Counselor Degree Options at Apex School of Theology
Apex School of Theology appears in our ranking of the 20 Best Master’s in Pastoral Counseling Online Degree Programs.
Apex School of Theology in North Carolina is an interdenominational spiritual institution that offers a limited number of affordable bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. The school provides theological based academics that cover a wide range of theological themes. This university is popular among clergy preparing for ministry and church members who want to develop their faith. Apex School of Theology is historically connected to the African American religious experience. Every year, between 70 to 90 percent of students are African American. Anywhere from 60 to 70 percent of students will be female each year.
Apex School of Theology offers two types of online master’s degrees in counseling. First, the Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (MABC) prepares students to give spiritual and emotional support to people in the church. This 36-credit hour program is designed for those who want to expand and implement counseling ministries located in churches. Counseling courses include titles like Introduction to Pastoral Counseling, Abnormal Psychology, Counseling Techniques, Marriage and Family Counseling, Crisis Counseling Theories, Professional and Ethical Counseling and Advanced Developmental Psychology.
The second online graduate degree for those interested in Christian-based counseling and psychology is the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (MACC). This 69-hour program prepares students to provide counseling to persons inside and outside church settings. This degree introduces students to complex clinical issues and prepares them to serve community-based populations. The basic counseling courses are identical to the degree above, but there are classes in Theories of Personality, Family Systems Therapy, Cross-Cultural Counseling, Group Dynamics Counseling, Physiological Bases of Behavior and Individual and Systems Assessment.
The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling comes in two specializations. First, the Professional Counselor Track that includes classes in Career Counseling Theories and Practice, Crisis Counseling Theories and Applications and Interpersonal Techniques in Helping Relationships. There is an Internship for Professional Counseling that occurs across 15 weeks. Second, the Marriage and Family Therapy Track includes classes in Children in Therapy, Moral Development Theories and Marriage and Family Counseling. There is also a 15-week Internship for Marriage and Family Therapy.
About Apex School of Theology
Apex School of Theology was created recently in 1995 by Reverend Dr. Joseph Perkins. The Apex School of Theology is one of the only private, independent church schools to offer online theological degrees to undergraduates and graduate. There are actually quite a few neighboring religious colleges and divinity schools in North Carolina, but Apex School of Theology was created to meet the educational needs of clergy and leaders who need lower tuition costs. Most students are from different denominations of similar faiths who serve small to large churches as pastors, chaplains, educators, and teachers.
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One of the reasons why the tuition is low is because the staff and faculty work at basic pay in order to support the students and the community. Most of them have been involved in local churches and community organizations. All professors have at least a master’s degree. The professors are committed to preparing clergy for service in churches, ministries, and the community. The professors are committed to their student’s development by promoting scholarly inquiry, Christian faith and an attitude of service. Programs nurture the student’s sense of civic, social and religious responsibility.
Apex School of Theology offers their Distance Education (ApexDE) program to students around the world. The ApexDE works with several educational institutions such as the Seminary Extension of the Southern Baptist Convention to help students achieve their 100 percent online theological degree. On-campus and online degrees include an Associate Degree in Christian Education, a Bachelor of Theology, a Master of Christian Education and a Master of Divinity. Apex School of Theology maintains independent study programs, off-campus continuing education programs, and life-long learning opportunities.
Apex School of Theology Accreditation Details
Apex School of Theology’s accreditation is through the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. TRACS is neither nationally nor regionally accredited, but they are recognized by the Department of Education. They are also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education.
Apex School of Theology Application Requirements
Apex School of Theology maintains an open door admission policy that allows them to individually respond to each applicant. Prospective students must submit an application with a high school transcript, two letters of reference, a spiritual autobiography and a physician-approved health form. The spiritual autobiography may sound new to secular students, but it is a common requirement for clergy-students. These essays are filled with biographical information that demonstrates a conviction to the faith and a drive for spiritual leadership. A spiritual autobiography typically includes background information, religious upbringing, previous education, important relationships, major achievements and important life choices and experiences.
Apex School of Theology Tuition and Financial Aid
Students pursuing associates and bachelor’s degrees will pay $600 per class or $200 per credit hour. Online Master’s Degrees are $700 per class or $233 per credit hour. Apex School of Theology offers Federal loans, Federal Pell Grants, VA educational benefits, Presidential Scholarships and interest-free payment plans to those who qualify. VA educational benefits include the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program, the Montgomery GI Bill and the Reserve Educational Assistance Program.
The Department of Education offers Subsidized, Unsubsidized and PLUS Loans to students and parents. Direct Loans, or Stafford Loans, are available to undergraduate and graduate students. They offer low, fixed and subsidized interest rates to eligible undergraduates. Parent PLUS Loans are for parents who have a dependent undergraduate student. This only requires a quick credit check to qualify. Grad PLUS Loans are fixed-rate federal student loans for graduate students. Perkins Loans are available for undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional financial need.
Apex School of Theology provides degree programs that have solid foundations in biblical beliefs, theological studies, and general education. The school emphasizes religious, cultural, social and ethical values in order to facility character development, community interaction and vocational excellence. Apex School of Theology’s Admissions Department offers a Net Price Calculator that can be used to guesstimate the cost of attendance and likelihood of receiving financial aid.