Nations University

[Jimmy Clifton]

Nations University, (http://www.nationsu.org/) a school of the churches of Christ, offers free degree programs! I have heard from a few who are working on a Master's degree from Nations and the work is very substantial.

The school is not accredited. However, at one time credits could be transferred to David Lipscomb College, an accredited school. I cannot locate this info on the Nations site anymore. An email to them should clear this up, however.

[Robert J.]

Nations University, (http://www.nationsu.org/) a school of the churches of Christ, offers free degree programs! I have heard from a few who are working on a Master's degree from Nations and the work is very substantial.

The school is not accredited. However, at one time credits could be transferred to David Lipscomb College, an accredited school. I cannot locate this info on the Nations site anymore. An email to them should clear this up, however.

It's still there: http://www.nationsu.org/index.pl/standing#20

Graduates of the Bachelor of Religious Studies degree at NationsUniversity may apply for admission to the graduate program of the College of Bible and Ministry at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. Students will be considered for Conditional Admittance to take up to nine semester hours of credit. If the student completes nine semester hours of graduate work with a "B" average or better, he/she may apply for full admission to the graduate program.

[Dennis Ruhl]

I am 10/30 through the Master of Religious Studies program. I am not sure what accredited religious studies programs are like but NationsUniversity is as substantial as any program I have taken.

The first 10 credits consist of 14 exams covering 3 credits Old Testament and 3 credits New Testament plus 2 credits OT and NT theology and 2 credits OT and NT hermeneutics.

For ease of delivery these exams are all online multiple choice 60 question tests. In my major, church history a few courses have multiple choice exams only but most also involve essay questions. The 20 credits of church history involve reading from approximately 50 books.

The school is aimed toward Africa but the largest country represented is the US. I think that they also lend the books in Africa.

For me personally, it is a great opportunity to study a coprehensive program in religion that I would never otherwise have attempted.

It is good to see a program such as this run on donations and volunteers. Accreditation is irrelevant to me as the program is for personal interest only.

An indication that the program is substantial is to look at the exams completed which are listed by student #. Most students have never attemped an exam and many that have attempted exams have some failing grades.

[Jimmy Clifton]

Thanks Dennis, keep us updated, please.

I am 10/30 through the Master of Religious Studies program. I am not sure what accredited religious studies programs are like but NationsUniversity is as substantial as any program I have taken.

The first 10 credits consist of 14 exams covering 3 credits Old Testament and 3 credits New Testament plus 2 credits OT and NT theology and 2 credits OT and NT hermeneutics.

For ease of delivery these exams are all online multiple choice 60 question tests. In my major, church history a few courses have multiple choice exams only but most also involve essay questions. The 20 credits of church history involve reading from approximately 50 books.

The school is aimed toward Africa but the largest country represented is the US. I think that they also lend the books in Africa.

For me personally, it is a great opportunity to study a coprehensive program in religion that I would never otherwise have attempted.

It is good to see a program such as this run on donations and volunteers. Accreditation is irrelevant to me as the program is for personal interest only.

An indication that the program is substantial is to look at the exams completed which are listed by student #. Most students have never attemped an exam and many that have attempted exams have some failing grades.

[Jimmy Clifton]

Dennis, about how long do you spend per course to finish? About how many books are used per course and how much do you spend in books per course?
Thanks!



I am 10/30 through the Master of Religious Studies program. I am not sure what accredited religious studies programs are like but NationsUniversity is as substantial as any program I have taken.

The first 10 credits consist of 14 exams covering 3 credits Old Testament and 3 credits New Testament plus 2 credits OT and NT theology and 2 credits OT and NT hermeneutics.

For ease of delivery these exams are all online multiple choice 60 question tests. In my major, church history a few courses have multiple choice exams only but most also involve essay questions. The 20 credits of church history involve reading from approximately 50 books.

The school is aimed toward Africa but the largest country represented is the US. I think that they also lend the books in Africa.

For me personally, it is a great opportunity to study a coprehensive program in religion that I would never otherwise have attempted.

It is good to see a program such as this run on donations and volunteers. Accreditation is irrelevant to me as the program is for personal interest only.

An indication that the program is substantial is to look at the exams completed which are listed by student #. Most students have never attemped an exam and many that have attempted exams have some failing grades.

[Jabbezzz]

Must one be Church of Christ to take classes, or can anyone enroll in the NU masters program?

[Dennis Ruhl]

Dennis, about how long do you spend per course to finish? About how many books are used per course and how much do you spend in books per course?
Thanks!

I registered last spring and am 1/3 way through. The first third of the course is basic Bible study. This involved knowing the characters and stories in the Bible. There were 10 exams for 6 credits, then 2 credits in theology and 2 credits in hermeutics. For this part of the course only a Bible and material provided online was needed.

I read about 1 hour a day and took an exam every week or two. An exam represented 1/5 of a 3 credit course and in theology or hermeneutics a 1 credit course.

I haven't ordered any books yet for the next part but they appear to be very reasonably priced like $10 - $20 - $30. I just ordered 2 business texts and am broke.

[Jimmy Clifton]

Must one be Church of Christ to take classes, or can anyone enroll in the NU masters program?


Anyone may enroll.

[Robert J.]

Are these degrees strictly for self enrichment?

[Jimmy Clifton]

Are these degrees strictly for self enrichment?

From what I have gathered over time these degrees serve several purposes. First, they are for self enrichment, second, they may qualify one to minister in the churches of Christ, and, third, they (bachelor's degrees) will allow one to enter into David Lipscomb's graduate program on a conditional basis.

[ray1212]

Greetings and Happy New Year Forum Members,

I just saw a post on another forum regarding Nations University that offers free bible and seminary education up to and including Masters level degrees. From what I have heard, a donation is requested of people living in the US and Europe to cover the costs of supporting students in underdeveloped countries. Check it out and tell me what you think. You can't beat this one with a stick!

http://www.nationsu.org/

Sincerely,

Ray1212

[Jimmy Clifton]

Greetings and Happy New Year Forum Members,

I just saw a post on another forum regarding Nations University that offers free bible and seminary education up to and including Masters level degrees. From what I have heard, a donation is requested of people living in the US and Europe to cover the costs of supporting students in underdeveloped countries. Check it out and tell me what you think. You can't beat this one with a stick!

http://www.nationsu.org/

Sincerely,

Ray1212

Hi Ray1212,

Nations has been discussed on there before. One of our members, Dennis Ruhl, is working on a master's there and has spoken very highly of the program.

[dhfr]

Jimmy started a thread about this last month: Nations University (http://forums.degreeboard.com/showthread.php?t=703)

[Dennis Ruhl]

I haven't ordered any books yet for the next part but they appear to be very reasonably priced like $10 - $20 - $30. I just ordered 2 business texts and am broke.

Now I'm more broke.

I bought 11 books for the first 5 credits of Church History (to about 400-500 AD) and the cost was about $250 US. Almost all of the books cover the same material in different ways with different emphasis. Some may be standard references (Frend, Gonzalez?) but I am not really sure. Wish I lived a bit closer to a good library.

[peterhc]

I've been reading the thread on Nations and very glad to see a school offering theological programs free of charge. What about schools like Nations that offer Doctorate (Phd, DD, Thd) degrees? Anyone know of any?

Peterhc :)

[Dennis Ruhl]

I've been reading the thread on Nations and very glad to see a school offering theological programs free of charge. What about schools like Nations that offer Doctorate (Phd, DD, Thd) degrees? Anyone know of any?

Peterhc :)

Almost free. http://www.freecourses.org/

[Jimmy Clifton]

Almost free. http://www.freecourses.org/

Trinity and Calvin have been discussed on another forum. I don't like these schools. I think there is major deception, especially with their accreditation statements.

[Robert J.]

Trinity and Calvin have been discussed on another forum. I don't like these schools. I think there is major deception, especially with their accreditation statements.

I thought Calvin was a good school ?

[Jimmy Clifton]

I thought Calvin was a good school ?


The courses may be but the statement on accreditation and Dr. Philip's circumlocutions about the school, faculty, accreditation, etc., give rise to concern.

[Robert J.]

The courses may be but the statement on accreditation and Dr. Philip's circumlocutions about the school, faculty, accreditation, etc., give rise to concern.

My bad, I was thinking about the more established Calvin College in Michigan, totally unrelated.

[Jimmy Clifton]

My bad, I was thinking about the more established Calvin College in Michigan, totally unrelated.

That's easy to do since so many unaccredited and outright mills use names of accredited schools.

[Dennis Ruhl]

My bad, I was thinking about the more established Calvin College in Michigan, totally unrelated.

Is that the one in Grand Rapids? I went to high school with a reformed church peachers daughter who went there.

[Jimmy Clifton]

Is that the one in Grand Rapids? I went to high school with a reformed church peachers daughter who went there.

Yes, it's in Grand Rapids.

[A. Gray]

Southwest Bible College and Seminary in Jennings, Louisiana is also very inexpensive.
S.B.C.S. is accredited by the Accrediting Commission International Inc., and the American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions, so some red flags are raised.

[Jimmy Clifton]

Southwest Bible College and Seminary in Jennings, Louisiana is also very inexpensive.
S.B.C.S. is accredited by the Accrediting Commission International Inc., and the American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions, so some red flags are raised.

I don't like calling schools mills but if I were going to call one a mill, I would call Southwest one.

[Jabbezzz]

I don't like calling schools mills but if I were going to call one a mill, I would call Southwest one.


Of course, this is only IF Jimmy called a school a mill.............. :D

[marti_lil]

Hi!

I will be taking my first exam on the Hebrew Scriptures at NationsUniversity (NU), and I was wondering what this exam is going to be like. In particular, I have some questions about the format of the exam such as the following:

1) How many multiple choice and T/F questions were on the exam?
2) Is there a time limit on the exam?
3) How long did it take for you to prepare for the exam? (I must have read the first five books of the Bible at least three times and extensively studied my notes on the Torah; however, I still don't feel confident about taking this exam. I keep getting this feeling that I'm overlooking some aspect of my studies.)
4) Does the first exam focus more on the general storyline of the Torah or does it focus more on geography of the Biblical lands, Biblical definitions (such as covenant and Bethel "House of God"), geneology of the tribes of Israel, and religious practices such sin offerings and cereal offerings?

I'm also looking for you input on the utility of Master of Religious Studies degree. For current NU students, what do you plan on doing with your unaccredited masters from NationsU when you complete your studies? Do you plan on preaching with it, do you plan on teaching with it, or do you plan on doing research with it? Or are you earning your degree for personal enrichment purposes only? I'm assuming that it would be difficult teaching with this degree at the elementary through college levels because NationsU is unaccredited; however, the thought did occur to me that the degree might have more clout if a NationsU graduate pursued employment at a school that is affiliated with the Church of Christ.

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance for your input regarding this program.

Sincerely,


Lilith M. Waters

[Dennis Ruhl]

Hi!

I will be taking my first exam on the Hebrew Scriptures at NationsUniversity (NU), and I was wondering what this exam is going to be like. In particular, I have some questions about the format of the exam such as the following:

1) How many multiple choice and T/F questions were on the exam?
2) Is there a time limit on the exam?
3) How long did it take for you to prepare for the exam? (I must have read the first five books of the Bible at least three times and extensively studied my notes on the Torah; however, I still don't feel confident about taking this exam. I keep getting this feeling that I'm overlooking some aspect of my studies.)
4) Does the first exam focus more on the general storyline of the Torah or does it focus more on geography of the Biblical lands, Biblical definitions (such as covenant and Bethel "House of God"), geneology of the tribes of Israel, and religious practices such sin offerings and cereal offerings?

I'm also looking for you input on the utility of Master of Religious Studies degree. For current NU students, what do you plan on doing with your unaccredited masters from NationsU when you complete your studies? Do you plan on preaching with it, do you plan on teaching with it, or do you plan on doing research with it? Or are you earning your degree for personal enrichment purposes only? I'm assuming that it would be difficult teaching with this degree at the elementary through college levels because NationsU is unaccredited; however, the thought did occur to me that the degree might have more clout if a NationsU graduate pursued employment at a school that is affiliated with the Church of Christ.

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance for your input regarding this program.

Sincerely,


Lilith M. Waters

1)60 multiple choice.
2)No time limit that I ever ran into and I was slow.
3)I read through the first 5 books once but I had just finished an unaccredited undergrad program.
4)Mostly general storyline but lots of specifics.

My guess is that utility would be low even though it is a substantial program. I am doing it for personal enrichment.

I think you should just take the first exam. Once I did and passed I gained a lot of confidence.

[marti_lil]

Dennis, thank you for your reply and for your words of encouragement!

Lilith

[Axiom]

When we talk about schools we often look at accreditation. Of course the State schools are accredited. They are state schools and have multimillion dollar departments of State revenue behind them. What is accreditation when at the best..at the very best.. it is often like the schools themselves, a beaurocratic agency...or just a state revenue getting venture. When college students graduate and have to go to technical schools to learn a craft or trade, and often cannot produce anything but a run-on sentence, such as this one...where is the base of learning but where one can learn, accredited or not. There are many many fine schools that have not accreditation what so ever, and we can see these as many European, Asian and Foreign schools that produce quality...absolute quality in the student. Now in America we dont accept these diplomas...why? Accreditation to suit a business. Lets call it the "Ivory tower" business. Instead of calling schools mills or making claims of this is this....type of school...lets look at the quality of the individuals that they produce, and moreover, the quality of persons beyond a parchment or list of credit hours. Then we might be getting somewhere when we can talk about quality ' in education' not a licence of accreditation to suit business purposes...but a higher purpose...learning. Ok I just jumped into this line off the internet. Im bored. But then again I see people attacking schools for accreditiation. And one just perhaps among the ones they have called 'mills' have produced more than one leading scientist can you guess which university?

[North]

Nations University, (http://www.nationsu.org/) a school of the churches of Christ, offers free degree programs! I have heard from a few who are working on a Master's degree from Nations and the work is very substantial.

The school is not accredited. However, at one time credits could be transferred to David Lipscomb College, an accredited school. I cannot locate this info on the Nations site anymore. An email to them should clear this up, however.

Jimmy, thanks for the link. That is the neatest opportunity for personal enrichment. I may enrol myself.

North

[North]

Well....I did sign up. I am enamored with this school. Non profit and mission oriented. Most students appear to be third world. They are Church of Christ affiliated (see official Church of CHrist web site). I am doing the M.Min degree but afterwards may try the MRS degree ( a number of majors to include comparative religions with about 8 courses in Islam/Hinduism/Budahism to choose from and as Dennis knows a substantial Church history section).

I am not knowledgeable on Church of Christ theology and history but I believe unaccredited Schools of Preaching are a denominational tradition. I had afriend who graduated from one. He used to get ticked every time Hank Hanegraaf went off on Cambellitism. He actually got through on the Bible Answer Man once and tried to debate him.

North

[Robert J.]

Well....I did sign up. I am enamored with this school. Non profit and mission oriented. Most students appear to be third world. They are Church of Christ affiliated (see official Church of CHrist web site). I am doing the M.Min degree but afterwards may try the MRS degree ( a number of majors to include comparative religions with about 8 courses in Islam/Hinduism/Budahism to choose from and as Dennis knows a substantial Church history section).

I am not knowledgeable on Church of Christ theology and history but I believe unaccredited Schools of Preaching are a denominational tradition. I had afriend who graduated from one. He used to get ticked every time Hank Hanegraaf went off on Cambellitism. He actually got through on the Bible Answer Man once and tried to debate him.

North

North, perhaps you can blog your Nations studies on our blogging site. http://www.degreeblogger.com

Good luck to you and let us know either way how you progress through the program.