Anybody Heard Much About The Augustine Institute's Online Graduate

[Ziggamafu]

Hello, Pham. Long time no see. I'm thinking of graduate studies in theology via the online program at the AI, but I was told they don't have full accreditation yet, and that the loans I'm still paying on my theology undergrad will consequently NOT be deferred. Distance learning is pretty much my only option. 

 

Yours truly,

-The Long Lost Ziggamafu (aka "The Ancient One", aka "He Who Shall Not Be Named", aka "The Man With No Tacos", aka "Brother Adam's Embarrassing Convert", etc.)

 

P.S. The new PM tab icon looks too much like Pinterest.

 

P.P.S. How about that [relevant news events from past several years], huh? Crazy.

 

P.P.P.S. Forget what I said about the Pinterest icon, it will be fun watching my wife click the wrong tabs when she tries stealing the laptop...

 

 

[Basilisa Marie]

Hi! I don't know too much about the AI, but I'd be wary of taking out more loans for a program that isn't accredited yet. Unless you wouldn't need loans for it (and your current payments would be manageable), then I'd go look and see what they're saying about it on their website, and if that doesn't really work call someone there and find out when they plan on getting accredited.  

[blazeingstar]

Non-profit, accredited online schools tend to be very good.  Take out one of those two, however, things get very bad.  Not worth it, not ever.

 

The only case I would say would be acceptable is if you were receiving some kind of financial benefit to attend while the school worked on accreditation and it had other reputable programs accredited, as accreditation takes 3-5 years.

[blazeingstar]

I've heard decent things about http://online.sjcme.edu/master-arts-theology.php  It looks to be a bit more legit, cheaper and it's accredited.  

[Veritas76]

I might suggest that you look at Christendom's online MA program in Theology. I have been taking classes via Christendom for the past two years - and I have nothing but WONDERFUL things to say about the program, the class content, and the professors. It truly is one of the hidden gems of Catholic grad schools!

http://christendom.edu/graduate/

[fides quarens intellectum]

Hi, Zig!

 

I went to the Augustine Institute for a few semesters a few years ago, so things may have since changed... 

 

Classes are lecture-based with very little discussion (which will work well for you with distance learning online - they're the same classes people are sitting at in class); they still do midterms/finals; the few papers you do write are short and on topics the professors are looking for.  So, if you've been to grad school elsewhere, it will feel like going back to undergrad again; if the theology undergrad is your highest degree, than I would guess it might feel like more of the same, just in different subjects, if that makes sense.  You'll be fine either way - I found the level of learning comparable to a 4000 level or 3000/4000 honors class from a Research I university.  I can't speak to the Greek Biblical classes, though - I would assume those are more academically rigorous.

 

The materials are usually Church documents/texts, but they do use a few Protestant texts in some of the Biblical classes, only because the instructors felt Catholic theologians had a lot to catch up in that area.  That may be a plus to you or a big turn off, but the instructors will talk about what is lacking in those Protestant texts from a Catholic viewpoint.  The instructors are all solid - completely orthodox - and have a LOT of knowledge for you to soak up.  Plus, the classes are pretty cheap for a graduate degree. :)

 

Good luck in your decision! 

Edited January 31, 2014 by fides quarens intellectum

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