Evaluation of a Master of Divinity Program in a Theological Seminary

The objective of this research project was to evaluate the effectiveness of the M.Div. program of Alliance Bible Seminary, Hong Kong. The research was designed for evaluation based solely upon the perceptions of the participant (graduate). The research identified and described the graduates enrolled, assessed perceived career development and attainment, and measured the degree of satisfaction experienced by the graduates who have matriculated from the degree program. A questionnaire was mailed to obtain the necessary data from the graduates of the M.Div. program of Alliance Bible Seminary. The questionnaire which was used was adapted from a previously used one used in the study of graduate educational programs. It has been tested in two other previous studies and was deemed effective. In order to verify its effectiveness in the Eastern context, a pilot test was conducted before the formal research, and the adapted questionnaire was found effective. Responses to the questionnaire were coded and the SPSS system was used to analyze the data. Tables and figures were constructed showing frequencies and significant differences where they occurred. Generally, the graduates at Alliance Bible Seminary were very satisfied with their educational experiences. Both males and females indicated that they would choose the same path again, and would recommend the program to others. The graduates were having full-time employment in the field of Christian ministry, and were positively attaining their career goals. The steps leading to the degree at Alliance Bible Seminary were perceived as very helpful and useful, not just the course work and independent reading, but also extre-curricular activities such as voluntary work on campus, Student Evangelistic Band, and interaction with faculty. Some aspects of the program need improvement and consolidation, such as freshmen advising in the majors, course work in the core, quality of instruction, varieties of course offered, and access to computing resources. A special concern should be made on spiritual formation activities. Over half of the respondents (55%) were not satisfied with this. This evaluation was the first of its kind in the history of the seminary. It emphasized the importance of keeping the institution responsive to the rapidly changing conditions of the society, especially in Hong Kong and China, where the focus of Christian ministry will be in the new century. Hopefully, this research project will kindle a series of research efforts that in the end will help the seminary creating an evaluation system within the institution, so that the institution is kept sensitive to the changing environment and can improve its programs accordingly.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2000

Author dc:creator

• Lui, Cheuk-On

Contributors dc:contributor

• Eddy, John P.
• Thames, James H.
• Newsom, Ronald W.

• Alliance Bible Seminary -- Evaluation.
• Protestant theological seminaries -- China -- Hong Kong -- Evaluation.
• Alliance Bible Seminary
• SPSS system
• questionnaire
• Hong Kong
• graduate perceptions

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Lui, Cheuk-On
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 47780021
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2711/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc2711

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc2711