Unaccredited Masters in Theology

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Sowak777, Jan 26, 2012.

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  1. Sowak777

    Sowak777 New Member

  2. emmzee

    emmzee New Member

    Since you're considering TNARS, you may want to look at some of the schools which are members of ARTS (Association of Reformed Theological Seminaries). It's not a government recognized accreditation body so I don't want to use "accredited" language re the schools that are members (even though ARTS seems to). A list of the ARTS member schools is here:

    The Association of Reformed Theological Seminaries - ARTS

    (Strangely TNARS isn't on the list? I would've thought they would be a member???)

    Anyways, I looked at the first school on the list, Birmingham Theological Seminary, they charge $100/credit for their master's programs. Many of their degrees are 62 credits, but their Master of Arts in Biblical Studies is only 36:

    Birmingham Theological Seminary - Birmingham, Alabama | Reformed, Evangelical, Conservative

    So, $3,600 + app fee + books for the degree.
     
  3. emmzee

    emmzee New Member

    A few other options ... this one is a candidate with TRACS (as of Nov 2011, note that it can take several years for a school to actually become accredited) ... charges $125/credit:

    Grace School of Theology

    This one charges more ($150/credit) but became accredited by TRACS in Nov 2011 ... their website looks vaguely scammy though ... perhaps it's the "epic voiceover" video with sound that plays upon loading the front page of their site ... also beware that now that they've become accredited, they may raise their tuition prices accordingly ...

    University Of Fort Lauderdale All Rights Reserved 2012
     
  4. Sowak777

    Sowak777 New Member

    Thanks, but these options are too expensive for me. I appreciate it, though.


     
  5. okydd

    okydd New Member

    Have a looks at this school, Trinity School of Apologetic. Its graduates like it. It is free but the socall fees are expensive.*
    Courses | Trinity
     
  6. Sowak777

    Sowak777 New Member

    What are socall fees? Yes, I have looked into it, but had some issues with some things that happened with the school that I would rather not go into.


     
  7. Sowak777

    Sowak777 New Member

  8. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    As long as you keep in mind the inherent limitations as far as the utility of an unaccredited degree, that looks like a solid choice.

    As I mentioned in my first post in this thread, Golden State has been around for more than 30 years, and I have yet to see any negative press about them, which is pretty impressive for an unaccredited school, IMO.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 29, 2012
  9. Sowak777

    Sowak777 New Member

    Thank you for your time and input, sir.

     
  10. JWC

    JWC New Member

    I received the M.Div. at GSST and would recommend it as far as unaccredited degrees go.
     
  11. Sowak777

    Sowak777 New Member

    May I read your thesis?

     
  12. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    Most MDiv programs do not require a thesis.
     
  13. PilgrimPastor

    PilgrimPastor New Member

    Many do but most? I'm just curious really. Liberty didn't require one and I see many schools that give the student the option. I think it's a great idea to do one. Especially if one intends to go on to a doctorate. It gives a little more weight to the degree also if it is ones terminal professional degree.
     
  14. Sowak777

    Sowak777 New Member

  15. Haggai12

    Haggai12 Member

    Reconsidering..

    Sowak777

    I understand the money crunch -- many in ministry face this dilema. I do wish you would reconsider some important factors affecting your decision: why are you afraid of writing? why are you willing to do all that work, and have an unaccredited degree when finished [it does matter!!].

    I just did some re-checking.. the MDiv from Luther Rice, or Global - will cost you about $20,000. You can get loans, perhaps scholarships too.

    However, the South African option [SA Theological Seminary in particular] has a structured MTh option - about $5000 [see below]:

    "We offer several structured MTh programmes consisting of eight 15-credit courses and a mini-thesis (approximately 75 pages). Structured programmes are available in the following fields: Pastoral Theology, Biblical Studies, Biblical Greek, or Child Counselling*" [counselling requires additional work]

    I would strongly suggest that you take this important decision before the Lord again. If He can see you through a master's program, He can certainly help you pay for it, and help you do the writing projects.

    75 pages sounds like winning Indy, but you can learn to do it.

    How motivated are you?? Motivation is a huge factor!

    Fear or faith?? These are the battles we face -- faith informed by good information and sound, godly advice.
     
  16. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    For doctoral admission, absolutely. For a prospective pastor stopping after the MDiv, I'm not so sure it's that important, especially when you consider that a thesis is likely to stretch the program out another semester or two. With an MDiv, adding another semester is likely to feel like eternity.
     
  17. Sowak777

    Sowak777 New Member

    I love to write and am a published author. I have no interest in writing 90 to 150 pages per course for a degree from TNARS. I am leaning toward the MBS-NT from GSST and plan on doing plenty of writing to earn that degree.

    I already looked into the SA degrees, and they will not work for my situation. GSST really works for me. Thank you for your time and input.

     
  18. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    TNARS is overkill. Having people write 20-30 pages in reaction to ONE textbook is ridiculous, and the TNARS model simply seems to be to require copious amounts of unnecessary writing under the guise of "rigor." Volume doesn't equal substance. It's free, though, so it's hard to expect a lot.
     
  19. PilgrimPastor

    PilgrimPastor New Member

    I get that but for me personally I get much more out of writing and interacting with a prof/mentor that exams... Why not use the writing as a basis for future writing projects. I write as well on multiple venues and do that often.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 31, 2012
  20. PilgrimPastor

    PilgrimPastor New Member

    Very true!
     

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