I came across this article today while looking over the online version of Christianity Today. I thought it relevant and wanted to share it with you. I have also added my comments. Let me know what you think or if you happen to have other pertinent questions a prospective student should ask him or herself.
Here are eight questions to ask yourself.
1. Do the benefits of distance learning outweigh the benefits of living on campus to complete a degree?
This is a good question and probably one only you can answer. In my opinion it would always be best to go on campus if you had the money and the time. But, like most CTSstudents, they are busy working and raising families, and this option is just not possible.
2. Do I require live interaction with other students in order to learn most effectively or am I more adept at setting my own pace and becoming self motivated?
This is a good question. Although we assign every student a mentor to help them through their program, the real motivation must come from within. As I stated in an earlier post, finding an accountability partner will really help out with the motivational issue.
3. Do I have the necessary technical equipment and operational skills to participate in the distance learning course I’m investigating?
A number of years ago this may have really been a pertinent question, but I think in today’s environment, everyone has the technology to handle distance and online learning.
4. Do my long-range goals require an actual degree or will I be satisfied with non-degree courses for continuing education purposes?
Another good question to ask yourself. CTS does offer certificate programs in which a student would receive credit which could be applied to one of our undergraduate degree programs. Of course the certificate for completing five courses in an area of competency is in itself quite an accomplishment.
5. Are on-campus seminars required and how will that affect my schedule and budget?
CTS does not require on campus time or weekend intensive sessions. These are costly and take time away from family, work and church.
6. Do I have the budget necessary to complete a series of courses or an entire degree? Are there scholarships available which might apply to my area of study? What student loans are available and how will a student loan affect my budget?
Notice the paradigm here. The prime thought when it comes to education is not the education but how to pay for it because it is so expensive. Don’t fall into this trap! Students at CTS generally pay by the course and advance at their own pace. By the time they graduate their education is paid for. What a novel idea! Don’t go into debt to learn the Word.
7. Does this course or degree program require a local mentor or proctor? Who might I ask to help me with this role?
We assign you a school mentor to assist you with your program, but having a friend, pastor or family member work with you and guide is an awesome idea. Some of our Christian counseling programs require a proctor for exams. In this case, a proctor is someone who is not a family member.
8. Does the degree or series of courses I’m looking at require a great deal of academic writing? If so, have I done well with previous writing assignments and am I capable of keeping up with high writing expectations?
Most of our courses require some writing, although some of our Christian counseling courses do not.