An online theological seminary can be a good way for many people to finish their education and prepare for a ministry career. Because the world of online education is rife with pitfalls, it’s crucial to choose a distance learning seminary with caution. It is critical to confirm the legitimacy of the online theological seminary’s accreditation status. It’s also important to understand the curriculum structure, on-campus requirements, and whether or not an online school’s diploma will be recognized by your denomination or employer.
Always inquire about an online theological seminary’s accreditation when conducting research. Find out the name of the accrediting agency if the school claims to be accredited, and then confirm that the accrediting agency is recognized by the appropriate government body in your area. Never take a school’s word for accreditation, transferability of course credits, or whether it is approved by a specific church or organization, especially online schools. Examine the claims for yourself.
Even if the school is accredited, some churches and denominations will not accept education from an online theological seminary. If you get your degree from a distance learning school, make sure you find out if you’ll be eligible for ordination. While studying from home and not having to relocate is one of the advantages of an online seminary, your school may require you to visit campus one or more times per year. If this is the case, you must ensure that you have the necessary funds and time to fulfill your on-campus obligations.
It is critical to understand the cost of attending an online seminary and compare it to the cost of a traditional seminary education in all cases. Consider the cost of relocation versus the cost of online seminary tuition, required computer hardware and software, and occasional travel to the school as a starting point.
The lack of access to a library is one of the disadvantages of attending an online seminary. You should inquire if the seminary has an online library or if you can borrow books from its physical library via mail. In some cases, your online theological seminary can work out a deal with local schools and seminaries to provide you with library access. You won’t have access to faculty or other students in person, so find out if the school offers chat rooms, forums, or webcam access to your professors and classmates.