Theology Degree by Distance Learning

[Francis911]

Hi I am considering the Catholic Deacon Course next year and I would like to know if any deacons or priest or anyone else for that matter can advises where I can study a Distance Learning STB or Theology Degree. I have looked at quite a few options but there does not appear to be a great deal on offer and those that have are so very expensive. I do feel that having a good solid catholic degree behind me will impress my bishop Thanks Francis****

 

[FrAnthony1]

Hi You may like to enquire at to this excellent comprehensive catholic degree course. It is a wonderful vocational degree and will certainly equip any candidate that is considering the ordained ministry. For others it makes very interesting and informative reading. Fees are $1950 +books which has to be a good deal. tiuedu.org/STB%20Course.pdf Shalom Fr Anthony

 

[CWBetts]

Franciscan University of Steubenville offers a distance learning program for both BA and MA programs

 

[JReducation]

Call me bias. As a former seminary professor and university professor, I think that students learn a great deal from the often heated discussions that take place in the classroom. I taught Mystical Theology. However, my daughter (I was a widower before becoming a Franciscan), my daughter did her M.S. online. She had to work more than she would have had she been on capus. The schedule was very demanding, because they demanded that you attend online classes in chat rooms and you turn in projects on certain dates. There was very little help from the professors. She says that she will not do that again. She’s now working on her PhD in a regular classroom setting.

As a professor, I found it easier to teach a group that was in front of me, than a group that I never met. I never taught an online course. But I’m not sure I could. I like to know something about my students and watch them grow, also I can help them as they go along, because I can see what they need.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[Joannm]

Call me bias. As a former seminary professor and university professor, I think that students learn a great deal from the often heated discussions that take place in the classroom. I taught Mystical Theology. However, my daughter (I was a widower before becoming a Franciscan), my daughter did her M.S. online. She had to work more than she would have had she been on capus. The schedule was very demanding, because they demanded that you attend online classes in chat rooms and you turn in projects on certain dates. There was very little help from the professors. She says that she will not do that again. She’s now working on her PhD in a regular classroom setting.

As a professor, I found it easier to teach a group that was in front of me, than a group that I never met. I never taught an online course. But I’m not sure I could. I like to know something about my students and watch them grow, also I can help them as they go along, because I can see what they need.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

You are right about the importance of classroom discussion. I found I learned more from those discussions than from straight lecture and readings. It was also good to form groups with the students in class to go over notes, study and do some theological reflection. I did take two online courses and can honestly say they were among the worst courses I took. In one of them getting feedback from the prof was almost non existent and sometimes I found I was the only one posting on a regular basis. Being in a classroom also helps with networking with is so important for those involved in professional ministry in the Church.

 

[puzzleannie]

Franciscan’s program does include a residency requirement so there is some point when you have to be on campus and participate in actual classes.

Before investing time and money in obtaining this degree, if your goal is to enter diaconate formation, I think it would be best to talk to the bishop or director of vocations and find out the requirements for deacons in your diocese, or the diocese where you wish to serve, and if you even meet those requirements. Far from “impressing” your bishop, a degree that diocese does not accept may be a handicap, and you may still have to start over with your formation.

The University of Dayton also has some distance learning for CEU, but I don’t know if you can get a degree that way.

 

[JReducation]

Franciscan’s program does include a residency requirement so there is some point when you have to be on campus and participate in actual classes.

Before investing time and money in obtaining this degree, if your goal is to enter diaconate formation, I think it would be best to talk to the bishop or director of vocations and find out the requirements for deacons in your diocese, or the diocese where you wish to serve, and if you even meet those requirements. Far from “impressing” your bishop, a degree that diocese does not accept may be a handicap, and you may still have to start over with your formation.

The University of Dayton also has some distance learning for CEU, but I don’t know if you can get a degree that way.

This is good advice. Almost every diocese that has deacons has a diaconate office.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF