Big Decision For Me

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by drewdarnell, Nov 17, 2002.

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  1. drewdarnell

    drewdarnell Member

    (I have searched the forums archives and did not find what I needed so I come to the fountain of wisdom :) )

    I have posted a couple of times but it seems God has moved me in a direction that I didn't think I would take. I am moving to Kentucky next week for a new ministry position. I am trying to get done with my Bachelors degree. I have about 70 hours from RA schools. I have looked at a couple of schools at doing a B.A/B.S. in General Studies/Liberal Studies. I figured that would be the quickest way for me to get my degree done. I have classes like N.T. and O.T. Survey, Personal Evangelism, Into. to Missions, Youth Ministry, and other classes. Which school would be the best one to try to transfer to? Thomas Edison? Excelsior? Charter Oak? I am really confused about all this. I just don't want to lose any of my credits, if you know what I mean. I was thinking about transferring to Liberty but would eventually take me longer to finish. The quicker I finish, the sooner I will be able to start Seminary nearby. But I need to do the cheapest, fastest option for me. Any suggestions?

    I hope this is enough information for everybody....if not, I can answer more questions. ??????????


    drew
     
  2. Christopher Green

    Christopher Green New Member

    For Drew

    Drew,

    I would suggest, and probably with the approoval of most on this forum, that you try Excelsior first. Exc. is the only school of the three that will allow you to declare and work towards a "major" so you could graduate with a BA in History, and so on, or a BS in Business. I'm under the impression that this has never been the case before January of 2003. As of '03 this terminology of the "major" will be possible. COSC and TESC are still stuck in the "Liberal Studies" degree category. Having a major, if I could be so bold as to say, may be the difference between your undergrad saying basically nothing and saying something about you. This could have great significance for you when getting a job. Yes~~even in ministry.

    I wouldn't be doing it if they didnt' accept courses like "OT survey," etc. Most of those will go under your general humanities requirement as "religion" credits, and others may be stowed away under your "additional arts and sciences."

    Excelsior takes about 6 to 8 weeks to finish the initial "credit review." They take the longest initially. Don't waste any time. While you are shopping, go ahead and submit your credits, transcripts, etc. to Exc. for a "credit review." Then you will know for sure exactly what you need to do to finish.

    Blessings on your search,

    Chris
     
  3. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    The TESC B.A. in Humanities has an available concentration in Religion that looks like it would be a perfect fit. It appears they will accept a broad variety of religious subject courses towards the major area of study.


    Bruce
     
  4. Guest

    Guest Guest

    Drew,

    Losing your credits should not be a major concern at this point. At the undergraduate level especially one is allowed several years to utilize the credits by transferring them into another program.

    Lee University has a BA in Christian Ministries degree, which can be completed mostly by DL. Lee requires that 40 hours be taken in residence (i.e., in residence at any RA school, but not necessarily at Lee). One then completes the remaining 90 hours via DL. With 70 hours already completed, if at least 40 of the hours were in residence, you could complete the degree via DL.

    www.leeuniversity.edu
     
  5. drewdarnell

    drewdarnell Member

    Of the schools listed, Excelsior, TESC, and Lee...which one is the best priced?

    ****Christopher and Bruce*****

    Thanks for the suggestion. I am gonna try to get some information sent to me. I am considering between Excelsior and TESC for the two Assessment colleges i am looking at. I seem to like them the best. Of course the most confusing thing is the cost on these programs. It is hard to tell which one is the best deal. Any ideas??????????


    ***Russell****

    I am looking at Lee University right now. From what I can tell this program is very expensive...at least for me :) The only thing I can find is that it costs around 4000 for a semester...is that about right? Even though this wouldn't be in my theological tradition, I would consider it if it will help me achieve my goals in the most effective and inexpensive. Any help on what the total costs are on this program? :)

    I appreciate whatever help you can give.


    Coram Deo,

    drew
     
  6. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    TESC used to have a comprehensive tuition, where you pay a flat yearly rate (it was $3000) for unlimited credit (exams, DIAL courses, etc.), but I think that's changed.

    One strategy is to find out what the degree requirements are and fufill them before you enroll. That way, you're just paying the credit transfer fees and will most likely save money.


    Bruce
     
  7. Hille

    Hille Active Member

    An idea

    Hello, I would check out the WV Regents BA program. I think this could work if you register at the nearest WV college and take up to 24 credits in testing. At this point transfer your credits from other sources. Hope this gives you some inspiration. Hille
     
  8. drewdarnell

    drewdarnell Member

    Thanks so much for the info guys.....but i must probe with another question. What if I tried doing an international program?

    How would that work out in:

    1)Time

    2)Cost

    3)Acceptance at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (I know that only they can tell me that but maybe you could narrow down my lists)

    4)Which ones are a waste of my time?

    ***The Schools that would interest me the most are:

    University of South Africa

    University of Pretoria

    Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education

    International Christian College

    University of Glasgow

    Evangelical Theological College of Wales

    Coolamon College


    *******Any HELP will be Appreicated*****Also I am gonna start a new thread for those who might want to answer under a new thread******
     
  9. Gary Rients

    Gary Rients New Member

    It's still listed on their tuition page. It includes 36 credits of courses, and unlimited TECEP and portfolio. The cost has gone up though.
     
  10. Christopher Green

    Christopher Green New Member

    Pardon me, Drew

    You seem to be jumping all over the place. Honestly, I have no idea with the international programs, but my perception is that it would be better to get an american degree first.

    ETCW does have a DL BA Hons that may interest you. However, the original post you listed requested advice on finishing a BA degree. If you do finish with the american BA I think it will say something entirely different from the ETCW BA Hons. The BA Hons is a theological degree, not the same "general education" that one gets in the States from a plain 'ol BA.

    I would keep looking at Excelsior and TESC.
     
  11. Hille

    Hille Active Member

    Hi, Hope this gives you a direction or possible answer. Regents BA (WV) degree program accepts per my catolog 104 credit transfer hours. The degree total is 128 . Twenty four credits from the WV system must first be applied toward this degree. I don't see why registering at the closest WV cc and accumulating CLEPS , DANTES. ect wouldn't fit the bill. There can be a religion emphasis in the BA. If you are moving to Kentucky I would suggest looking at the program because of the proximity. The office is located in WVU. We found that proximity to TESC helped move things along. Hille***I realize I posted most or all of this before but had time to study the program today and feel it could be a real alternative to the BIG THREE.*****
     

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