Cheapest theology master's

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

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  1. RAM PhD

    RAM PhD Member

    True, as Pugbelly has noted, there are far too many variables involved. With that said, in terms of accreditation, all degrees from SATS are fully accredited. Per the SATS website, their MTh and PhD degrees have been evaluated by two USA foreign credential evaluators. With each evaluator, both the SATS MTh and PhD degrees were considered in content, rigor or program and overall comparison of program requirements to be equivalent to the same degrees offered by regionally accredited USA institutions.
     
  2. Afterhours

    Afterhours Member

    Princeton Theological Seminary (Presbyterian) offers a certificate in ministry. They are well thought of, and moderate.

    I *think* that at least half of the masters in theology at Hartford Theological Seminary can be taken online. They are affiliated with the progressive United Church of Christ.

    It really is difficult to find an ATS accredited online masters in theology that is not Fundamentalist. My husband is searching for the same thing.
     
  3. Michael

    Michael Member

    For me, it doesn't have to be ATS accredited. Regional accreditation would be acceptable. I would prefer the school not be fundamentalist nor liberal.
     
  4. Pugbelly2

    Pugbelly2 Member

    Can you provide an example of a school you consider neither fundamentalist or liberal?
     
  5. Neuhaus

    Neuhaus Well-Known Member

    I think (please correct me if I'm wrong) that the OP is looking for something along the lines of New York Theological Seminary or Chicago Theological. They are not fundamentalist like Liberty, Global, Hobe Sound etc. but, they're not really known as unapologetically theologically liberal. They are respectable and fairly mobile. Kind of like how you might find a Catholic priest, a Baptist minister and an Episcopal bishop who all might have gone through a program at Harvard Divinity. The program there is certainly not going to be the first credential each one of those people earns (as they are going to go through the proscribed program of their respective denomination) but if they went back for a doctorate at HDS, it wouldn't come across as being outrageously inappropriate.

    Am I close?
     
  6. Michael

    Michael Member

    I believe Campbellsville U. would come close. I would say they are conservative or moderately conservative.
     
  7. Pugbelly2

    Pugbelly2 Member

    I still believe SATS is a viable option. I view them as being as far left or far right as the student wants or needs. For example, they offer a Master of Theology is Science and Theology. A reading of the text book list reveals a strong lean toward an old earth. However, since the student is really the driver of the degree path and research, I believe the student would be permitted to take a fundamentalist perspective on his/her chosen topic, or a liberal perspective, or somewhere in the middle. I think the school can be flexible as long as the student's research is sound.
     
  8. Afterhours

    Afterhours Member

    That would be Princeton - neither Fundamentalist nor liberal.
     
  9. Afterhours

    Afterhours Member

    This is an excellent question!
     
  10. Michael

    Michael Member

    I like that SATS has the cost of the program in Rand and Dollars on their website, broken down by parts. On UNISA's site, I can't determine how much the program costs. Which costs more SATS, or UNISA? Also, what about the University of Pretoria -- how do they compare in cost? Years ago, I researched all of these schools and a few more, including Univ. of the Free State.
     
  11. Haggai12

    Haggai12 Member

    Have you considered the London BD?

    Been a while since I checked this forum, seems the questions have changed little.

    I strongly suggest you search back into some of the older posts, because many of us on this forum have considered this same question [about affordability, credibility, etc.] numerous times.

    Without question, the South African programs will be the least expensive, but hardly cheap [anymore]. Has much to do with market value of dollar to Rand.

    Baker's website is still the best, most complete, I know of, providing specific information about program options and costs.

    See the "international" section for foreign schools.

    UK schools are excellent, but cost about the same as US programs, because they do not offer resident tuition to Americans [US or Canada]. Thus, tuition is, on average, several times what resident [EU residents] pay.

    Regarding SATS, I know several folks there, and was briefly on faculty. They are an outstanding school. However, if your goal is to teach in North America, you must consider stronger programs.

    I know from experience, if you want to teach as an adjunct with Liberty, GCU, etc., you will need a good education from the UK/Europe/US. As good as South African degrees are, they just don't get you hired.

    And, if you are thinking about teaching at an ATS seminary, or CHEA college or university, you are going to have to invest the time and money [and lots of it] in a top US [Princeton, Westminster, etc.], or UK [Aberdeen, etc.] master's and doc.

    I still believe one of the best programs in the world, and still one of the most affordable is the London BD. High quality, top reputation, and when completed, will get you into many doc programs in the UK. Heythop is, what they call, the lead school, and has deep roots in the Catholic/Anglican streams of the faith. Yet, the program is very suitable to Protestants.

    Divinity (BD) and Theology (Dip HE and Cert HE) | University of London International Programmes
     
  12. Michael

    Michael Member

    Thank you for your post and practical suggestions. I believe the time is past for me to teach full-time either online or on campus. So, I would be looking at adjunct work.

    After I read the SATS doctrinal statement, I wasn't sure if it would be the right place for me. I can't affirm the substitutionary atonement. I will check Baker's Guide, and the U. of London program you referenced.

    I appreciate your help.
     
  13. LearningAddict

    LearningAddict Well-Known Member

    You can always try Nations University. They're accredited now, and it's only $480 per year (plus books), although I'm sure that price won't last long.
     
  14. Pugbelly2

    Pugbelly2 Member

    Then you are in fact looking for something very liberal in nature.
     
  15. Michael

    Michael Member

    Thanks, but I need the equivalent of regional accreditation.
     
  16. Michael

    Michael Member

    Well, I would disagree that holding to anything other than PSA is liberal. The Eastern Orthodox Church and many Anabaptists hold to Christus Victor, which is my view also -- that and any of the early church views which would include Recapitulation. I don't agree with any atonement view from Anselm onward.
     
  17. chasisaac

    chasisaac Member

  18. Michael

    Michael Member

  19. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member

    One thing you can do is to transfer NA credits from NU into an excelsior college 2nd bachelors in Religious studies or try a MS in LA from Excelsior with NU credits and concentrate in Theology. This will cut by half the cost of the degree.

    Some associations and churches accept NA degrees, in Canada some christian counseling associations would take NA degrees.

    It depends on the use of the degree, if you want to teach I guess an RA degree would be needed but if you want to become an ordained minister NU might do the trick.

    I have taken some courses from NU for personal interest, I find the school is very good as teachers provide prompt feedback and the courses are self paced. The course material is very professional so I think they might be worth a try.
     
  20. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    And why can't you affirm the substitutionary atonement?
     

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