I am looking for a distance place I am able to earn an M.Div. Let me start saying, allow me to make choice on Christian denominations. Basic requirements 1. CHEA-accredited school; bonus for ATS 2. Total cost in relation to the next item 3. Liberal acceptance of transfer credit. (I have 40 grad credits in theological studies from RA and ATS schools) AND fewest credits needed to complete aka 72 or 90 4. Lack of on-campus requirement 5. Lack of language requirements. I do have Hebrew and I theoretically might remember Greek but I do not want any more language classes. 6. Acceptance of CPE credit for a three or more credit grad class. 7. Speed that I am able to complete; overall speed is more important than single class. Speed is a relative term, but are classes 4 weeks long or 16 weeks long and sync/async classes. I have a degree from Western Gov. Uni. and I like the format. After reading many of the threads on this let me say Christian denomination does not matter. Allow me to make the choice as some schools, and denominations, are more acceptable than other schools. This to me seems to be one huge balancing game. As one person said in another thread degree are denominational; this is one time where it is mostly not and the exception to the basic rules. I am able to meet any schools bible requirement as I have an undergrad in theological degree from an RA school with quite a bit of grad work. I also have undergrad Greek and grad Hebrew. Right now the only one on the radar is lru.edu Luther Rice in GA
From the ATS website: *An academic MA may be earned fully online. *Although accrediting standards retained a residency requirement in the MDiv and professional masters’ degrees, a school may be granted an exception to this requirement, if it is able to demonstrate how the design of the online program meets the educational goals of residency. http://www.ats.edu/uploads/resources/publications-presentations/documents/fully-online-degree-programs.pdf
Have you looked into; Global University Global University RA and DEAC accredited Extremely reasonable tuition; $251 per/credit hr Regards, Michael
Is this a situation where the Baker's Guide would be helpful? Baker's Guide to Christian Online Learning | Accredited Bible, College, Seminary Degrees
Global Uni. . . . that looks nice. 36 of 78 and I can transfer in all my languages which would be nice. Bakers Guide is on a good day somewhat poor. There are online and non-online ones. And I was hoping to get opinions from others.
You may also try Grace School of Theology. They Are TRACS accredited and in the process of becoming ATS accredited. You can do the entire Mdiv online for 180$ per credit hour. According to the website transfers are done on a case by case basis. Good luck!
Good one. I have not seen this. 90+ Credits allowing only 28 credits to be brought in. If I was starting near scratch this might be a good choice.
One more idea. Shiloh University is DETC accredited and cost 167$ per credit our. Their Mdiv is, I think 75 hours. I am finishing a BA in August so I have been poking around a little bit looking at a few outside of the box options. Once again good luck with your search. If I come across anything else I will let you know.
Great suggestion. Wish I saw this a week ago I would have visited there. So lets see the list: Low tuition (can pay in cash as I go); CHEA approved; Transfer 37 credits. Looks like we might have a winner here.
Article: Board of ATS Commissioners approves fully online professional degree programs Link: http://www.ats.edu/uploads/resources/publications-presentations/documents/fully-online-degree-programs.pdf
The problem with Shiloh is the amount of offerings per semester. It would take forever. So Shiloh is off the table. Schools left are global and luther rice. If I were starting from the point of zero credits. Short list would be the southern baptist seminaries or liberty (as a veteran). Liberty is out for me as i would have to do the 93 and not 72 hour program.
Back in the day, only 1/3 of an ATS MDiv could be done online. However, the new rule is that an ATS MDiv can be up to 2/3 online. So, no 100% online ATS MDivs. I personally lust after the ATS MDiv in Historical Theology of Payne Theological Seminary.
ATS MDivs can only be 2/3 online. Liberal acceptance of transfer credit? Not likely at the graduate level. Most master's degrees are roughly 30 semester hous or 45 quarter hours and accept up to nine semester hours or fifteen quarter hours. Yes, MDivs are 90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours and therefore the amount of transfer hours might be a little more than the above quoted nine semester hours or fifteen hours. But don't expect liberal transfer credit at the graduate level.
Mdivs are either 72 to 90+ Semester credits. There are a few at 78, 84, and more. Most common is 90. The SBC schools give credit for BA in bible (15 credits). Others will give even more in the 24-28 credit range and having Greek helps. Transfer credits also vary from 9 to 45 depending on the school. At many school advance standing for BA in Bible will stack with transfer credits. Please see my conclusions page on http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/50913-mdiv-conclusions-online-affordable.html