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Schools I am considering

Discussion in 'Baptist Colleges & Seminaries' started by poodle78, Apr 7, 2010.

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  1. poodle78

    poodle78 Member
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    #1 poodle78, Apr 7, 2010
  2. Havensdad

    Havensdad New Member

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    Bro,

    You must tell us more. What are you planning on using your degree for? If personal enrichment is the answer, then your options are wide open; and I would definitely recommend an unaccredited school (unless you are rich, or somethin), that is cheap.

    If you are planning on teaching with your degree, then all of these choices stink. You need a minimum of Regional accreditation, and preferably RA AND Association of Theological Schools accredited (NOT ATS only!).

    If you are planning on Pastoring at a local Church, you either need a an accredited (TRACS, DETC, RA, ATS: any will do, to some extent) program, or an unaccredited program, which is recognized by the denomination, convention, or association of the Churches you wish to Pastor.

    Golden State is the best, out of the list you have posted, going on what little I have heard, and their websites...
     
    #2 Havensdad, Apr 7, 2010
  3. poodle78

    poodle78 Member
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    Actually, none of those. I am a Minister of Music, and all of these either have a church music doctorate (Pacific, Washington, International) or will let me do one (Atlantic, Golden State). My B Mus is from Furman, and several years ago I did a UA DL Master's based on a review in a book by a man whose last name is an animal.
    :tongue3:

    Now, I seem to be stuck in the UA, or, at best, state-approved rut. All of these schools, with the exception of Pacific, whom I haven't heard back from, have tuition that is in my price range.
     
    #3 poodle78, Apr 7, 2010
  4. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    I can't say anything good about any of these schools. Sorry.
     
    #4 preachinjesus, Apr 7, 2010
  5. poodle78

    poodle78 Member
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    I've read some fairly complimentary things about Golden State on other fora. Also, the president and vice president of Atlantic used to hold the same positions at Trinity-Newburgh.
     
    #5 poodle78, Apr 7, 2010
  6. StefanM

    StefanM Well-Known Member
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    What is the point of an unaccredited "doctorate?" It won't qualify you to teach.

    IMO, you'd be better off getting an accredited master's.
     
    #6 StefanM, Apr 8, 2010
  7. poodle78

    poodle78 Member
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    I don't want to teach.
     
    #7 poodle78, Apr 8, 2010
  8. StefanM

    StefanM Well-Known Member
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    Then what is the point? The title?
     
    #8 StefanM, Apr 8, 2010
  9. poodle78

    poodle78 Member
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    Just to know more about the subject. And I need the motivation of having to read and do assignments and the like. I could never make myself just sit down and read just to be reading.:sleep:
     
    #9 poodle78, Apr 8, 2010
  10. PilgrimPastor

    PilgrimPastor Member
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    Having researched a bundle of online and distance programs, both accredited and non, there are other programs that I would much more highly recommend.

    Unaccredited and very affordable but with a staff that has accredited degrees and seems reputable on all accounts is this: http://www.columbiaseminary.edu/
     
    #10 PilgrimPastor, Apr 13, 2010
  11. poodle78

    poodle78 Member
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    I agree that this is a reputable school, but they don't advertise a music degree. I have corresponded with Dr Walston, and it would be whether or not he could find a suitable mentor.

    Now, if I did go here, and I listed CES on my resume, would I have to defend/explain it to a search committee? I have already had a search committee ask me when I lived in St Louis because of my Clayton degree. Very few in SC have heard of CES. It is RE and not accredited nor even state-approved. The ODA website says that Washington is among the states with very little oversight, which, to me, implies every unaccredited degree would be suspect.

    On the other hand, CES is very high on my list.
     
    #11 poodle78, Apr 13, 2010
  12. PilgrimPastor

    PilgrimPastor Member
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    That is a good question. I fear that often people with unaccredited degrees from school which are reputable lack confidence in them nonetheless. I guess I liken the candidate for interview like the woman who goes to the party in a dress which has a small stain on the back that no body can see and feels compelled to tell everyone because of anxiety over her appearance!

    If she didn't make such an issue, people would focus on her and not the small stain on the back of the dress...

    Here is a GREAT program that I came across recently. www.iws.edu I am using some of their materials in a Bible study. Focus is on worship completely. Cost is surely higher than these other programs but they are accredited through ABHE which means you could use financial aide if that is an option or if you have any type of VA educational benefits you can use them here.

    There are a lot of folks that are well equipped by the Lord and hold unaccredited degrees. Bob Jones University only recently received accredited status with TRACS for example, and they have been graduating people for kingdom service for a long time.

    Short answer: In my experience in Baptist, Conservative Congregational, and Non-Denominational settings, if a musician is called, can serve the Lord effectively, then God can use such a degree to open doors.

    Advice: If possible, get an accredited degree and have EVERY door open.

    Note: I am currently working on an accredited D.Min. and if I ever decide to pursue a second doctoral degree, it may well come from CES. Although, I think I'll enjoy more time with my kids in the garden rather than any MORE degrees :)
     
    #12 PilgrimPastor, Apr 13, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 13, 2010
  13. Martin

    Martin Active Member

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    How about Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary? They have several online graduate degrees in music that you can choose from.

    They have:

    Master of Arts in Religion in Worship Studies (LINK) online program

    Master of Arts in Worship Studies (LINK) blended (online and resident)

    Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology (LINK) blended (online and limited resident)

    A solid, accredited graduate degree is far better than an unaccredited doctoral degree.
     
    #13 Martin, Apr 16, 2010
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