The Future of Theological Education: Hybrid and Online Programs

Twenty years ago, the Tennessee Cooperative Baptist Fellowship partnered with Central Seminary in Shawnee, KS, to open a satellite center in middle Tennessee. The seminary also opened two other sites at that time. Classes took place on Friday evenings and on Saturdays. Professors came from Kansas to teach, and we also enlisted supplemental faculty from the local area.

In the following years, Central added online classes that our students could access. Eventually, the seminary was able to offer a full Master of Divinity degree online. When COVID struck, this strategy was a godsend!

Today most institutions of higher learning including theological schools offer both hybrid programs and online programs. Hybrid programs combine online and in person experiences. Online learning offers flexibility, accessibility, and scalability and in-person learning providing opportunities for hands-on experience, collaboration, and networking.

It is clear, however, that online learning will continue to grow and become dominant. Twenty-five years ago, no Association of Theological member school offered any courses online. Today, over two-thirds of member schools have on-line offerings and many offer entire degrees online. Studies show that the education experience for online students is comparable to that of residential students.

There are many advantages to this model for students. It provides flexible learning options, allowing students who have jobs, families, and church relationships to pursue seminary without uprooting themselves and their families. Economically, it is more cost effective for the seminary than on-campus programs. This also breaks down geographic barriers, expanding access to students nationally and worldwide.

This is all possible due to improved technology advancements such as improved online platforms and access to digital libraries. In the future, virtual reality and AI will enhance the online learning experience.

Although students in many of these programs will only physically interact rarely (usually at commencement ceremonies), they build strong relational bonds through the online classes they share over a period of time. They also continue to be contributors in the life and work of their local congregations.

In the next post, we will look at curricular changes in theological education.

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