Cheapest theology master's

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Michael, Mar 31, 2015.

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  1. Michael

    Michael Member

    What would be the cheapest theology master's degree? I'm looking for something from a non-fundamentalist school, and that offers scholarships to online students.
     
  2. cbryant

    cbryant New Member

  3. Michael

    Michael Member

    Already ordained, so no.

    I would use the degree mainly for the purpose of online teaching.

    I have quite a varied denominational background. I lean toward Baptist, Mennonite, Quaker, Anglican, Independent Catholic. I know -- strange. :)
     
  4. dclawman

    dclawman New Member

    I would consider Liberty. When I completed my MA from Liberty, there were several different students from a variety of denominations. I had classmates who were Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Methodist and Baptist. Their block rate is quite affordable.

    $2,550 Seminary block rate for students enrolled in 9-15 credit hours
     
  5. trustbuddy

    trustbuddy New Member

    Are you talking about the Th.M degree? (Which I believe is the minimum degree to teach for ATS schools- correct me if I'm wrong) If you could find one that allows you to do it online, please share. I looked at Liberty's program, but they recently changed their program to include two residencies.
     
  6. Pugbelly2

    Pugbelly2 Member

    South African Theological Seminary. Inexpensive, well respected, several options available both in structure and concentration.
     
  7. Michael

    Michael Member

    Maybe a MA in Theological Studies, or something similar. Campbellsville U. has what they call a Master of Theology that is fairly reasonable. And Maranatha Baptist Seminary offers a MA in English Bible, with a 50% tuition scholarship for people age 55. Problem is they are fundamentalist dispensationalist and I am not.
     
  8. Michael

    Michael Member

    Were any of these students moderate, or were they fundamentalist?
     
  9. Michael

    Michael Member

    What would the utility of a SATS degree be for teaching online in an American school?
     
  10. cbryant

    cbryant New Member

    no worries, I'm Presby/Anglican (with a dash of Eastern Orthodox) who had a Baptinite (Baptist/Mennonite) upbringing.
     
  11. Michael

    Michael Member

    Wow, maybe you're my long lost twin. :)
     
  12. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    The denomination of the school will probably be a strong determinate of where a graduate can teach. For example, getting a M.Th from Campbellsville University (Southern Baptist) will not quality a graduate to teach theology at Franciscan University (Roman Catholic). What denomination is SATS?
     
  13. major56

    major56 Active Member

    Seemingly non-denominational evangelical ...

    SATS comes under the spiritual oversight of the elders of The Village Church The Village Church re South African Theological Seminary - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia which was planted by Rosebank Union Church...About Rosebank Union Church | Rosebank Union Church

    Source: South African Theological Seminary. (2014, June 15). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 3, 2015, from South African Theological Seminary - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
     
  14. Pugbelly2

    Pugbelly2 Member

    I think it would depend on the denomination of the school, but if you found a nondenominational school, or a school without stringent denominational requirements, I think the SATS credential would be fine. Bakke Graduate University, for example, has some faculty with credentials from the University of South Africa and the University of Pretoria. I think Piedmont International University also has some faculty with South African credentials, but I can't remember for sure. I think they're fairly common actually, especially for adjunct positions.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 3, 2015
  15. dclawman

    dclawman New Member

    There were conservative students, more liberal students, etc. Liberty is so large the online degrees appeal to many folks. While the professors tend to be more conservative, the student body was definitely mixed.

    I had classmates who were part of the PCUSA, ELCA, SBC, non-denominational, etc.
     
  16. Michael

    Michael Member

    What about a non-religious-based school, whether private or state?
     
  17. Pugbelly2

    Pugbelly2 Member

    You want to teach theology in a secular school? A degree from SATS will be considered equivalent to a regional accreditation.
     
  18. Michael

    Michael Member

    Not necessarily wanting to teach there, just asking about the utility of a SATS degree for teaching in such a school.

    If the school had a choice between a person holding a U.S. regionally accredited degree and one holding a SATS degree, would the US degree holder have an advantage?
     
  19. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    These are just general comments (not rules) for hiring professors who have masters degrees in theology:
    1. Religious schools will generally want degrees from institutions with similar religious leanings (click here for an example).
    2. Theology degrees from secular schools may not be advantageous (review #1 above).
    3. Oftentimes, getting hired is a matter of already having contacts.
    4. Candidates must be vetted (review #3 above).
     
  20. Pugbelly2

    Pugbelly2 Member

    There are far too many variabkes involved to answer that question. Did both candidates earn their degrees online? Are the degrees equivalent? Does one candidate have more experience? Does the interviewer have a bias for or against foreign or local schools? SATS is a very reputable, RA equivalent school that will enable you to teach.
     

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