ATS changes in the near future for accredited M.Div programs

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by lifelonglearner, Feb 10, 2012.

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  1. lifelonglearner

    lifelonglearner New Member

    http://www.ats.edu/Accrediting/Documents/ProposedDegreeStandards/MDiv2.pdf

    Interesting possibilities for more distance education courses.

    - Only one academic year of residence required. With exceptions to require less than one year in residence possible. (Note: Three academic years of study are still required for the degree.)
    - 15% (up from 10%) of students do not have to have a Baccalaureate or the equivalent.
     
  2. emmzee

    emmzee New Member

    Interesting ... I imagine that there are several ATS schools petitioning strongly for fully online degrees. This is probably a way for ATS to gradually step in that direction, but I guess only time will tell whether they eventually allow fully online degrees. I'm a bit torn on the issue; on one hand, I think those who graduate from say Liberty or other popular fully online schools with an MDiv are often well prepared for ministry work. However I would also say that there is a relational face-to-face component that is intrinsic to ministry work that (to a greater or lesser degree) would be harder to achieve in an online only program.

    But overall I'm glad that more of the top seminaries in the country will have more flexibility when it comes to designing programs and students will have more opportunities to take them, that has to be a good thing. :)
     
  3. Erin@Lexington

    Erin@Lexington New Member

    LTS is ATS Accredited and Online!

    Lexington Theological Seminary is fully accredited by the ATS for the M. Div., M.A., M. A. in Pastoral Studies for Roman Catholics, Certificates, and (hopefully very soon) the D. Min.

    If you are interested in any of these programs, please email me or visit our website for more information: www.lextheo.edu.

    With LTS, you can complete your degree in a 2/3 online model that incorporates technology that will make you feel like you're in class! It has made Seminary available to those for whom an ATS-accredited degree would not have been an option just a few years ago. The 1/3 residency required is met with short Intensive courses offered to you twice per year. You choose which ones you attend so it works with your schedule!

    Come see what LTS has to offer YOU!
    www.lextheo.edu
     

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