Unaccredited Masters Degree from Golden State School of Theology?

I am new to the forum but have read some other posts related to GSST here and other places. I just wondered what others might have as input about an unaccredited masters degree from Golden State School of Theology for my specific situation. I am 28 years old, but have been limited by some back/shoulder and pain issues to being best off doing part time work. I am a church secretary and love being a church secretary. I have no intention of trying to become a pastor, minister or anything other than enjoying being a church secretary. I have a Bachelors degree in English (Literature not teaching) from Troy University in Troy, AL I got straight out of high school before I knew what I wanted to do or about the career limitations caused by my back issues. I do not want to be a teacher now either. I am currently getting an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administrative Technology online(basically they used to call it "secretarial science") from Bainbridge College in Georgia. Both of these schools are fully regionally accredited schools. I would love to be able to get a Masters that involves learning about the Bible or theology, and feel this type of knowledge is helpful to anyone working in a religious organization. Since I am pretty much limited to part time clerical work due to back and pain issues, I am probably not going to ever make tons of money but I still aspire to grow as a person and gain new knowledge and work as much as I am able to help my husband pay the bills. It is just simply not financially worth it for my family for me to get thousands of dollars in debt to get an accredited Masters in Theology or Biblical Studies. We could pay for GSST out of pocket without incurring loans and I still think that this type of knowledge and learning would be viewed favorably by a religious organization that might employ me in the future as a ministry assistant in the office/secretary despite it not being accredited. I am sorry this is so long! I just wondered what others might recommend based on my situation. Thanks!

 

I'd say, for an administrative position, your (accredited) degree and your (accredited) business studies would likely mean more to any employer (including most churches) than an unaccred degree - from Golden State or elsewhere.

Maybe a GSST degree would be "viewed favourably," maybe not. Only about 20 states have the "religious exemption" that allows unaccredited schools to issue religious degrees, and certainly not all states allow people to use such degrees. Check the rules where you live - can you legally use such a degree in your state? Any restrictions?

Regardless, I'm not going to encourage you to enrol for any unaccredited degree -- or say absolutely that you shouldn't. YOU have to be sure the degree will meet your present and foreseeable future needs - that's the acid test. And right now, you seem unsure --and so am I, frankly. After checking your state's position, you should see how your own denom. accepts such degrees, with particular mention of GSST. Even if they are OK with it, you should still think long and hard about it and research alternatives. There are some low-cost options that might surprise you.

One is a fully accredited distance degree, from a respected South African University, such as SATS South African Theological Seminary | Bible College and Study Program or University of Zululand University of Zululand | "Welcome" , which would probably cost somewhere around the same as GSST but would be respected everywhere. South African distance learning is a bargain, partly due to the depressed currency. There is plenty of info on South African schools, both religious and secular, in this forum.

If you still, after all research, wish to pursue an unaccredited religious degree, I feel there are better low-cost options than GSST. I'm no expert on religious schools, but all I've read on GSST from those who are has been luke-warm in tone. If, after all necessary thought and knowledge-gathering, you are still looking at the unaccredited area, have a look at Nations University. I suggest them for these reasons:

They are basically a zero-tuition school. They have some fees for American students (no fees for much of the world) but I'm guessing they'd still be less than GSST. They have applied for DETC (National) accreditation. No guarantees they'll get it - time will tell. There's a lot on Nations (both sides) in this forum, too. I encourage you to read it. The school site is at NationsUniversity - Affordable Religious Education - NationsUniversity

PLEASE! Check ALL OPTIONS before you make any final decisions.

Johann

 

Different states/countries have different laws about degrees. If you get a properly accredited degree, you never have to worry about this, because accreditation is a universally recognized standard.

But GSST isn't accredited, so you do have to worry about it. GSST can operate legally in the State of California (which has loose laws regarding accreditation), but there is no guarantee that its degrees will be legal for use outside California. If you are outside California, you would have to check your local laws and regulations.

*****

Another point to consider is GSST's payment plans. You want to avoid taking out loans (which is good, because you probably wouldn't be able to get a student loan for an unaccredited school anyway). They offer monthly payment plans as low as $50/month, which may seem attractive. However, even with GSST's inexpensive tuition, it could take up to 40 months to pay off a master's degree at that rate, which could be longer than it takes to earn the degree.

What happens if you complete the degree in 18 months, but are still making those $50/month payments? Some schools will refuse to issue the degree until the tuition is paid in full. That might be something to check into if you are considering the monthly payment option.

 

I would strongly discourage enrolling at an unaccredited school of religion. Even worse is the school of religion that claims to be accredited; however, the accreditation is by a non-USDOE/CHEA recognized accreditor (e.g., ACI). Unfortunately, such less-than-wonderful entities are numerous here in the USA.

There are simply too many possibilities for the unaccredited degree to become a time bomb in your professional life.
As Johann has stated, legitimate low-cost degrees are available.
If you're content to remain a church secretary (a valuable position in and of itself), is a graduate degree in theology a necessity?
If additional knowledge/training is your objective, personal study is free.

All the best in your pursuit of further studies.

 

I graduated from the DMin programme in GSST last year, and I would reccomend it. Like any degree, seminary and college, you get out what you put in - it is possible to do the bare minimum, coast along, and collect the certificate at the end - and it is possible to work hard and learn. The decising factor for me in choosing GSST was cost.

 

One can obtain a piece of paper called a doctorate by the Universal Life Church for less than $100. The question that should be posed is, "does the degree have utility?"

 

I assume you mean "deciding." Then I'd say you made the wrong decision. You could have had an accredited South African doctorate that would stand up anywhere for not too much more money ... though likely, a ton more work.

I don't consider your "doctorate" a real one. Neither do many States. Then again, it's a religious degree, so what I think doesn't really matter, does it? Wonder what He thinks... :question:

Johann

 

Succinct and well stated.

 

Acts 2:22, "Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God." (NIV)

Accreditation must be important.

 

There are many inexpensive TRACS accredited master's programs. TRACS is a national accreditation for Bible colleges and seminaries, recognized by the US Department of Education. Here is a complete list: Transnational Association Of Christian Colleges and Schools

They tend to be less money than regionally accredited schools, but still carry full legal accreditation. Most offer online programs. I would go through each school on the list, looking for one that meets your needs. Also recognize that almost any of these smaller schools will probably work with you on affordable tuition, even if it is not posted on the web. Find a program that is interesting to you, and call them asking for a tuition break. I can bet you will find one that will work with you.

You will almost always find an unaccredited degree, even in the area of religion, to be limiting. No need to go that route with so many good alternatives.

 

As others have pointed out that a unaccredited degree may not be the best option. However, you stated that the purpose is for personal enrichment and understanding and that you are not interested in the pastorate or teaching. So the question of legality is not the point. I am not a fan of unaccredited schools that try to pass themselves off as accredited by using a non-CHEA recognized accreditor, however GSST is not one of them and clearly state they are not accredited.

I have three questions to ask:

1. Why a Masters degree?
2. What is your theological background and denomination (if any)?
3. Do you have the support of your pastor, so that they would write a reference?

I ask because there are several good accredited undergrad programs that would meet your goals and be more cost efficient. You may also consider a diploma/certificate program. I ask about your theological background in order to present schools you would find acceptable and not conflict with your beliefs. The third question is obvious, the majority of good programs ask for a reference from your pastor. I will wait for your reply if you choose to make one.

 

Yes, it would be a substantial increase in work (i.e., regimen and rigor of program requirements). This is the reason so many opt for an unaccredited degree--especially at the doctoral level--as opposed to a non-US accredited degree. You are correct, Johann, the SA option often costs less than many unaccredited US degrees.

 

True - but to be a TRACS school, you have to teach/believe in some rather uh...fundamental doctrines, including:

(a) An error-free Bible - in all aspects, no matter who wrote or invented whatever anecdotes in the margins, in the first few hundred years of the books - (and scholars are sure some did, and can point out where.)

(b) A literal six-day creation week for the entire universe. Wha???

(c) A corporeal, real person, Satan - with a realm of punishment for all those who "die outside Christ." (Does that include those of other religions? They didn't spell that out in the handbook.)

I've read "Young Earth" creationism is pretty popular in the TRACS school environment. I have no idea if that allegation is universally true, but it's certainly not popular with me.

It's all here: http://www.tracs.org/files/January2013AccreditationManual.pdf

If a TRACS school is your bag -- well and good. But you should know what you're getting into.

Johann

 

I looked up Golden State and saw that its tuition for a graduate course is $175.00 I attend LBTS which is RA and you could actually pay a comparable rate, as they have a seminary block rate of only $2350.00 for 9-15 hours per semester. If you took 2 classes every eight week term (for a total of four classes a semester), you only pay $195.83 a credit hour. You can choose from a variety of M.A. programs, an M.R.E. or even the M.Div. Anyway, just thought I would throw that out there for you to consider. If you have any questions about Liberty, I'll be glad to help if I'm able to!

Thanks,
Lance

 

No offense, Peter, but I can't imagine doing the "bare minimum and coasting along" in seminary and still managing to "collect" an M.Div. One semester of Greek alone has been enough for many, myself included, to consider throwing in the towel. Just my thoughts!

 

There do exist some seminaries that do not require Hebrew and Greek.

 

Wow! To me, that's like a medical school not requiring anatomy!

Are there any such with decent accreditation, Ted? Or are all the no-Greek, no-Hebrew ones of GSST calibre? :jester:

Johann

 

Don't know.