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DALLAS?In an effort to accommodate busy students requiring convenient scheduling options, Criswell College will launch this fall a master of divinity degree program featuring classes on Mondays only, and evening classes for a master of arts in counseling degree.
“We expect more programs like this in the future as Criswell College combines both efficiency and effectiveness in training laborers for the harvest,” said Mark Overstreet, vice president for enrollment services.
Executive Vice President and Provost at the college, Lamar Cooper, said, “Our discussions of how to meet needs of pastors and students who work full time led us to consider the possibility of being able to complete a degree program coming to classes on Monday only.”
The new schedule option for the college’s long-standing master of divinity program will “minister to those who would like to attend classes and earn a degree but who have limited time,” Cooper said.
“Monday would be the best time for our schedule, and that especially works well for those already are serving as a pastor.”
“Now that gas prices are out of sight, this schedule becomes even more attractive.A student can come on Monday and earn his M.Div. in three years,” Cooper continued.
The degree may be earned even sooner if students also attend week-long classes that convene in January and attend summer school sessions, he said.
With the addition of evening classes for the master of arts in counseling degree, the two new schedule options draw from a variety of demographical segments, school officials said. These include middle-aged “empty-nesters” preparing for a new career, and parents, spouses and professionals desiring a career change.
“So far, students are enthusiastic about the Monday-only M.Div. classes,” Cooper said.
One such student is Ray Brantley, who said, “M.Div. Mondays is an amazing opportunity, particularly with the challenges that face modern students. This is a tremendous blessing. Everything is set up to accommodate and facilitate the pursuit of the degree, especially for those who commute two and three hours to the campus.”
“This one-day-a-week schedule will enable me to focus better on the different segments of my life, like school, ministry and work,” he added.
“The new schedule is wonderful,” said George Cardozo Jr. “I can take all of my classes on one day. That keeps me from neglecting my family and my studies, and helps me financially by reducing the number of trips I have to make.”
Brantley notes that the scheduling options are reflective of what he discovered at Criswell College.
“This is an amazing school, and I am blessed to have such a place where everyone, from the staff to the professors care for you as a person. They treat students as people, not numbers,” he said. “I don’t know of many schools where professors will not only pray for you, they will pray with you. You really sense the love and care and concern they have for you.”
School officials said enrollment for the upcoming fall semester continues apace. Persons interested in enrolling at Criswell College should contact the school’s Admissions Office at 800-899-0012 or 214-821-5433, or e-mail admission@criswell.edu.
