Feedback Requested From Nations University Grads

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Pugbelly2, Dec 7, 2015.

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  1. Pugbelly2

    Pugbelly2 Member

    I am seriously considering enrolling in the Master of Theological Studies program at Nations University. I would appreciate any feedback from current or former graduate students. I'm curious about program design, reading and writing requirements, theological slant, rigor, etc.

    Thank you.
     
  2. jmcl

    jmcl New Member

    I am currently finishing up my MTS at this time and can provide some input. Overall, I have been very pleased with the format and structure of the courses and the program. I have found the work load and rigor to be on par with other master’s level courses I have taken. However, I would argue that the program will not prepare one for a job in academia, nor is it specifically intended to do so. If someone wants to be a religious scholar or professor at a seminary, it is best to go to a top tier seminary or university. If one is interested in being a pastor of a small church, fulfilling some leadership position, or simply interested in theology, Nations may provide a good option.

    In terms of reading requirements, most courses typically use 3-4 texts, requiring one to read about 1200-1500 pages. The texts were excellent and, based on discussions with former and current seminary students, of the same scholarly level. My guess is that many of the professors who volunteer with Nations modify their courses so that it can be used in a distance education format. Each course is guided by a detailed syllabus which clarifies the assigned readings. Also, each course typically has an extended list of additional resources (articles, videos, reading list, etc.) embedded so that the student can delve deeper into each topic. I was very impressed with the course content.

    As far as student assessments, each course typically has exams and essay requirements. I recall each course having at least three multiple choice, timed exams which pulled from the readings. Several of the exams were proctored. Essays were typically 2000-5000 words. I also recall doing book reviews of about 500-1000 words for a couple of courses. All MTS and MDiv students must take a final course which requires 9 essays of about 2000 words. Again, nothing excessively light or heavy, but generally typical for a master’s level program. My preference would have been to see more writing requirements over the exams. However, this would undoubtedly require more overhead from faculty. I always received good, timely feedback from each professor for each writing assignment.

    Because Nations is affiliated with the church of Christ, I would categorize it as being moderately conservative in its theological views. However, I did not feel like I had to adhere to any dogmatic position at any point when submitting essays. I think the program would be beneficial for any Protestant denomination or anyone simply interested in learning about theology. In fact, I have not seen anything which even requires a student to be a Christian in order to enroll in a program.

    To summarize, I was very pleased with the program and learned a great deal. I have absolutely no aspirations for ministry, but am solely interested in the subject. I could not justify the expense for something that is more of an academic hobby, so Nations provided a great learning platform for me. Having said that, I fail to see how the MDiv program would not adequately prepare one for ministry. Provided an individual is under the supervision of a pastor, I believe the program would provide the necessary academic preparation for ministry. Given that theology degrees have virtual zero ROI and ministry positions are not exactly the way to wealth, I fail to understand why anyone would needlessly get buried in student loan debt. By my estimation and experience, Nations could easily meet the needs for those aspiring for church leadership roles in an affordable manner.

    I hope I effectively addressed your questions. Please let me know if you have any more questions.
     
  3. Pugbelly2

    Pugbelly2 Member

    Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Very helpful!
     
  4. chasisaac

    chasisaac Member

    I looked into the program. In other words I paid the $25 admission fee and went in for the look.
    I think the first course MRS622 Search of spirituality which I have just finished is a weeder course. There are four tests. Book Review 5 pages. Read three books. Research Paper of about 10 pages. 25 forum posts of at least 300 words. A reflection paper that was about 12 pages. And a 500 word essay.

    The NT course is a 10 pageish paper and three tests. I took the first two cold as they covered content. After 30 years of studying Bible and an undergrad in Bible +45 Grad units in bible and teaching Bible at secondary and pastoring for several years. Well, I missed two questions out of 80 questions. I still need to write the paper. There is also three books to read. This is the class with the lightest work load so far.


    Nice things about NationsU.
    Decent transfer policy for MDiv.
    Price
    DEAC Accretied; CHEA approved.
    Work at your own pace. My goal is one class a month. I am one paper behind that right now.


    So I am going to stick with it. All I need is the checkmark box checked for an MDIV (or a masters in theology). At 50yo I am not going for a PhD. I do not plan to teach in a seminary or college. I am rather done with teaching at this time (only 89 more teaching days and I am done teaching forever).

    As jmcl mentioned the ROI on theology is not good. It is rather bad. There are a few exceptions.
    Theology wise there are a number of areas I disagree with the basic position of NationsU and have expressed it (same user ID in fourms if you want to see) and there has been no real problems about it. Also keep in mind my undergrad in Bible is from a Christian Church/Church of Christ background so if I wonder how to answer a question, well what do you know.
     

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