ABCS/ACCS Now Offers B.B.A. & New D.Min. in Counseling

American Christian College and Seminary (http://www.accs.edu) [formerly American Bible College and Seminary] is now offering the Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

They also are offering a new Doctor of Ministry Degree in Christian Counseling "which can be entered with either a Master's degree from an accredited institution or 36 hours of graduate work. this degree requires 45 hours of course work, a six-hour internship and a nine-hour professional project or applied research project (ARP). An M.Div degree which is required for the D.Min. program in other areas, is not a prerequisite for entrance into this program...." Quote is from the ACCS June 2001 Newsletter.

Barry

 

It is important to note that this school is accredited by TRACS. TRACS is a recognized and legitimate accreditor, but research shows that degrees from schools accredited by national agencies like TRACS (and DETC) have a lower level of acceptability from admissions officials at RA colleges and universities.

There was a time when Bear's Guide was bursting with unaccredited Bible schools. It was difficult to tell the difference between schools that offered a real educational experience and those that were handing out degrees for a donation. Although there have been--and are--recognized accreditors of religious schools, the development of TRACS really puts this to rest. There doesn't seem to be any reason why a legitimate religious school would not now have access to recognition by a legitimate accrediting agency. It would seem that degrees from unaccredited Bible schools would be deemed honorary at best.

Rich Douglas

 

Rich,
If I remember correctly, TRACS requires at least 50% of the student body to be in residence. For a school that operates completely off-campus, TRACS will not accredit them.

In addition, some decent schools have a real hang-up with receiving any type of aid or oversight by any organization that has any connection to the Federal government. While most use that as an excuse for running a shoddy operation, there are some good schools that choose not to be accredited -- such as Pensacola Christian College & Bob Jones University. Whether anyone here agrees with their Fundamentalism, I doubt anyone would question the legitimacy of their ability to produce outcomes similar to, or exceeding, those of RA schools.

Barry

 

I agree with both Rich and Barry:

With Rich, regarding the fact that there is no reason a Bible/Christian College should not be either properly accredited, or in the process of seeking such accreditation. With options at the undergrad level (RA, AABC, TRACS or DETC), and the grad level (RA, ATS, TRACS), any institution which is serious about offering a substantive program, with degrees which are recognized/accepted, should be on an accreditation track.

With Barry, in that there are a few schools (a very few indeed) which are not properly accredited, which do offer a substantive program. PCC and BJU are the two which come to mind, and these are solid institutions which have established themselves in terms of the quality of their programs.

However, I think I would be safe in saying that probably 90% of all religious schools which are neither properly accredited or seeking accreditation (while their attempt to provide training for ministry may be sincere) meet the following criteria:

1. Their quality of education does not meet the accepted standard of a degree program, especially at the doctoral level.
2. They couldn't achieve recognized accreditation even if they tried, and they know this.
3. They have no intention of pursuing proper accreditation.
4. With very few exceptions the government regulation excuse is simply that, a legal loophole by which they can legally exist without meeting any type of quality assurance standards.

Russell

 

Interesting opportunity for Christian Counselors. I would think this would be especially helpful for LPC's who wanted to obtain an additional degree with a Christian perspective.

North

 

I wonder if this a signal for expansion in their whole program. I saw just a brief mention of their business degree on their web page. I am interested in seeing what happens next. I am currently taking my first class with them.

Robert

 

What degree are you working on Robert?

I had suggested to ABCS that they develop an Executive D.Min. program in line with ORU's. If they are expanding that would fit in well with a business emphasis. ORU developed their's with the person who leads large Christian organizations in mind. I thought that was a terrific idea. So maybe that will be next.

Good luck with your degree. How are you finding the course work?

North

 

THe course work is ok not to difficult. It's finding the time to do the course work that i am struggling with. I also have not heard from the school since i started taking my course. i was under the assumption that i would be placed on a mailing list however nothing has happened at this point..

Robert