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Regarding the graduate program, let me address the cons first. Due to being exclusively online for me, it does make it difficult if there is a system server issue that is slow is being resolved. Also, class interaction is limited (which is to be expected with an online program). The pros I have seen is the ability to pursue and complete the program of study at a pace that does not conflict with other life areas such as family, church, and work. Most of the class work is doable and the completion... Read More of assigned projects can be accomplished in the given timeframe. Overall the Masters of Divinity is a worthwhile program that is engaging and relevant.

PROS// I did the InMinistry program. It's one of the few accredited M.Div degree that allowed me to have a degree I'm proud of, that's academically reputable, and not move my family from where we live. Summer and winter classes are completely distance/online. Fall and spring classes are (I believe) 13 weeks, one of those weeks being on-campus lecture in Minneapolis. Professors push you. I didn't want to go to a seminary where they would teach me everything I already learned at my Biblical Studies... Read More Undergrad school. That turns into an expensive pat on the back. They push you for the sake of challenging you to evaluate what and why you believe what you do. InMinistry staff. They're incredible! Always accessible and great advocates for the students. Cohort Based. This means the people you start classes with are the people you take classes with the whole way through. If your cohort is good, that greatly improves your experience as you get to know each other. CONS// It's not cheap, even for Master's level classes. It doesn't help that there is not on-campus housing available during mandatory intensives. I'm not a part of a denomination, so there are no denominational discounts. It's a LONG program. 5 years. But, that's the nature of getting this degree through this delivery system (InMinistry).

The Master of Divinity (M.Div) is a comprehensive master of theology program through Liberty Baptist Theology Seminary, a surrogate of Liberty University. The program is extremely top notch, with Liberty's commitment to superior excellence in all things academic. The pros of my program is that, namely, this is offered completely online as well as residential. Although I was looking into a couple other schools to get my M.Div, viz., Dallas Theological and Trinity Evangelical, Liberty was the only... Read More one that offered complete distance learning for the seminary degree. The professors are rigorous yet helpful. The coursework is, of course, intense. But the education and spiritual benefit is already paying off. Looking forward to my second year in the program, and can't wait to graduate in 2015! 

I attended Liberty online for 13 months while pursuing a Masters degree. I first attended University in the 1970' and 1980's when I received a BA English and an MBA from the University of Texas and the University of North Texas. What I found at Liberty was a significant difference in teaching methodology, which one would expect after nearly 40 years. With online courses, the impetus is on the student to independently complete the reading and the assigned papers and other homework - and, there is... Read More a lot of reading to be done. It required a big shift on my part to realize that if I was going to learn anything, it would be up to me as there is very little interaction with instructors. Overall, it was a great learning opportunity for me and I enjoyed the experience. Also, because it was fast paced, there was no need to take longer than necessary to accomplish the requisite goals and finish. I really like the school and the approach. May not be for everyone, especially if you are used to a lot of interaction with the professors or do not have the time to do all the reading on time.

I'll get to the point of the positives and spend my time addressing the common negative sentiments raised in more depth. First off - I鈥檓 graduating in May. I have had a tremendous experience from start to finish. I plan to continue my education, beyond the MA level, and the only reason that I would leave is because I do believe there is value in obtaining degrees from varying institutions. However, my experience has been SO positive I am re-thinking that. Professors - Some have slammed them for poor... Read More communication, unfair grading, and for varying from their 鈥渄ogmatic鈥� opinions. To this, I can only say that of the 12 profs that I have had, I would say ALL were very easy to access via phone, email, or even Skype. All have replied within 12 hours (usually less) during the work week and within 24 on weekends and holidays. Some (2) have seemed a tad more aloof, as if they are just along to grade work, but in both instances, when I needed them for clarification or additional instruction on a point have stepped up nicely. One was in the process of his dissertation, so I think perhaps he should have taken a year off to do that. Financial Aid - Seems to be a common complaint. I cannot attest to this, having not used FA. They are Just After the Money - Considering they have some of the most reasonable tuition rates out there, offer great rates for military and vets, give a 25% automatic scholarship to public safety employees, and don't nickel and dime you with countless odd fees, and give you drastic reduction in tuition for taking at least 9 credits per semester, I would say that argument fails miserably. The only fee that I have issue with is the 45.00 fee to pay semester tuition over the 4 months as opposed to all at once. I will admit that seems silly to me, but all in all, I challenge you to find as good of an accredited education at the rates you can at LUO. Workload/Tough Grading - At least on the Masters Seminary level, I can attest that Liberty is no degree mill. You are not going to drop in and just buy an easy Masters here. You are going to work for it and if you want a top GPA, then you are going to earn it. There is a ton of reading (Usually 3-4 books per course). There is a ton of writing. With weekly forum essays, responses, along with book reviews/critiques, research papers, etc, expect AT LEAST 20 pages of graduate level writing, complete with citations and in consistent Turabian format, in each class. AND THAT IS A LIGHT CLASS. I just finished OBST 661 - Isaiah and it was easily double that (with a total of 3 long forums, and 5, 6-8 page essays. Most classes, although not all, also have mid-terms and final exams. Mercifully, these are all open book/note tests and to me, have seemed to be pretty reasonable if you actually are reading and highlighting the assigned texts. As for grading, seminary research and writing is the heart of the Theological Studies program. So therefore, the papers usually make up the heftiest component of the overall grade. If you cut corners and/or struggle to write at a scholarly graduate level, in Turabian format, you are going to get hit. The grading is all rubric based, so there is very little to the claims that professors are being capricious in their marks. They have to justify each grade based on the scaled outline. However, this is a grad program. Step up to the challenge. You will be proud of yourself and your degree in the end. My pride in my accomplishment, and in LUBTS, is a result of the rigorous program. I work full time and took 36 credits in one year, mostly to access the full-time tuition block rate, and it was a sacrifice. Most of my vacation time was used to write papers. Every evening and weekend was consumed with study. Trying to make sure I established time for my family meant many log nights after they were in bed. Eight weeks left, and then mission accomplished. Unfair Teachers Who Take Offense to Different Viewpoints - I have not seen this whatsoever. In fact, I am Pentecostal with strong Arminianist stance, in a Baptist Seminary. I have professors who are Reformed believers, Roman Catholics, and the gamut of non-charismatic evangelicalism. I have never been down-graded, embarrassed, marginalized, or treated unfairly, whatsoever, because I have disagreed with them or them with me. In fact, I routinely get comments on my essays or papers that tell me they disagree with the point, but grade me high because I can support my position with solid argumentation. And that is a huge part of what I see in the Seminary. The very first class you take, Intro to Seminary Studies, teaches you the value and techniques for making a solid, logical, scholarly argument. If you cannot do that, or just papers that do not argue a point, then you will have a tough time. Too Much Christian Content Laced in the Curriculum 鈥� Did you do any research prior to enrollment? If so, this right out there for the whole world to read. Liberty is about 鈥渕aking champions for Christ.鈥� No matter the course of study, Liberty seeks to prepare you for work in that field and to take a Christian perspective into it. This is such a peculiar argument to me. Again, it goes back to you having to demonstrate that you have earned your mark, and thus, your degree. This is not a drop in, log on, thumb through a few books, write a few lines, and get an MA. This is real school鈥攔eal GRADUATE SCHOOL. Lastly, I will say that LUO gives you every opportunity to succeed. You have free access to an amazing library of scholarly databases, books, articles, and materials. You have access to writing guides, and tutors who can assist you on your papers and with your argumentation. I trust that there are a lot of folks who have legitimate gripes about particular aspects of this University. But please be dubious of anyone who universally slams the institute based on a single element of broader experience.

I have attended Liberty university both on line and on campus for the past three and a half years. It is highly valued as it [provides a well balanced education, a diverse student body, reaches and trains students from all over the world and impacts our world for a bright future. It is the largest Christian University and the training available is limitless. I am proud to be both an graduate from the Master of Divinity program and a student in the doctorate program presently. There is one unique... Read More feature to Liberty that all need to know about and that is the seamless transition in acquiring assistance in tuition and the desire to assist in the training that is given. They are there for the individual student whenever needed and are a premier school. They also have placement services that are ultimately helpful once graduated. They are communally respected and have more than adequate facilities and an infrastructure that is to be emulated. Overall an outstanding school.

Undoubtedly, the diversity of the adjunct and local staff professors is one of the greatest and most challenging aspects of GCU. Each professor, hailing from different educational background, as well as from different parts of the country, often, makes for a constant change in the learning environment and in the educational level of each course. This assures the student a high level of education and preparedness for real-world, occupational successes. I truly appreciate the heart of each of the professors,... Read More as they strive to bring value to the learning experience and to instill core values that translate into each student's career, so well.