Foreign Degrees in Theology

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Michael, Feb 25, 2001.

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  1. Michael

    Michael Member

    To all concerned:

    What is, in your opinion, the best foreign university/universities for obtaining a graduate degree in theology? What are the reasons for your choice(s)? Which is the most affordable?

    Thank you for your responses.
     
  2. Tom Head

    Tom Head New Member

    The most affordable is probably the one I'm considering, Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (http://www.puk.ac.za) with tutoring through Greenwich School of Theology (email [email protected] for a prospectus). The downside is that all of the degrees (BA/ThB/MA/ThM/PhD/ThD /second PhD/DPhil for folks who already hold a doctorate) are in general theology. You can specialize, but you're not going to hold a Th.M. in church history; it'll be just a Th.M. Likewise, your Ph.D. will be in theology, not religion. I think the M.A. program runs to somewhere between US$2,000 and US$2,500, while the Th.M. runs closer to US$2,700. The Ph.D. is about US$3,700 + $400/year beyond the second year (it's possible to complete the program in two years of full time study, but 3-5 years is probably a more realistic estimate for most folks). The Th.* degrees require documented coursework or publications that demonstrate knowledge of biblical languages but, like most Commonwealth schools, Potch does not require students to hold an M.Div. before they pursue the Th.M.

    The University of South Africa (http://www.unisa.ac.za) has what I would regard as a much stronger theology department, with many specializations (MA in Judaica, ThM in Christian spirituality, et. al.). The research degrees run to about US$1,500 per year, I think, and a taught master's can be done for under US$3,000. You can find more information on U.S.-related issues through its U.S. agency, AIHEC (http://www.aihec.com). But there are some drawbacks to UNISA as opposed to Potch: UNISA is more policy-oriented, you can't do a doctorate in two years, when you do it's a DLitt et Phil rather than a PhD (if you choose that route), you don't have the option of working with an independent promoter/supervisor, and so forth. So the gist of it: for the master's, I would give a strong edge to UNISA (as long as you don't mind some delays). For doctorates, I would regard Potch as a slightly better choice for self-directed students.

    I've had experience with both schools; in addition to my inevitable application to Potch (I'm waiting for my CSUDH transcripts to clear), I applied unsuccessfully to UNISA in late 1996/early 1997 (note to self: when applying to a Commonwealth research doctorate in philosophy, try to have more than 6 hours of lower-level exam-based credit in the field). The application took five months to process. Now, with AIHEC acting as a U.S. agency, I don't think it would generally take quite as long (and what's more, John Craparo would have been able to tell me up front that a BA in liberal arts wouldn't cut it).

    Trivia: In 1996, my proposed dissertation topic was the moral philosophy of John Dewey. Now, in 2001, I find myself drawn to the thought of Conservative Jewish theologian Max Kadushin as a possible dissertation topic -- and, as it turns out, Max Kadushin was heavily influenced by John Dewey. Go figure.

    BTW- If you're interested in going the road less traveled, you might check out the Open University's ICDL database (see http://www-icdl.open.ac.uk); some Indian schools apparently do accept students for some very interesting research-based M.Phil. programs in Hindu theology (Vaishnava studies, Gandhian thought, and whatnot).


    Peace,

    Tom
     
  3. Michael

    Michael Member

    Tom,

    Thanks again for the information.

    I have a few questions: What about the prerequisite Honors Bachelor's degree for enrollment in a Master's degree? Would a four-year American Bachelor's degree not be sufficient for enrolling in a Master's degree? Also, although I've studied Christian theology for over two decades, my undergraduate degree included only 15 semester hours in philosophy and religion. Would that be enough to get me into a Master's degree in theology or religious studies?

    One more thing: Can you get any kind of financial aid for postgraduate study at Potchefstroom, UNISA, or the U. of Wales--Lampeter?

    I'll appreciate any answers you can give to my questions.

    Thanks,

    Michael
     
  4. Tom Head

    Tom Head New Member

    You're quite welcome!

    Generally speaking, I'd say so; the way the South African system works, you're looking at a three year bachelor's, then an additional 18 months in the field of specialization to make it an honours bachelor's. Most South African schools will accept a U.S. four-year bachelor's as equivalent to a South African honours bachelor's.

    QUOTE]Also, although I've studied Christian theology for over two decades, my undergraduate degree included only 15 semester hours in philosophy and religion. Would that be enough to get me into a Master's degree in theology or religious studies?
    [/QUOTE]

    Probably, but you'll want to document the theological education -- perhaps a letter from your pastor to the effect that you've been studying Christian theology for two decades would do the trick. Any publications you could document would also help.

    That's an excellent question, and I really have no idea what the answer might be; one would think that some of the many religion-related grants could be used for this purpose. You might get your hands on John and Mariah Bear's "Finding Money for College," or the latest edition of "Foundations" (a massive book listing various grants offered by private foundations).

    I hope I've been of some help here. Good luck!


    Peace,

    Tom
     
  5. Michael

    Michael Member

    Tom,

    Yes, indeed, you were of help--thanks!

    One problem for me is this: Although the South African degrees are much less expensive than, say, Liberty U., I can't come up with $1500 or $2000 all at once. With Liberty I could get a federal loan which would allow me to make payments, but in the end it would cost me about five times as much as a South African degree.

    One more question, for now: With the South African degrees, do you have to pay in full up front for the entire year?

    Thanks,

    Michael
     
  6. Tom Head

    Tom Head New Member

    You're quite welcome!

    I don't think so; with Potch, you can split up the tuition into four payments (one due every six months) or two payments (one due each year). With UNISA, I think you can set up a twice-per-year payment schedule, but I'm not sure; John Craparo ([email protected]) would be able to give you a definite answer on that.

    Good luck!


    Peace,

    Tom
     

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