Starting MTH at Stellenbosch

People on the board normally share their degree experiences, so I thought I would let everyone know that I am starting a MTH at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa.

I was accepted just a few weeks ago. I am currently in the dissertation phase of my PHD but my supervisor required me to undertake several courses on Islam (since that is a focus of my dissertation). That is when I started looking at Stellenhbosch to meet that requirement.

Stellenbosch has been a little slow administratively, but has come through in the end just fine. The tuition is only $1500. My professor has been very helpful in allowing me to design my own areas of focus in the MTH, within their guidelines of course. He also asked that I come for about a week or two at the end of the program to finalize my thesis, but it was not required. I might do it anyway just as a vacation for me and the wife!

Thanks for all on the board for their help in showing me the things to look for in distance education. I will keep you all up to date on how it goes!

 

Good question. Stellenbosch has a "structured" MTH that consists of six "modules" whereby I can fit the program for my needs. The first four are in my major area, the last two are in a minor area. I then have a mini-thesis to write. They do have two other options where one can do three modules and a longer thesis or no modules and a full thesis only. However, the structured MTH fits what I need.

The primary concern for my PHD program was not so much "coursework" but just any type of study to give me a background in Islam.

I had looked at the University of South Africa. They were going to let me take the last year of the honours bachelors (to do the course work in the modules) and then move to do an MA thesis. However, Stellenbosch will allow me to work in my theological tradition (reformed Baptist) more than UNISA would.

 

How is your coursework with Stellenbosch being percieved/received with your peers and/or dissertation committee here in the US?

 

So far, my experiences with other students and professors has been good. Stellenbosch has an excellent reputation, at least in the circles in which I interact. Several professors that teach at excellent seminaries are graduates of Stellenbosch.

Just being honest, UNISA has a somehwat merky reputation in the theological circles I am in. I don't think it is valid, but the way other people think about South African universities always has been a consideration. In my circles, when someone talks about a South African university, they think UNISA, and then they think about a cheap doctorate, never having to be on campus, etc. Again, I don't necessarily agree, but perceptions are perceptions.

Stellenbosch's theology faculty have published well, are regularly invited to be guest professors at places like Duke and Princeton, and many Stellenbosch grads are teaching in fine seminaries. Plus they are requiring me to be on campus for a few weeks toward the end of my degree. For these reasons, I think my professors have reacted well.

Have you experienced anything in such a situation or scenario? Just asking...

 

I have had negative reaction when I have metioned the possibility of pursuing doctoral study with a ZA univeristy. I have a friend who is studying at a Southern Baptist school doing a doctorate, his reaction was that I was trying to get out of having to the same amount of doctoral work he (and others at his institution) and that I was unwilling to "sacrifice" which meant "unwilling to sacrifice the way he was."

Currently I am at a B & M school working on a M.A. in philosophy and possibly I'll be doing M.Div study starting in the fall. I like the idea of doing doctoral work in the british system. If I am going to do the work, I would rather spend all my time working on what I want to rather than taking the time (and money) to fullfill some requirements.

 

Congratulations! I am very excited for you. Stellenbosch is such an outstanding institution. I am confident you will have a satisfactory experience and that your Stellenbosch credential will serve you well. How great that you will be expected to spend some time there in one of the most beautiful areas in the world!

Blessings!

 

Congratulations on acceptance and good luck with it.

Question: why do you need the focus on Islam? What will be your responsibilities or aspirations once you obtain the degree?
Will the degree be focused on Islam solely, or is it more of a "comparative religions" bent?

 

My reason for focusing on Islam is for my dissertation. I am comparing some factors of Islam and Christianity. Most of my doctoral program has been in theology and philosophy, so I needed some more background in religions.

I hope to teach later on, although my doctorate will not be from a ZA school, but a conservative seminary here in the States.

The actual slant of the degree is more of missiology. In fact, the nomenclature for the degree will read "MTH Missiology" with a "Study of Religions" focus. So, to answer your question, it might be more of a comparative religions degree. The university does not have a "religious studies" department, so this is the closest thing they had available. However, of the 6 modules I will take, 4 will be on Islam, and the other two on broader concepts, such as theology of religions and Islamic theology.

Hope this answers your questions!

 

Thank you. Good luck with your degree.