The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

What is the purpose of education, better yet what is the purpose of higher education? It seems like we live in a day and age when many would answer this question in a number of different ways. My answer to this question today would be quite different from the way I would have answered back in 2009 when I completed a Masters degree from the University of Louisville. If I were to go even farther back, I am confident that my answer to the same question would have been drastically different had I answered... Read More it in May of 2004 after graduating college with a Bachelor's degree from Morehead State University. So what is the purpose of education and more specifically the purpose of higher education? Is it not to educate, by which I mean to challenge, to enlighten, to move. My previous degrees and the programs I studied under were in fact beneficial to my learning but in a very limited way. These programs challenged me but only in a narrow sense. It was not until I began studying at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary that I became truly challenged both academically and intellectually among other areas. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary boasts a proud and distinguished history as it has existed for over 150 years. It is the oldest seminary in the Southern Baptist Convention and one of the largest seminaries in the world. Southern's reputation points to a cherished tradition of blending scholarship, discipleship and education with the highest academic expectations. While at Southern, I was expected to learn and grow in an environment that demanded the recognition of divergent viewpoints, one that held students to a high academic and ethical standard and one in which the faculty and staff were committed to not only challenging the student body but praying for them and with them and encouraging us all along the way. Admittedly, Southern isn't for everyone in the sense that no institution of higher learning is for every student who is seeking a school however those who re looking to be wholly challenged, to grow academically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually I know of no better school and no better program than Southern Seminary and their Doctor of Education program.

The value for the dollar is amazing. The classes are filled with nuggets that you can meditate on for a lifetime. The professors and staff are helpful and quick to take care of issues as the need arises. Some of the online classes have too much reading that is not valuable to the topic of the particular class. The school uses its own measure of writing that is similar but just different enough from standard writing procedure that you spend a lot of time each class going back over the papers to make... Read More sure the format, not the content, is correct.

I do not have many cons about my graduate program. However, there are a couple and they all are centered around affordability. My school is located in the wealthier part of the city in which the apartment complexes that it owns must be able to compete with those owned by people not affiliated with the school. However, for someone who must pay for school and a place to live that can become burdensome and difficult to pay for. My school does offer a 50% discount to those affiliated with its religious... Read More convention, however aside from maybe one or two scholarships available to all students, financial aid is lacking. However, those two things concerning money, which are huge for many people, are the only two cons that I have with my school. The pros that I have could be listed for days. My school is academically and unapologetically rigorous but they do a phenomenal job of preparing men and women to go into their desired field. Not only that but the professors are helpful and supportive. They understand that their classes are hard but are willing to meet with students to help them succeed and pass. They are also approachable, often meeting with students for a meal in order to learn more about their students.

Southern Seminary is an excellent choice for those seeking to be equipped to equip the body of Christ. Southern consistently pursues professors at the top of their fields, and organizes its curriculum to standards which challenge and prepare students for ministry. In addition, it seeks to integrate coursework with participation and ministry to the local church. Under its current leadership, Southern has consistently demonstrated its commitment to biblical inerrancy and the gospel of Jesus Christ... Read More as the hope of the world. On the flip side, Southern's academically rigorous curriculum make it a stretch for working students with families. Prospective students should consider their situation in life, marital status, vocational status, and financial situation before making the choice to undertake a course load as demanding as Southern's. It simply is not for everyone from every walk of life.