Question from a friend of WordTruth Ministries:

WordTruth.Com Response:

In a distance learning school, you are a self-directed learner.  You are in charge of the learning process.  Distance learning courses primarily use audio and/or video lectures with some book studies in addition to the lectures. You must be able to discipline yourself to study and complete the assignments on your own.  If you have trouble in the area of self-discipline, then distance learning may not be the right choice for you.  And a drawback of the distance learning approach is that you will miss the direct interaction with professors and other students.

Accreditation may be an important consideration depending on your goals. Most colleges and universities pursue regional accreditation.  Many seminaries have done the same thing.  However, there is also a national accreditation organization for seminaries called the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).  ATS is a highly respected accreditation for a seminary.  Distance learning schools, however, have rarely succeeded at gaining regional or ATS accreditation.  If you intend to get a degree from one distance learning school and then pursue a more advanced degree at a regionally or ATS accredited school, they probably will not accept the degree credits. If the 2nd school has the same type of accreditation as the 1st, then it usually not an issue.

If the intent of your degree is recognition/credentials for ministry, then you need to check with your local church or denomination to see what their usual requirements are for ministers. Some church denominations will only accept people with degrees from their own seminaries. Others may require regional accreditation or ATS accreditation.  Key word of advice -- count the cost before you go down the distance learning trail.

I went to Trinity College & Seminary (Newburgh, Indiana) first. Trinity is one of the pioneers of distance learning programs. Overall, I learned a great deal. The program could have been better in terms of student-professor and student-student interaction. But they may have made substantial progress in that area over the course of my study. Their program is good but rather expensive, in my opinion, given their lack of generally recognized accreditation.

For 100% distance learning schools, I would recommend Luther Rice Seminary. It is highly respected and has earned TRACS accreditation. This accreditation agency is recognized by the U.S. Dept of Education.

Hope that helps to frame your thinking about continuing your education. Remember, no matter where you go, you get out of the process what you put into. You can learn a lot if you apply yourself, even in a sub-par school.  The key is to "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV).  A call to the ministry is a call to prepare.

May God bless you with His wisdom and the courage to follow Jesus!

Rev. Randy Lariscy :-)
Director - WordTruth Ministries