Chicago Theological Seminary-Online Masters of Divinity

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by JonathanPerea, Sep 16, 2013.

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  1. JonathanPerea

    JonathanPerea New Member

    Chicago Theological Seminary Receives Approval to Offer Fully Accredited
    Masters of Divinity Degree Completely Online

    Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS) received approval from The Association of Theological Schools to offer a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree fully online. This approval positions CTS as the only progressive seminary where students can earn an accredited MDiv completely online.

    According to CTS President, Rev. Dr. Alice Hunt, “The CTS on-campus MDiv has been accredited for decades but required residency; we applied for an exception to the residency requirement in April of this year. This is this first time that the Association of Theological Schools has accredited an online MDiv. We believe their granting of this exception is due to the diligence and innovation our team uses to deliver the convenience of online education while still uplifting personal communication and participation in the wider CTS community. We are offering a rigorous, engaged theological education delivered in an online setting.” In May 2013, CTS also received full accreditation of its online program from the North Central Association, part of the Higher Learning Commission. Dr. Hunt adds, “At Chicago Theological Seminary we like to say, ‘you don’t have to come here to go here.’ Now that’s more true than ever.”

    Now seminary students will be able to complete an MDiv program at the prestigious progressive school without ever relocating to Chicago. This successful accreditation resulted from two year’s work to develop the Seminary’s online learning program and a grant from the Wabash Center to help translate the CTS quality educational experience and learning community to the online environment.

    Director of Online Learning, Mr. Justin Kim, emphasizes CTS’ focus on student engagement, saying, “CTS online programs fully recognize online students as valued and contributing members of the seminary community. In addition to taking intimate online courses powered by interactive technology tools, online students can participate in various activities taking place at the seminary such as weekly chapel services, seminars, meetings, and more through CTS-Connect.”

    CTS’ Master of Divinity is a three-year program designed to prepare women and men to serve as transformative religious leaders in the church and society. The program combines critical reflection with practical application--emphasizing the idea of doing ministry and studying theology in the context of community--with consideration given to the wide and varied spectrums of history, culture, and theological perspective. The emphasis placed upon self awareness and the development of transferable leadership skills also makes this degree appropriate for those preparing to serve in non-church and non-traditional ministry settings including health care facilities, human service organizations, governmental agencies, not-for-profit agencies, business and academic environments, community organizations, advocacy organizations, and in the public square.

    Chicago Theological Seminary is a seminary of the United Church of Christ that serves over twenty-five different Christian and non-Christian faith communities by preparing men and women for the next generation of religious leadership, whatever that may be.

    Founded in 1855, CTS promotes a progressive, forward-looking philosophy and is at the forefront of religious scholarship, interreligious dialogue and transformative leadership. CTS graduates, students, faculty and staff have been advocates for social justice and mercy from the days of the Underground Railroad to today’s striking Hyatt hotel workers.

    CTS helps individuals discern and articulate an evolving faith for the future, whether in ministry, teaching, advocacy, activism, social work or social justice.

    For more information, please visit: Home - Chicago Theological Seminary
     
  2. RAM PhD

    RAM PhD Member

    ATS finally embraced the inevitable. It won't stop with CTS.
     
  3. lifelonglearner

    lifelonglearner New Member

    I'm not familiar with the details yet, but this is definitely a step forward. Given the historical resistance by ATS I thought this might never happen. It will be interesting to see how the various denominations served by CTS will respond.
     
  4. CLSeibel

    CLSeibel Member

    The updated ATS Standards adopted this last year reflected a dramatic liberalizing of ATS's posture toward distance learning. While the MDiv standards call for a residential component, they are drafted in a way that significantly opens the door to the possibility of a fully online MDiv being approved. CTS was the first to take advantage of this clause in the Standards language. Others are sure to follow. Since the updated standards have gone into effect, there have been numerous fully-online MA programs launched around the ATS universe (a prospect that is more fully and readily provided for within the MA program standards).

    I was at an ATS faculty consultation in Pittsburgh back in March where the ATS leadership gave a series of presentations about what's currently happening in theological education. It is evident that the whole tone of theological education in North America is undergoing dramatic change. In a day when more than half of ATS seminaries are suffering from chronic budget shortfalls, a greater openness to radical innovation and reinvention is increasingly recognized as essential.

    In all likelihood, at least some of the denominations served by CTS were likely involved in the discussion that led to the launching of this new program. Behind the scenes, this is happening in most places. Denominational leaders and seminary leadership are talking together about how to accomplish their shared aims. This is a pretty important strategic move for seminary leaders--it helps to assure buy-in and strengthens the credibility of the program proposal in the eyes of the ATS commissioners. For some denominational leaders, they are watching their emerging ministry leaders choose to go to local seminaries of other denominations simply because they can't relocate (or at least choose not to). Especially in denominations suffering decline and sensing a loss of shared identity, this can be perceived as part of the problem. Even some of those who historically may not have looked favorably upon distance learning have warmed up to it as a pragmatic step in helping to reverse the fragmentation they are experiencing within their fellowships.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 18, 2013

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