South African Theological Seminary

SATS appears to be affordable at 21,000 Rand per phase at the PhD level. Unless I am missing something, that is about $1200 US a phase with 5 phases lasting 3-5 yrs on average.

https://sats.ac.za/programmes/postgraduate/doctor-of-philosophy-in-theology/

Update: I think that rate was for certain poorer countries. The price calculator says about $2,600 US per phase (ie more about $13,000 for the PhD).

 

And they have a reliable history and have been evaluated as RA equivalent.

 

For several years I have considered applying for a PhD either in the Netherlands or South Africa. I ended up enrolling in the PhD in theology at St. Augustine College. I'm presently awaiting the selection of a supervisor. Like SATS, St. Augustine is one of the very few private schools in SA that has a recognized PhD program. This will create a little bit of difficulty for me in 2025, as I am in the project phase of the DMin at SBTS.

 

Congratulations Michael! That is wonderful. I had not heard of them before. Looks like a good choice. SAQA accredited, etc.

I like the name and gravitas being connected to the Catholic Church.

A couple of questions. What will your focus be and what does it look like the total cost will be for your studies?

 

Thanks!

I'll be focusing on a form of non-trinitarian theology and so it'll be a blend of exegetical and systematic theology.

It's hard to say since it is dependent on how long it takes me, but it's about $1800 a year.

 

Looks like a great find and very affordable. Plus you will have already had a practice run with your DMin. You will be in the zone mentally.

 

How much overlap will it have with your PhD from Forge?

 

Good question. Some, I'm sure.

 

The degree could open faculty positions at accredited US seminaries. Is one of your goals to be faculty at a Regionally or ATS accredited seminary or are you pursuing the doctorate for other reasons?

In any case it seems an excellent opportunity.

 

Nah, I just like to keep busy and I ordinarily read and write a lot.

 

If you like to read and write then it is kind of nice to validate that on the other end with a degree. I think the other thing I find when I'm working on educational stuff is that working within certain parameters helps focus me and causes me to dig deeper into whatever I'm reading.