TESU - plans and 2nd BA

[jb111]

Hi. I'm done with my BALS in December and would like to start an MDiv master's at Nations University in January. NationsU will have me do 3-4 warm up classes, then test to see if I know enough to begin the program. I believe they ask for my BA at that time (late winterish). So I guess that means apply in December to graduate TESU in March? Trying to understand the timing. Let's say I finish the masters in 3 years. If I want to go back and upgrade TESU to a BA in psych, do I simply lock into their catalog at that time? Will the second graduation be cheaper based on what we know today? The idea is to attain the highest degrees fast and finish out with a balance of psych/theology. I may try to become a Chaplain or another form of counseling.
Note: NationsU raises their tuition in January unless you lock in early. Thank you

[sanantone]

Hi.  I'm done with my BALS in December and would like to start an MDiv master's at Nations University in January. NationsU will have me do 3-4 warm up classes, then test to see if I know enough to begin the program.  I believe they ask for my BA at that time (late winterish).  So I guess that means apply in December to graduate TESU in March?  Trying to understand the timing.  Let's say I finish the masters in 3 years.  If I want to go back and upgrade TESU to a BA in psych, do I simply lock into their catalog at that time?  Will the second graduation be cheaper based on what we know today?  The idea is to attain the highest degrees fast and finish out with a balance of psych/theology.  I may try to become a Chaplain or another form of counseling.  
Note: NationsU raises their tuition in January unless you lock in early.  Thank you

An MDiv is enough to become a chaplain, as you already know. I believe anyone can do pastoral counseling in a religious setting, but I think a master's degree in pastoral counseling would be better preparation than an MDiv. If you want to provide mental health counseling, even from a Christian angle, you're going to be need to be licensed. You can't become licensed with an MDiv from Nations University or a bachelor's degree in psychology.

[jb111]

Good perspectives Sanatone.  Chaplain is the closest thing I have to being a, "Goal", at the moment.  The differences between chaplains and pastors are interesting.  I have a solid career already so the education is stepping out to investigate an area I'm interested in.  More research to go for sure   I see Liberty has several options:
http://www.liberty.edu/media/1270/PCPO-MA.pdf
http://www.liberty.edu/media/1270/HCLC-MA-D.pdf
http://www.liberty.edu/media/1270/MDPA-MDV.pdf

My thought on returning to TESU was more about skill building and how it would look if I did start a new career.  TESU graduation shows as $332.  On the 2nd go around, would I simply pay that cost again or will the residency stuff hit again?  Thx

[dfrecore]

For a 2nd degree at TESU, you're going to have to take the AOS, plus pay the residency waiver (currently $2500, without the Study.com affiliate membership discount, which may not be in effect when you want to get your degree).

I'm not sure why you wouldn't just get the BA in Psych instead of the BALS? Seems cheaper in the long run to get what you actually want.

[jb111]

Thanks Dfcore.  I previously decided to sprint to BALS since any BA would likely be overshadowed by a masters.  Also, I was afraid of losing steam and giving up (again).  I just wanted that piece of paper........call it closure of a long journey  Then the bug hit me (I blame/thank this forum) - why not go for a masters if I can afford it?  Nations and Liberty (since I'm a vet) rose to the top and here I am.  There may be other ways I can squeeze in the psychology - will keep researching.  Thx

[rlw74]

Do you know how much their tuition will be in January? I was thinking about taking classes with them but was going to wait until things are less busy. Guess I'll be stepping up my timing. Right now its about $1450 a year with the technology fee.

[jb111]

Hey rlw74, from what I understand Nations is $960/year http://nationsu.edu/masters-of-divinity/ January 1, they will increase to $1440/year, so best to lock by mid-late December. The rate lasts 2 years from the date you lock. Registration is $25 Not sure if there is a technology fee but will ask and report back here in a separate thread. I'd be thrilled to have some buddies in the program with me!

[bjcheung77]

Have you applied for the M.Dvinity? It's a cheap program that's Nationally Accredited, I wonder if I can use my overseas address, it'll be FREE instead of paying $1440/year.
If I can do that, wow, I'll take a year or so, maybe two to get that; I'll also have time to work on my Biz/IT certs and my "other online Masters" before I start this and the DBA.

My current plan is: Travel until the end of this year. Start & finish Cisco IT/Biz Certs from Dec 28, 2017 to April 28, 2018, and work on a Masters program such as Patten MBA Finance right about May 2018 for 4 months (be done by August 2018). After that MBA is done, I'm planning to do the Hodges MIS and I want to have done in 6 months by Feburary 2019.

Finally can work on this M.Divinity program along with the Taft DBA, it'll take me at least a year or two for both... Yup, got my 5 year plan already in place, but many things don't go according to plan... that's when there's a second or third backup plans in place for everything...

[jsd]

The Taft DBA looks pretty neat. It's unfortunate that it's only nationally accredited, but it has me interested.

When did you complete your BSBA, bj? I missed it. Congrats!

[dfrecore]

Thanks Dfcore.  I previously decided to sprint to BALS since any BA would likely be overshadowed by a masters.  Also, I was afraid of losing steam and giving up (again).  I just wanted that piece of paper........call it closure of a long journey  Then the bug hit me (I blame/thank this forum) - why not go for a masters if I can afford it?  Nations and Liberty (since I'm a vet) rose to the top and here I am.  There may be other ways I can squeeze in the psychology - will keep researching.  Thx

Well, that makes sense.  If you really want that Psych degree after your BALS, you might want to look at Capella Flexpath for the MS in Psych (with no specialization).  It's $2500/quarter, more expensive than a TESU BA in Psych, but certainly less expensive than many other alternatives out there.