Is there any reason not to do this? language study...

[Macrina]

I'm a ThM student in a non-funded program at an expensive divinity school. I need a certain language course that isn't offered at my institution, but is available at a state university in the area. I can register through my div school and pay the div school tuition. Or I can register as a community member and pay the in-state tuition rate. It would save me approximately $5000 next year (fall and spring semesters) and I would still get a grade/transcript for the course.

I need the course/paper trail for doctoral apps.

My academic adviser has advised me to look into all kinds of options just to get the course (online etc - so, presumably getting the course/proof of proficiency is more important than getting degree credit)

I could register through my institution, but it would 1) cost $$$ out of pocket and 2) take up a quarter of my degree - I would rather use the credit options for a range of courses.

What sayest gradcafe? register locally, pay state public tuition, and get it on a separate transcript? Is there any reason to do it through my institution? Anything I'm not thinking of?

thanks!

[seroteamavi]

I faced the same thing to an extent. I think you are fine to do it either way for Ph.D. purposes. The main thing schools are going to want is some sort of attestation to your language ability. They are not going to care so much where that comes from. This is what I've heard. If someone knows better, please correct me.

[Macrina]

I faced the same thing to an extent. I think you are fine to do it either way for Ph.D. purposes. The main thing schools are going to want is some sort of attestation to your language ability. They are not going to care so much where that comes from. This is what I've heard. If someone knows better, please correct me.

Thanks. What you say confirms what I've heard elsewhere.

Right, I'm going with the cheap state school option. I cant justify spending $5000 more just to register through the divinity school...

[sacklunch]

The state school language option may very well serve you better in the end. I have heard too many terrifying stories about divinity school language courses to ever want to head down that route (e.g. many seem to move at about half the pace than a course in a classics dept.). So, yes, I do kind of think it matters where you take the course, assuming you are interested in doing any sort of philological work.