Panera

Same

MARc Ethics here. I was told by the admissions office that notifications will be sent out on March 14th.

Issac32: I was accepted to PTS back in mid January for MA(TS). Not sure why they got back so quickly but I think they are on a rolling basis for the MA(TS). I am visiting next week so hope to learn more about them. Curious if you know anything about the MA(TS). It appears that the program is relatively new for domestic students. In the catalog it says: "Revised M.A. (T.S.) Effective Fall 2015 Note: A revised M.A. (T.S.) degree program open to both domestic and international students will begin in the fall of 2015" I am trying to get a feel for the strength of the program given that it is new for domestic students.

I am about to go on a school tour of about five schools. I have found several resources online and have started to compile a list of questions to ask and observations to make while on my visits. I am curious as to what others feel are the most important criteria for selecting a school for a MTS/Masters degree? My list so far: How well will the school advance my long terms goals and opportunities? What has been the history of post graduate placement into Phd Programs that I would be interested in? What is the strength of the concentration area in terms of professors, current research and overall reputation? Do students with cross disciplinary interest have the ability to take classes within other departments or schools within the University? What are the language requirements? How well does the the school and surrounding area contribute to a quality of life? What student groups and organizations are on campus? What are the opportunities for student leadership within the school? Where do students gather? What is the social life like for students, on and off campus? Is the Seminary/Grad School segregated from the remainder of the University? Socially (Do graduate students participate in University Events, games, theater, social events?) Am I capitalizing on available scholarship and financial resources? What scholarships, fellowships and grants am I eligible for? What do I need to do to apply and to be considered for these awards? What are the application deadlines for financial aid forms and applications? Where can I find information about scholarships and grants from other sources? Where do students live? Where do students eat? What about transportation? Will you need a car and a place to park? Is public transportation available? Is the academic environment conducive to learning style? Is the campus separate and distinct or is it integrated into the surrounding neighborhood? What are the classrooms and lecture halls like? Are the facilities in good condition or in disrepair? How sophisticated is the school’s information technology resources? Is it a commuter campus or a residential campus? Will the worship life contribute positively to spiritual formation Where and when does the school gather for prayer and worship? Do students play a role in planning and leading worship? Who preaches? Are faculty and staff involved in worship? Is the school focused on training students in a particular style and tradition of worship or are a variety of traditions represented? What spiritual disciplines does the school stress as critical for emerging leaders? Are opportunities for spiritual formation offered through a structured program or is it the responsibility of each individual student? How are students mentored? To whom do students turn in times of crisis and in times when they require guidance for vocational discernment? Is the profile of the student body such that the degree of comfort and the degree of challenge will contribute positively to your theological education? Where do most of the students come from and why have they chosen this school? Which degree programs are most students enrolled in? Are most students full-time or part-time? Do most students share your theological perspective or is there a broad range? What is the average age of students? What is the age range? What is the racial/ethnic composition of the student body? Field Education What are the requirements for field education? Is field education focused primarily on congregational settings or are there community ministry options? Do students choose their own placements or are they assigned? Who supervises students in their field education experience?

Are you saying that Duke Divinity will release results today? I wonder if this will include the MTS notifications? In prior years it looks as if these were not released until mid March.

I have definitely not developed which category of ethical thought I want to pursue. It may crossover into areas of public policy given my undergraduate degree and interest in economics but as you indicated I have some time to figure that out. I know that Yale has an MTS concentration in Ethics which is what I have applied to. I have some familiarity with the ethics professors at the other schools listed but any specific insights would be appreciated. What is the best way to research the strengths of these programs?

I am currently finishing up my undergraduate work with a double major in Religion and Economics. Ultimately, I would like to get my PhD with a concentration in ethics in order that I might teach at the University level. I have submitted applications to the following MTS programs. Princeton Theological (Accepted) Candler (Accepted) Yale Divinity (Pending) Vanderbilt (Pending) Notre Dame (Pending) Duke (Pending) I would like to choose my Masters program strategically in order to give me the most competitive edge for the coveted PhD spots that I hope to apply to down the road. That being said, any advice on what evaluation criteria (beyond scholarship/funding) that I should be thinking about and how the above programs rate would be greatly appreciated.