Decision Criteria for Selecting a School

[Panera]

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?

Edited March 3, 2015 by Panera

[jujubea]

Pretty impressive list.

Any kids or SO to consider?