Decision Made! MA in Biblical Studies

Rob,

Congrat's on your decision!

Who can we contact to get more information on this program??? I'm currently considering some other DL seminary programs... but have yet to find the "perfect fit" for my next educational endeavor...

 

Just contact the college and ask for the grad school. The people in the grad school office can give you the details.

 

PS- The telephone # is (800) 568-6248

 

A search of the school website led me to the 2005-6 catalog...

http://www.masters.edu/admissions/onlinecatalog0506/MABS.pdf

The information is "sketchy" but the information looks real good... if... you're...
(a) within commuting distance for the summer sessions,
(b) have the ability to get time off in the summer to attend, and
(c) can afford to attend (ouch! <gulp> $460 per semester hour! <groan>).

For those who can "abc" without issue... The core curriculum is comprised of six - 4 credit classes... one each on History and Theology of The Pentateuch, H&T of the Historical Books, H&T of the Poetic Books, H&T of the Prophetic Books, H&T of the Gospels and Apostolic Period, and H&T of Pauline and General Literature.

Additional required courses and electives will number to somewhere between 11 and 19 hours.

They indicate that the program will be "firmed up" in Fall 2005.

 

Also North Park University/North Park Theological Seminary -- with strong online component

 

I think it may be that students doing the summer program get a bit of a tuition break. I know it works that way in the MA in Biblical Counseling program ($360 per hour). Still quite steep, I know.

Though I am on the other side of the country, I have a church and a wife who are willing to let me spend a few weeks in Santa Clarita for the next couple of summers. My regionally accredited, residential, BA in Bible was considerably less expensive, but I was not very impressed by the quality of the education I received. I am confident that at TMC, I will be satisfied with the learning experience and the utility of the degree. I'm sure its not the program for everyone, but a number of factors make it an excellent fit for me.

 

Rob,

All the best in your endeavours. You sound a good man and made your choice patiently.

Peace,

Dave C.

 

Thanks, Dave C.

 

Eastern Baptist Seminary/Eastern College in PA

 

BTW, Eastern Baptist Seminary has changed its name to Palmer Theological Seminary.

 

There is no doubt what-so-ever as to the quality of education that TMC offers... I just had a (personal) mini-stroke over the tuition! That is a big problem - especially in California - tuition price-tags are quite heavy out here! Even taking $100 off of the tuition will not make the program competitive for my budget!

As a student at Azusa Pacific University, I'm paying $450/sh and that is killing me... if I'm going to continue my addiction to learning I'm going to have to find a tuition around half of that...

Currently I'm considering Liberty, Grace, Lubbock Christian, and Johnson Bible College... all fit within my future budget...

 

I took some courses at Liberty a few years ago, and while I was impressed with the courses and professors I was not impressed with Liberty's administration. They double billed me for two classes and it practically took an act of God to get them to accept my cancelled checks and receipts from their business office as proof.

I have a friend who has taken most of the Master of Ministry through Grace, and he is very impressed with the coursework and the interaction he has had with people at the seminary.

I considered it, but I want a degree in Bible as oppossed to ministry.

 

I've also had billing problems with other schools... luckily I save everything so proving payment was easy... getting their attention wasn't... It (billing problems) must "come with the territory..."

Did you look at Johnson Bible College? They really didn't have any name recognition with me (at the time), but upon investigating their program I was deeply impressed... they offer a very affordable M.A. in New Testament... the admin there was somewhat annoying in that they didn't want to share any syllabi with me (so that I could do a "quality control" check to see what they're teaching and workload expectations). Their program has a very interesting blend of bible and preaching... I was able to locate current students (via internet searches) and they were willing to email me syllabi for several courses... the material covered was impressive and the academic rigor appeared to be appropriate for grad school... not an "easy ride" by any means...

That's great news about Grace... I have family in Indiana so it would be easy to fit in the M.Min. summer residencies with some family visits...

 

I looked at Johnson Bible College. It would be a great deal closer to me than Master's, and the degree program looks interesting. However, I come from a different doctrinaly perspective than they do . I did my undergrad in Bible at a school where quite a few professors (not all, but most) were openly hostile to things I believe. (I went there in part because of some faulty presuppositions.) This time I want to study at a school where I am substantially in agreement with the professors.

There is value in both kinds of educational experiences. Studying at a school that mostly taught from a different doctrinal perspective than mine helped sharpen me as to why I believe what I believe. However, I believe that studying under likeminded professors will also be valuable because it will help me to become more precise and refined in articulating what I already believe.

 

doctrinal perspective...not doctrinaly perspective.

 

Apologies for the delay in responding...

Excellent point on the issue of matching your theological leanings to those of the school...

I wish you all of the best in your upcoming studies at TMC...

I will probably wind up working on my third master's degree at Liberty (due greatly to their flexible course enrollment system which allows students to better manage their workload and rate of progress in the degree program)...

 

I know this thread is ancient, but I thought it was the best place for me to post. I finished this degree a few weeks ago. I can't say enough good about the experience- great school, great profs; I'm glad I did it. Sorry I haven't been around, but the degree consumed what was left of my already busy life.