MASTER & DOCTORAL ACCREDITATION UPDATE (12-30-09)
On Monday, December 28, 2009 our president, Dr. Kevin Harrison, received a call from Dr. Steve Anderson of Transworld Accrediting Commission (www.transworldaccrediting.com) regarding accreditation of all of the Master and Doctoral degree level programs at West Coast Bible College & Seminary.
In summary, Dr. Anderson informed President Harrison that Transworld has officially granted WCBCS "Fully Accredited Member Status" for all programs from Bachelor level through doctoral effective immediately. That is now reflected on the Transworld Accrediting Commission (www.transworldaccrediting.com) website.
FYI: Transworld Accrediting Commission is in discussions with the U.S. Department of Education regarding becoming a governmentally recognized accrediting agency with a specific focus on theological schools. WCBCS and Transworld Accrediting Commission are committed to a sound theological education that
ACCREDITATION
Accreditation is a function of a governing body whereby they asses the programs, policies, and procedures of a college and university to ensure quality to a given set of standards. In the United States there are two types of accreditation: governmental and private. The US Department of Education oversees various groups which make up the governmental accreditation for colleges and universities known as regional accreditation. When a college or university becomes regionally accredited they must comply with various educational guidelines that help insure institutional adherence to basic guidelines. Regional accreditation is a good thing and crucial in some cases, especially if you want to enter a profession such as law or medicine.
When WCBCS was formed, we looked at the possibility of applying for regional accreditation in the future and we decided that to do so would take us away from our mission of solely training ministers. Therefore, WCBCS has chosen not to seek regional accreditation, which is governmental accreditation, due to the fact that regional accreditation would require that approximately half of our programs would be made up of classes such as English, math, sciences, etc. While these classes are significant in the educational journey, they would cause us to deviate from our mission and purpose. So we have chosen to seek accreditation from a private, Christian accrediting commission who understands our calling and educational mission. Integrity and an educationally qualified accrediting team served as the key factors for us in choosing Transworld Accrediting Commission.
Mail:
231 E. Alessandro Blvd.
Suite A-210
Riverside, California 92508-6039 USA
Office Location:
9085 California Avenue
Riverside, California 92503 USA
Use Mapquest
(The Office is located with the historic Arlington Foursquare Church)
Email:
office@transworldaccrediting.com
Telephone:
(951) 901-5586
FAX:
(951) 344-8236
AUTHORIZATION TO GRANT DEGREES
WCBCS has successfully completed the process to receive religious exemption with the state of California and is authorized by the State of California to grant religious degrees. WCBCS completely complies with all the laws of the state of California. WCBCS is also recognized by the Government of the United States of America, as a 501 (c)(3) Religious Organization with all rights and privileges as provided by law.
HAS WCBCS BEEN EXAMINED BY ADDITIONAL OUTSIDE AGENCIES
West Coast
Bible College & Seminary has completed the
affirmation process of
A3CEES, the Association of Christ-Based Clergy,
Counselors, Educators, and Educational Systems.
For a list of their standards of affirmation, please
click here. We know it's VERY IMPORTANT to
be accountable throughout the process to insure high
standards of affordable education and we willing to submit to outside entities to judge the programs of WCBCS. Additionally, WCBCS has been granted a
501 C 3 status as a non-profit organization by the
US Government. For more information on these
requirements,
click here.
CREDIBILITY
We've often been asked the question, "Does a degree from West Coast Bible College & Seminary have credibility?" In short, the answer is absolutely! In assessing the credibility of any institution, we suggest that you review the experience and education members of the organization. A ministry degree form WCBCS has been recognized by many churches and ministries and we are constantly seeing new ways to gain relationships. memberships, and affiliations which will only enhance our credibility.
Our professors possess degrees from:
*Baylor University
*Colorado Christian University
*Houston Graduate School of Theology
*Oral Roberts University
*University of Oxford
*Southwestern Assemblies of God University
*Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
*Southern Methodist University
*Southwestern Theological Seminary
*Texas Tech University
*University of Texas
*Vanderbilt University and more
FYI: A recent graduate of WCBCS phoned our office the other day and told us how his DMin degree from WCBCS played a major role in him receiving a $9 million contract with a ministry foundation. Every person's experience may vary, but this speaks volumes about our credibility in the eyes of others.
If you have any questions, give us a call or ask your employer or denominational leaders to check us out. Our desire is to make sure that your education meets your life needs and goals!