Luther Rice College and Seminary

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Degree Programs at Luther Rice College and Seminary

Luther Rice College and Seminary appears in our ranking of the 50 Most Affordable Online Degree Programs For In-State Students. There are many jobs available that do not require a college degree. But earning a degree can bring many benefits. Research indicates that those who hold a college degree are less likely to become unemployed than those who just have a high school diploma. College graduates also have higher-than-average incomes. Many report being extremely satisfied in their careers. Luther Rice College and Seminary offers several degree programs that will prepare individuals for advanced careers. Luther Rice College and Seminary offers programs that are available on campus, online or in a hybrid version. The academic success of their students is vital to their mission and they strive to help all students live out their calling and improve the quality of service they provide to the community. Luther Rice College and Seminary offers a Bachelor of Religion in Biblical Counseling designed to introduce students to the essentials of biblical counseling. It does not prepare graduates for professional state licensure but allows them to serve more effectively as a biblical counselor at their church, as a missionary or in biblical counseling centers. The program is available online and on campus. Courses required may include:
  • Acts of the Apostles
  • Biblical Interpretation
  • Chronicles
  • Church History
  • Counseling in Ministry
  • Foundations of Counseling
  • Genesis
  • Introduction to Counseling
  • Joshua-Judges
  • Life of Christ
  • Marriage and Family Counseling
  • Methodology in Counseling
  • Minor Prophets
  • New Testament Survey
  • Old Testament Survey
  • Personal Evangelism
  • Preparing for Christian Service
  • Revelation
  • Romans
  • Survey of Theology
Luther Rice College & Seminary also offers a Master of Arts in Apologetics that is designed to provide knowledge in issues related to the rational and biblical defense of the Christian faith. The program promotes excellence in scholarship and prepares students to advance discourse in apologetics using teaching, research, and service. Students learn the necessary disciplines for proclaiming and defending Christian doctrines. Courses required may include:
  • Biblical Apologetics
  • Faith and Reason
  • Foundations of Apologetics
  • Foundations of Ethics
  • God, Evil and Miracles
  • Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics
  • Issues in Ethics
  • Major World Religions
  • Modern Religious Sects
  • Science and Faith
  • Theological Apologetics
An apologetics capstone is also required. The program is available completely online. The Doctor of Ministry program provides advanced competencies and biblical insights into the practice of ministry. The program provides instruction in methods that promote critical, biblical and theological thinking as well as oral and written communication skills. Students gain an understanding of how to apply those practices in real-life situations. Courses required may include:
  • Contemporary Leadership Development
  • Contemporary Preaching
  • Critical Issues in Ministry
  • Ethics in Ministry
  • Evangelism in Contemporary Culture
  • Issues in Biblical Counseling
  • Relationships in Ministry
  • Research & Writing for Ministry
Students must complete two research projects as well as prepare and defend a thesis. Four core courses must be completed during week-long modules on campus while the rest of the program is available online.

About Luther Rice College & Seminary

In 1962, Robert Gee Witty, along with five other pastors, founded Luther Rice Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida. Initially, the goal of the school was to meet the needs of pastors and other Christian leaders who could not quit their current jobs and uproot their families to attend seminary, but who wanted to enter the ministry or other Christian-related career. The school strongly focuses on online education and has since its inception. Only one degree at the school cannot be completed totally online. The school is named for Luther Rice in honor of his contributions to missionary work and his desire to foster cooperation in the Baptist faith. Rice was a missionary who felt every Christian had the responsibility of evangelism and devoted his life to traveling from church to church in order to unite Christians in support of missions. He also was a strong believer in Christian education, establishing Columbian College, which is now George Washington University, in Washington DC and was in South Carolina at the time of his death attempting to raise funds for the school. In 1991, Luther Rice College & Seminary moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Today, there are over 1,200 students enrolled at Luther Rice College & Seminary.

Luther Rice College & Seminary Accreditation Details

Luther Rice College & Seminary is a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges, recognized by the United States Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education, confirming that the school offers degree programs of the highest quality. In addition, Luther Rice College & Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education.

Luther Rice College & Seminary Application Requirements

Applicants to the Bachelor of Religion in Biblical Counseling must provide official high school transcripts. Those that have earned college credit must also provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. A Christian Character Reference form must be provided, and all students must complete a Bible Content Test. The test is to determine their basic Bible knowledge and is not used to determine eligibility. In order to apply for the Master of Arts in Apologetics, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 and must submit a current resume. Applicants to the Doctor of Ministry program must hold a Master of Divinity from an accredited college or institution. They must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must submit a research paper and a two-page resume that details all verifiable employment in ministry. This may include pastor, church staff, missionary, parachurch ministry leader or other church-related position.

Luther Rice College & Seminary Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition for the Bachelor of Religion in Biblical Counseling and the Master of Arts in Apologetics is $238 per credit hour. Tuition for the Doctor in Ministry is $354 per credit hour. Financial aid is available, and all students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify. Approximately 69 percent of students receive some type of financial aid and the average award is $11,177. Federal aid is available in the form of grants, work-study or loans. Luther Rice College & Seminary does not participate in George state loans although students who live in states outside of Georgia may seek assistance from their home state. There is a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) that is a need-based scholarship program. The program awards up to 50 percent of tuition and technology fees to students who can demonstrate financial need. Some students are able to obtain sponsorships from their church, employer or other organization that will cover the cost of tuition. In order to use sponsorship funds, students must complete a Sponsorship Authorization and FERPA Release. Outside scholarships and private loans may also be available. The mission of Luther Rice College & Seminary is to serve the church and provide biblically-based education to prepare men and women for Christian ministry.

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