   |
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the Online Master of Arts in Christian Ministry at Anderson University School of Theology? The Online Master of Arts in Christian Ministry is a 48-hour degree at Anderson University School of Theology, and is structured to provide people already serving in ministry with an expanded biblical and theological education. It is also designed for laypeople who wish to enter serious graduate level study of Bible and theology. In general, the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) degree provides a basic understanding of biblical, theological, and historical disciplines for experienced ministers. It is not intended or structured to provide a student with an overall study that prepares a person for pastoral ministry (i.e., the MACM does not provide courses in pastoral care, preaching, teaching, church administration, etc.). Students who are preparing to enter ordained ministry should enroll in the residential Master of Divinity degree, which is the standard entry-level degree for ordained ministry. How does an online class work? To the extent possible, our online classes are exactly the same as our residential classes; the major difference is the delivery method. Most online classes are taught by the same faculty members who teach our residential classes, they use the same text books, give the same assignments, and use the same examinations. All online classes follow the same academic calendar as the residential classes. Online classes have the same start and end dates as residential classes. You need high speed internet access. On the first day of the semester, you will receive an e-mail from the director of distance education, with your login instructions. You will log in to your class, where you will find the syllabus and a list of assignments to be completed. Online classes are organized just like residential classes, with weekly assignments. There are weekly reading assignments, weekly lectures, and weekly online forums with other students. You do not have to log in at a specific time - you will log in at whatever time is convenient for you and allows you to complete the professor's assignments by the day and hour the professor requires them to be completed. Online learning is not for everyone. Online classes are generally more demanding than residential classes, because you must be self motivated to complete your assignments and post them on time each week. While you do have a community of learning, it is a virtual community. You will read your classmates' forum postings, and respond appropriately, but this is not the same as being in the same room at the same time with the whole class.
What Are the Requirements of the Program? Students seeking admission to the Online MACM must meet all of the criteria below to be admitted to this program. 1. Have reliable Internet broadband access. 2. Currently hold a bachelors degree from an accredited school of higher education. 3. Be an ordained pastor, or are currently serving in a ministry capacity (involved in active ministry), or be a lay person interested in theological studies. 4. Demonstrate the ability to write on a graduate school level. Because most of the academic work in the program is done through the computer, you will need to be able to write clearly, accurately, and at a graduate school level. You will demonstrate your ability to do graduate level writing by writing an essay as part of your Application for Admission. 5. Must be able to attend the entire on-campus component for your chosen specialization, in Anderson, Indiana. If you are unable to attend this on-campus component, you are not eligible for the program. How do I get an Application form? The Application is a simple process. You will complete the first steps online, then print a form, complete it, and mail it to the School of Theology. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 (check or money order) must accompany the form. When is the Application Deadline? The Application deadline date for the Fall Semester is August 1, and for the Spring Semester it is December 1. If you are applying for the Specialization in Missions, the application deadline is May 1.
When are the On-Campus Weeks? For the Missions Specialization, the on-campus component will be a three-week intensive, usually in July. For the other specializations, each course will have a 10-hour on-campus meeting during the second week of the semester. During the Fall semester, it is early in September; during the Spring semester, it is late in January.
Who is Responsible for Travel and Lodging During thes On-Campus Component? The student is fully responsible for his or her own travel, lodging, and meal expenses during the on-campus component. Several local hotels provide special reduced rates for School of Theology students in the Online Degree; the list is updated and e-mailed to enrolled students about a month prior to the on-campus component. Please note: Anderson University School of Theology will not make arrangements for travel or lodging. What Courses Do I Have to Take? The courses you will take are listed under each specialization on this website. How Many Courses May I Take During A Semester? A full time student in the online degree takes three courses per semester (nine semester hours). How long will it take to complete this Online Degree? A student taking nine hours per semester may complete this degree in two and one-half years. How do I know if I have been accepted into the program? The Director of Distance Education will inform you when your application goes to the Admissions Committee for action, and when you have been accepted into the program. Can I transfer into the Online Program? A student may transfer into the program from another accredited seminary. The student must submit their transcript for review by the Seminary Admissions and Academic Standards Committee. The transfer student must complete 24 hours with Anderson University School of Theology in order to graduate from Anderson. All students transferring hours into the program will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. What is the Cost of the Program? The tuition rate 2009-20 is $470 per credit hour. Is Financial Aid Available? Yes, a student may receive financial aid if they submit the request form (it is included as part of the Application). To be considered for financial assistance, the student must mail their request form with their application by the deadline noted in this document. Financial aid will be given to all who qualify, at rates to be determined each year. How do I pay for the Program? Payment must be made in full at the time of registration. A student may enroll in Tuition Management System (TMS) and make monthly payments. Arrangements for payment must be made before registration is valid, i.e. payment in full or enrolled in TMS. Information on TMS is available by clicking here or by calling 1-888-713-7234. Are there other opportunities for financial assistance? A student seeking government loans needs to contact Neldy Ely in the Office of Student Financial Services. She can be reached via email at nlely@anderson.edu. You will need to identify yourself as an SOT student and an online MACM student. You must be enrolled for six (6) hours each semester in order to apply for government loans. May I receive a refund if I do not attend classes? Payment of tuition and fees is expected at the time of registration. Students may wish to enroll with Tuition Management Systems in order to make monthly payments. Information is available from the Office of Student Financial Services or the Office of Student Services at the School of Theology. Registrations not accompanied by full payment or appropriate financial arrangements will be canceled. Financial aid cannot be regarded as appropriate down payment. Registration constitutes a contractual agreement between the seminary and the student. If enrollees withdraw from all classes after classes have begun, or reduce the number of hours carried, they might be entitled to a reduction in charges for tuition. The following scale is used if withdrawal or schedule revision occurs on or before the end of: First Week of Classes 90% Reduction Second Week of Classes 80% Reduction Third Week of Classes 60% Reduction Fourth Week of Classes 40% Reduction Fifth Week of Classes 20% Reduction Sixth Week of Classes No Reduction What are other logistics I will need to know? Students will need to secure Parking Permits and Student ID cards for the Anderson University Campus. These will be obtained from Police and Security Srvices, during the on-campus component of your Orientation class. What if I am not able to complete a course by the end of a semester? Students are discouraged from seeking final grades of “Incomplete.” However, if you must seek an Incomplete, you must pay a fee of $150.00 per course, and complete, along with your instructor, a Request for Final Grade of ‘I’ Form. You must complete this form and have it signed by the Instructor. This form is sent to the Office of the Registrar with copies going to you and the instructor. You will not be permitted to take any other courses until the incomplete course is finished. You will be required to complete the course the next time it is offered, without payment of further tuition or fee beyond the $150.00. How are materials delivered to me? All course materials and most communication will be delivered via the Internet. You will purchase your textbooks via an Internet provider of your choice. I am an international student. Can I be involved in this Online degree program? Yes, international students may participate in this online program. They must, however, meet the Anderson University School of Theology Admissions Requirements as well as the requirements of financial responsibility for traveling to the United States and for all expenses incurred while in the United States. A student must have a Visitor’s Visa for this program. I don’t find all the answers to my questions here. Whom do I contact? Dr. John Aukerman, Director of Distance Education:
|