|
Until
recently, degrees earned at high quality unaccredited
Christian institutions were often undervalued, usually for two
reasons. First, the purpose of accreditation in general has
been misrepresented, and largely misunderstood. Second, the
existence of cheap and easy degree mills hiding behind a
Christian façade created an atmosphere of misapprehension.
However, due to four primary influences, this misunderstanding
is being challenged.
First, the
extraordinarily high cost of tuition at accredited schools
favors younger persons who can combine scholarships, and
parental assistance, along with student loans as a way to
pay for education. On the other hand, older adults dependent
upon their own resources (especially those serving in
Christian ministry), are often priced out of the market.
Second,
being priced out of the market does not mean that older
adults are ready to give up on continuing their education.
On the contrary, increasing numbers are turning to the
Internet as a way to search for alternatives. In doing so,
they are discovering that technology has widened the way to
higher education, and that new institutions have entered the
field. The best of these are offering degree programs
academically comparable to their accredited counterparts,
yet with significantly lower tuition rates combined with
payment plans that make it possible to enroll without
needing financial assistance. This also makes it possible to
graduate free of educational debt.
Third, the
Internet makes it easy to compare schools. Not having to
wait days for a catalog to arrive in the mail, allows
prospective students to quickly review degree requirements
and tuition. This enables them to identify high quality
unaccredited schools, while at the same time spotting
undesirable cheats.
Fourth,
consumers of higher education are becoming better informed
as to the value and purpose of accreditation. While
accreditation remains a primary indicator of academic
legitimacy, it is not the only criterion by which to judge
the value of an institution. In the case of Christian higher
education, increasing emphasis is being placed on the
theological standards of the school. Individuals serving in
Christian ministry in particular are becoming aware that the
opportunity to earn a theologically sound degree from a high
quality unaccredited institution can carry significant
rewards.
Considering
potential advantages of earning a ministry degree from a high
quality unaccredited school, what should prospective students
look for?
A High
Quality Unaccredited Institution Will Have:
- A track record of institutional competency.
- A well-credentialed staff and faculty.
- An actual facility adequate for the administration of
the institution, along with an opportunity for prospective
students to visit in person before enrolling.
- Only those programs for which the school has
appropriately credentialed faculty.
- Essentially the same degree program requirements as
accredited schools.
- Tuition based upon a per-credit-hour
rate, and a refund policy similar to accredited
schools.
- Certifications, partnerships, and agreements with other
institutions which serve to demonstrate institutional
acceptance and competency.
- A credit and degree recognition agreement with one or
more accredited institutions.
- A method by which church boards, mission’s agencies,
denominational leaders, and employers can be assured of the
legitimacy and academic rigor of the institution.
If the above
criteria are met, then the prospective student may have
confidence that the unaccredited institution is worthy of
further consideration.
A Degree
from a High Quality Unaccredited Institution May be Ideal for
Those:
Already serving in Christian ministry who desire to
up-grade or improve their education.
Desiring to enter Christian ministry, and serve through
an independent local church or denomination that does not
require a degree from a specific institution.
Serving through a para-church ministry.
Serving though a personal independent ministry.
Serving in a lay ministry capacity, and who wish to be
better educated.
Desiring to use previously earned credits to complete an
unfinished ministry degree.
Who simply desire to be better educated in some area of
Theological study.
Caveat –
The above sanction does not apply to cheap and easy
unaccredited schemes. Obtaining a degree from such a so-called
school, will eventually prove to be a disappointment. High
quality institutions are well aware of the short-cutters.
That’s why both accredited and high quality unaccredited
schools will only recognize credits and degrees from
unaccredited schools that follow the same general academic
guidelines recognized by all trustworthy institutions.
However, even
in the case of high quality unaccredited schools, accredited
schools (when they choose to do so), will not be willing to
grant recognition without a very careful review. Furthermore,
the practice of accepting or rejecting credits and degrees is
not standardized, but is the prerogative of each institution
(whether accredited or unaccredited).
Encouragement – Practically speaking, considering the
state of the world economy, and the potential value of higher
education, the idea of earning a Christian ministry degree from a high
quality unaccredited institution is a winner. If
it is the purpose of the student to learn, and to therefore be
better equipped to serve with greater effectiveness, then
earning a certificate or degree from one of the top-echelon
unaccredited Christian institutions could be a wise investment
of time and money.
Recommendation – Though not the only one of its kind, an
institution that has helped to set a standard for excellence
among newer entries into the Christian higher education market
is Master’s International School of Divinity. The Divinity
School has forged academic partnerships with two accredited
online universities, created nearly two-dozen learning
partnerships, and achieved endorsements by several national
ministries.
Entering
its twelfth year, Master’s has gained a reputation as
an innovator and leader in the field of theological distance
education. Having enrolled over 6,000 students, and with
nearly 2,000 graduates (there are literally alumni in seventy
world areas), the Divinity School is making a significant
contribution to Christ-centered and Bible-based theological
distance education, while advancing the evangelical
world-view.
If enrolling in
a ministry degree program at a high quality unaccredited
institution may be a winning choice, Master’s
International School of Divinity sets a worthy standard by
which to judge the options. A resource for validating the
credibility of the Divinity School is located online at:
http://www.mdivs.edu/credibilitycenter.html.
Copyright © Master’s International School of
Divinity, 520 Kimber Lane, Evansville, Indiana 47715-2810
U.S.A. Dennis D. Frey, Th.D., President.
|
REQUEST FREE EVALUATION 
