Online Seminaries and Bible Colleges

The best advice would be to contact Nationsuniversity itself. Also, simply try other schools. Best bet is non ATS due to their restrictions. I know I have seen a number of schools over time that will consider degrees from non accredited schools. This is often case by case.

You should be aware that theology is a field fraught with denominational obstacles. A school may not accept a degree based on the denominational background of the school regardless of accreditation.

 

IMHO, it will be to one's advantage to avoid (whether online or B/M) the following:

(1) a USA school that is unaccredited.

(2) a USA school that is accredited by an agency/group/entity that is not recognized by either the USDoE or CHEA.

(3) a non-USA school that lacks recognition/approval by the ministry of education in the country where the school is located.

 

My husband has been searching for an MA/M.Div from an accredited college or university, that in online or very low distance.
He liked Colorado Theological Seminary, but there is no financial aid, so apparently, they are not regionally accredited.

Now he's thinking of Indiana Wesleyan University, and Anderson University. Does anyone have any experience with either one?

Thank you!

 

CTS is not regionally accredited.

Check out Baker's Guide, this is a very helpful guide that lists only legitimately accredited institutions.

 

Seminaries or Theological Schools that Accept a Degree From Nations University

Hello - I realize this thread is stale by about 18+ months but I am hoping someone comes across this post and can contribute any useful suggestions. I have recently begun the Masters of Theological Studies at Nations University with the intent of pursuing a PhD immediately upon completion. Apart from Liberty University, are there any reputable, accredited, or recommended Theological Schools out there that accept the MTS as a precursor to a ThD or DRE or DBS etc? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Andrew H
truthforsaints.com

 

Andrew H:


Not sure if you got an answer you were looking for, but I am on my last class for my MTS from Nations and can provide some insight for potential follow on studies.


Being that there is not a lengthy research project in the MTS program, it is highly unlikely that you could go straight into a PhD or DTh program. If you get the MDiv rather than the MTS through Nations and complete 3-5 years ministry service afterwards, you would qualify for a fair number of Doctor of Ministry programs. This includes regionally accredited programs, too. (I know Liberty, Global U., Rockbridge Sem., and TRACs accredited programs will take an NA MDiv). D.Min. programs are cash cows for many universities and seminaries.


Another option is to go for a Master of Theology (ThM) after the MTS or MDiv. Again, I know Liberty will take qualified students into their ThM program. This is considered a post-graduate theological degree, typically earned after the MDiv. If you are only planning on completing the MTS, you would have to earn an MDiv equivalent, which is typically about 75 credit hours, and meet specific credit hours in theology, ministry, biblical studies, and history. This is what I was originally planning to do and therefore completed 81 credit hours through Natios. Though I am only three course from the MDiv, I am not interested in the pastoral aspects needed to fulfill the requirements. Anyways, upon completion of the ThM, you could apply to PhD programs, though you would need to meet language requirements.


Another option is to earn the NU MTS and do a follow on Master of Theology (MTh) and PhD at South African Theological Seminary. The NU MTS would give you a broad foundation and allow you to focus on a specific theological research interest at SATS. Moreover, this is a very reasonably priced way to earn an advanced degree.


Another option is to enroll in a Ed.D. program and integrate what you learned from your MTS into that program. This is what I am doing.


Hope this helps and very best of luck.

 

jmcl, thank you for your helpful description. How does one transition from an NU MTS to an Ed.D.?

 

Messdiener, I was suggesting that one could apply to an Ed.D. program upon completion of the MTS from NU. Now that NU is accredited, the MTS would most likely meet admissions criteria for some Ed.D. programs. There are a number of Ed.D. programs which only require an accredited master's degree, not necessarily in education (I am specifically thinking NA and TRACs schools, though Liberty states that one only needs an accredited master's for consideration). Consequently, an MTS from NU may fit the bill. Of course, best bet is to contact the program directly to verify. Hope that helps. Thanks.

 

JMCL: Well here is my big question how hard are the courses in the M.Div pogram. What types of papers? Lots of rigor? How long does it take to complete one the courses?

 

chasisaac: I PM'd you a response. Nonetheless, I would say that the workload is congruent with any other master's course; you certainly have to do the work. I would say about 1200-1500 pages of reading is normal with three-four exams/quizzes. The text selections for each course are very good. Each course has at least one research essay requirement of about 5000 words, though some have more essays of shorter length (say, two-three essays of 2000 words). The MDiv does have a research paper requirement (30 pages), a 6 month supervised ministry project requirement, and field interview project. Being that the MDiv is 84 credit hours (28 courses), I would say it would take about four years to finish the MDIV on a part-time basis.


As far as "hard" goes, I think that is somewhat relative. The rigor is there and, like any academic program, one gets out of it whatever they put into it. I found the program extremely worthwhile and personally useful. I have absolutely no intention of ministry work and I am simply interested in the subject. If one were so inclined to teach theology at a university, you honestly need to look elsewhere. You would absolutely need a degree from a top-tier ATS/RA program. However, if one was looking to fill a pastoral role at a local church and was already actively involved in local ministry, I cannot imagine how this program would not help out and expand your intellectual horizons. Hope that clarifies somewhat. Thanks.

 

JMCL: Thank you for the offline conversation.

I have to say that NationsUniversity deserves some looking into. I do not have any plans to teach at a university. The only requirement for me is that my "Advanced theological degree" is from a school that is signed off by Chea. Which Nations does. I am looking at the classes.

IT seems that on my almost 60 grad units that there is rigor in the classes. Will it fulfill the needs of some who want (or need) the back and forth? No. I did a WGU degree and found it to be worthwhile. NationsU is in the same vain as WGU.edu. So now NationsU has moved to my short list.

Here is the real problem that I see. If you are going to a group that requires a specific set of backgrounds (ELCA, most Lutherans, and Episcopal) then Nations is not for you at all. ELCA would still require you to spend a year in at their seminary. IF you have any desire to teach at a seminary, then you need ATS. However, for the vast majority of churches and denominations out there NationsU is going to be fine.

Is there a real difference between a NA schools? Such as Luther Rice, NationsU, Global University, Rockbridge Sem, Shiloh U and Grace School of Theology plus a ton more? Not really. If I am wrong will someone please point out why I am wrong.