Hi it depends on the denomination and church group when it comes to applying for say a chaplaincy as you have stated. Some organizations, such as the military require RA degrees to become a chaplain for any of the branches.

While some organizations, such as a hospital will accept someone who has prior experience at being a chaplain. An example of this, is the hospital where I work, the chaplains are all volunteers who either have documented proof of being ministers or preachers at their own churches or some other religious organization. A degree is not required in this case.

At the church that I attend, which my aunt owns and is the minister, she has a bachelors in social work, but attended the Apex School of Theology for her ministerial training. I have a cousin who also is a minister and he has no license or formal educational training at all, instead he has studied the bible under another minister who has a Masters of Divinity from Campbell University.

So as Dennis has pointed out, Nations University is an unaccredited institution, if you plan on using a degree from there to become a volunteer chaplain, minister, or preacher, then this may be the thing for you. And if you plan on teaching sermons at your local church or churches, then this may be ok.

But you should check with your denomination or the church you want to become a preacher for first in order to see what their requirements are to become a chaplain, minister, or preacher.

__________________
Ed.D in Teacher Leadership Should complete in 2011

MBA Maybe December 2008 or early 2009

M.S. in Entrepreneurial Studies Completed May 2008

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Technology Completed December 2007

Technology and Media Director, Adjunct, and Instructional Technology Consultant

Well I'm actually leaning more towards Tripp. My actual plan is to devote ALL of my time teaching The Word/Love of God. I have plans to hopefully get a job in this field to bring in some income and start my own church. I know it may sound odd, but no you are not aiding a Cultist or a nut-job. I just feel as though it would be best to follow His plans for me if I go it alone, but there are some things that I will need in order to have Legal Strength and back-up since I'm going with NO backing from a larger group or church. If a degree from Tripp (which I just feel good about) can aid me in my quest for a better job (5 children and wife is due with #6 any minute) and the independence that I need then I'll go with it...if its going to be a waste in that manner (although cheap) I'll just have to find another method. You know?

I wouldnt call a degree from either Tripp or Nations U a waste, but if you need an accredited degree from a recognized US accreditor, then those 2 schools may not serve you best.

Maybe you can find backing from a church, I have a friend of mine whos catholic and shes a sunday school teacher and her church is paying for her education from the Catholic Distance University, which is DETC accredited so instead of her becoming just a Sunday School teaching, she can teach at their catholic school thats onsite also.

No I dont think you are a nutjob and but are you trying to land a paying position? What are your long term career goals? Because while I do know some ministers who seem to be making a great deal of money, there are some I know who dont take a dime for their sermons and who have a full time job and are full time ministers as well.

You mention teaching in your recent post. Are you trying to teach Sunday School or teach say at a Christian type school?
http://www.christianjobs.com/

The above link may interest you, if you are currently searching for employment.

__________________
Ed.D in Teacher Leadership Should complete in 2011

MBA Maybe December 2008 or early 2009

M.S. in Entrepreneurial Studies Completed May 2008

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Technology Completed December 2007

Technology and Media Director, Adjunct, and Instructional Technology Consultant

Oh, I am actually trying to gain employment as a Chaplain in a hospital. There are several in my town. Long term I am planning to start my own church and because I don't expect to make anything off of my sermons (I call Preachers, "teachers" sometime) I know that I will need employment, I was hoping that maybe a degree on the matter could open some doors for me.

The non-denomination behind Tripp Bible Institute are independent churches or community churches.

Hi check with the hospital you are trying to work for to see what their requirements are, as I stated in an earlier post in this thread, some hospitals like the one I currently work for, actually have volunteer chaplains and do not have a paid chaplain on staff. The chaplains do receive free meals, free office space, a chapel, and free usage of administrative services and there are 2 secs that work out of the spiritual care office where the chaplains are housed.

__________________
Ed.D in Teacher Leadership Should complete in 2011

MBA Maybe December 2008 or early 2009

M.S. in Entrepreneurial Studies Completed May 2008

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Technology Completed December 2007

Technology and Media Director, Adjunct, and Instructional Technology Consultant

Okay, will do. Am I mistaken (too lazy to look back) or did you say you had received a degree in this manner and how has it affected your career?