthy topic for a DPA...

Shawn

 

Don't think too far ahead.
Earn your Bachelors.
Then, if necessary, a Masters.
Then, if possible a Doctorate.
Live the life you want today and your future will appear in front of you.

 

Thanks Kizmet. Are you saying to ignore the 'not so slow path' and build from the Bachelors up? I hear you... and I have thought about it too. I sometimes wonder - what's the rush?

But at the same time I also wonder - why can't I leverage my previous degrees (Hon BA and MSc) and combine them into a next step towards a PhD?

Still thinking...

 

I contacted the University of Pretoria... Regarding the MPhil in Applied Theology. It looks like a great program... With enough flexibility that if done right I could have entered a PhD. However, they have informed me that I can't take this degree as a distance program.

Does anyone know of a similar program at the Master's level that allows students with no theological background to get up to speed and then be qualified to enter a PhD? This would be ideal for me... My preference is still South Africa (cost is a BIG factor in my decision).

Thanks!

 

Have you considered - Johnson University - Tuition Management

They allow non-theology majors into their Masters with some bridging coursework.

I was on the brink of enrolling at SATS but they changed the format of the structured MTh and required payment of $1,750 per year for as many courses as the student could complete. It seems to me that the school, which I once considered wonderful, has resorted to the basic operating principles of other for profit schools.

Good luck in your pursuits.

 

Maybe, but that is still DIRT cheap...

 

I totally agree; I was in the process of enrolling for the MTh and received notification that the fee structure had been changed. The old fee was $250 (USD) per course; that would now equate to completing seven courses in a year to completely untilize the total fee. The school was, at one time, the best of the best but now seems more and more interested in profit than on providing education; one of its original mission points. Disappointing, to say the least.

 

No one likes it when prices go up but are you really going to throw away the cheapest degree program on the planet? You'll pay far more wherever else you go. I think you're waaay off base by comparing SATS to US for-profit schools.