This provocative book tells you how to determine if a college is a credible school. It identifies hundreds of good schools through which students can earn Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees entirely off campus. It also exposes many less-than-wonderful schools that should be avoided. Walston's Guide has become the academic standard by which Christian distance learning is evaluated. It masterfully guides the reader through the important but often misunderstood concept of American accreditation. It also gives a trustworthy statement on how to understand global academic recognition. Walston's Guide is the must read for anyone interested in distance learning.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
". . . a veritable treasure-house of information . . . essential reading for anyone embarking upon a non-traditional course. It addresses so many questions that a would-be student wants to have answered. And it has the splendid quality of being presented in a common-sense, logical way. I have used the Guide and will continue to use it with great interest." -- Robert Brinley Jones, D.Phil. Oxford University, F.S.A., London, President of the National Library of Wales
"Dr. Rick Walston has proven over the years that he is the expert on non-traditional theological education. His consistent research and fair evaluation make Walston's Guide a must for any person seeking the quality educational opportunities that exist outside of traditional schools and universities." -- James R. White, Th.D., Author of The King James Only Controversy, Director of Alpha and Omega Ministries, Arizona
"Those who have discovered that there are non-traditional programs of religious higher education will find that the Walston's Guide saves untold hours of research in looking for what is available. The book raises caution flags when appropriate. Helpful background information in early chapters assists the reader to make discriminating use of the listings." -- C. Richard Craghead,D.Min.,San Francisco Theological
"Through this book, Rick Walston has provided a needed resource for those considering distance learning. Walston's Guide is packed with useful information that will assist you in making the best decision for your continued education." -- Jack Kragt, Academic Sales Manager, Zondervan Publishing House
"Walston's Guide is the first place I look when I need a tough but fair evaluation and description of a school offering religious degrees by distance learning. It is a most valuable resource for students, registrars, human resource professionals, and the media." -- Dr. John B. Bear, Author of Bear's Guide To Earning Degrees Nontraditionally, California
"Dr. Rick Walston has proven over the years that he is the expert on non-traditional theological education. His consistent research and fair evaluation make Walston's Guide a must for any person seeking the quality educational opportunities that exist outside of traditional schools and universities." -- James R. White, Th.D., Author of The King James Only Controversy, Director of Alpha and Omega Ministries, Arizona
"Those who have discovered that there are non-traditional programs of religious higher education will find that the Walston's Guide saves untold hours of research in looking for what is available. The book raises caution flags when appropriate. Helpful background information in early chapters assists the reader to make discriminating use of the listings." -- C. Richard Craghead,D.Min.,San Francisco Theological
"Through this book, Rick Walston has provided a needed resource for those considering distance learning. Walston's Guide is packed with useful information that will assist you in making the best decision for your continued education." -- Jack Kragt, Academic Sales Manager, Zondervan Publishing House
"Walston's Guide is the first place I look when I need a tough but fair evaluation and description of a school offering religious degrees by distance learning. It is a most valuable resource for students, registrars, human resource professionals, and the media." -- Dr. John B. Bear, Author of Bear's Guide To Earning Degrees Nontraditionally, California
About the Author
[Rick Waslton's educational background includes both traditional and distance learning though these various schools: --Associate of Practical Theology, Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas --Bachelor of Arts, Warner Pacific College, Portland, Oregon --Master of Religion, Warner Pacific College, Portland, Oregon --Doctor of Philosophy, Greenwich University, Hilo, Hawaii --Doctor of Ministry, Northwest Graduate School of the Ministry, Kirkland, Washington --Doctor of Philosophy student in theology, Potchefstroom University, South Africa]
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More About the Author
Rick Walston, PhD
Biography
Ric (aka Rick) Walston was born in 1954 in Longview, WA, and graduated from R. A. Long High School in '72. Ric earned multiple degrees including a B.A., an M.Rel., a D.Min., and a PhD. For twenty years he pastored in various churches including the Assemblies of God and independent churches. He has written multiple books, most of which are available on Amazon.com. Ric is the president of Columbia Evangelical Seminary. He also serves as a professor of theology. He lives with his wife, Sue, in the greater Seattle, WA, area.
Biography
Ric (aka Rick) Walston was born in 1954 in Longview, WA, and graduated from R. A. Long High School in '72. Ric earned multiple degrees including a B.A., an M.Rel., a D.Min., and a PhD. For twenty years he pastored in various churches including the Assemblies of God and independent churches. He has written multiple books, most of which are available on Amazon.com. Ric is the president of Columbia Evangelical Seminary. He also serves as a professor of theology. He lives with his wife, Sue, in the greater Seattle, WA, area.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply Excellent!,
By Rocky R Rochette (Northern Valley, CA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Walston's Guide to Christian Distance Learning: Earning Degrees Nontraditionally, 4th edition (Mass Market Paperback)
I purchased this book on May 16, 2002. I did so because I needed help in sorting out facts from fiction. I had previously studied via distance through a ministry that purported to be a legitimate and scholarly institution. I received my Associates degree in Ministry after reading one book, and completing an open book exam (designed to ensure I read the book). Needless to say, as a person who has been called by the Lord to serve Him full time, it was obvious that this was not a true education.To Rick Walston's book: I read this book, including the school reviews, at LEAST 5 times cover to cover. My copy has dog-earred and worn pages. It has had water on it. It has notes and markings inside it. It has taught me about accreditation and why it is and why it isn't important. I have been to every one of the school's web sites (most addresses are listed in the book, some you must find through google or another search engine) at LEAST 5 times. At last, on July 1, 2002 I was accepted by the school I believe was THE BEST due to the faculty, the type of education (mentoring), the un-biased reccomendations, and the cost (compared to Traditional schools it was a bargain). I have seen first hand that I will gain an actual education (complete with extensive reading, very strict writing requirements, and routine contact with my mentor). I am starting at ground zero (ignoring my earlier mentioned "degree") and look forward to the journey. I would not have been able to make this prayerful decision with Rick Walston's book. Even though I am already signed up with a school, I still look through this book at least every couple of weeks to review the information. This book is a "MUST READ" before you invest the money the Lord has given you for your Biblical or Seminary training. We are required to be good stewards of the Lord's money. Spend the [money] (I had mine sent second day air so I could begin research quickly) to purchase this book, then read it and study it. Challenge the statements by visiting the web sites yourself. Call Rick Walston if you disagree with him. But don't spend $8,000 plus on distance education without this small investment first.
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dr. Walston covers all the bases!,
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This review is from: Walston's Guide to Christian Distance Learning: Earning Degrees Nontraditionally, 4th edition (Mass Market Paperback)
There are many good resources for evaluating distance learning programs and schools. However, one thing that makes Dr. Walston's work stand out is that it is specifically targeted at Christian distance learning, a discipline that has it's own set of special circumstances. Dr. Walston is a retired pastor and founder/director of Columbia Evangelical Seminary ..., which is included in his book. Some may suggest that there is conflict of interest for Dr. Walston to critique a school that he directs or other schools that he has himself attended. But that concern becomes moot in chapter 10 ("How to Evaluate a School") because the reader is given the tools to evaluate a school for themselves. This gives the prospective student the ability and confidence to affirm Dr. Walston's or any other distance learning guide's assessment of a school or program. And one of the most important assessment tools is the work of the graduates of a particular school. That is after all, the "proof in the pudding." I have read several excellent guides on distance learning, but it wasn't until I read Dr. Walston's work that I gained the confidence to actually venture out into the world of distance learning. I am now a distance learning student near the completion of my B.A. Degree with plans to continue into graduate work. If you are interested in Christian education but you cannot pick up and move; if you have questions about accreditation; if wonder if the cost of higher education is worth the investment, this book is for you! You find the answers to these and many other important question that will give you the tools you need to make a prudent choice.
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't leave for school without it!,
By Cathy Crosby, M. Div. (Fresno, CA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Walston's Guide to Christian Distance Learning: Earning Degrees Nontraditionally, 4th edition (Mass Market Paperback)
Walston's Guide is the first and last word on Christian distance learning. If you are considering continuing your education or are wondering about nontraditional learning methods, buy this book. The nominal purchase price and amount of time you will invest in reading it are nothing compared to the time and money you could waste by getting a bogus degree at an inferior school.
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