I have several questions for those who may have an answer...These questions are coming from someone who has a desire to teach at least the undergrad level.

1. Why do some professors pursue a Th.M?

2. Is one able to teach with a Th.M and pursue a Ph.D. at the same time? In other words, would it be beneficial to pursue a Th.M in order to have income while doing Ph.D. work?

3. Is it more beneficial to receive a Ph.D. from a place like Trinity, Fuller, Wheaton, etc. or from a secular university like Princeton, Harvard, Chicago, Duke, etc. or from an overseas university like Cambridge, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, etc?

4. What is the cost for an overseas degree compared to a Ph.D. from the US?

5. Finally, is it possible (or even wise) to pursue a Ph.D. with a wife and kids, assuming that you prefer your wife to not work and stay at home with the kids?

I guess I should add that I a Southern Baptist, and at this point, I have no desire to teach necessarily outside Southern Baptist or evangelical circles. I also have no problem with teaching at small college. I am not asking what I need to do in order to teach at Southern Seminary or Wheaton. I went to a small, Southern Baptist college and was influenced profoundly in my thinking by ONE professor, who was faithful to teach me the doctrines of grace and theology in general. My three best friends from college were all influenced by him as well. So I understand the influence you can have even at a small school, so I have no objections to teaching at one.

Thanks for any answers!

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Nate Wood
Student, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Clifton Baptist Church
Louisville, KY