FAQ
General list of INFO & FAQ’s for
WCBCS & Master’s Commission
(Click here to download the FAQ list)
WHEN CAN I ENROLL?
Online open enrollment means you can enroll at any time. This is a self-paced program, which can be completed at your own leisure. Students are allowed a maximum of 5 years to complete any bachelor degree and 3 years to complete any master or doctoral degree.
→ → → TO ENROLL NOW CLICK HERE ← ← ←
COSTS
1. Why is the cost of a degree at WCBCS so much less expensive than other traditional colleges?
The majority of the tuition at a traditional school goes towards facilities and faculty. Since we only pay for office space and not large buildings, we have fewer expenses to “pass on to the students.” Additionally, our professors whole-heartedly share the vision of training ministers. Thus, they have agreed to teach as a part-time ministry. Our desire is to train ministers cost-effectively and not create what we call “disciples of debt.”
2. Is it $1,250 for just one year or both?
The $1,250.00 tuition covers the entire bachelor program of your choice. If you choose to enroll in a master or doctoral program, the cost is $1,000 per program.
3. Would it be possible for someone to send in a check to pay for their tuition or application fee rather than paying online? You can absolutely send in a check.
We would actually prefer a check as it allows us to avoid extra processing fees. Pleas send checks directly to the Texas office address listed on our website.
4. Do you give refunds on tuition or fees?
Tuition and fees are non-refundable.
5. If a student signs up for this and then decides that they do not wish to continue, would a refund be possible? And if so, how much would be refunded?
We have a no-refund policy, as is stated on our website, due to the fact that the costs are extremely low and our professors are paid immediately upon receipt of tuition.
6. What additional costs are there beyond tuition?
Other costs beyond tuition include: Registration ($50.00), Books (approximately $10-$15 per class on average Books used @ WCBCS), and a $100.00 graduation fee (which is subject to change slightly).
BOOKS Books used @ WCBCS
1. Once a student is registered, do their books automatically come in the mail or do they need to go back online and order them? Does that cost extra?
Students are required to order their books online. We provide 5 different links. The books average $15 a piece, but used books are available for purchase at a significantly less expensive price. Each course syllabus includes a list of required books. Books used @ WCBCS
2. Do you read books as a whole or in chapters?
Students will typically read one chapter each day, unless they are very short chapters. Each course syllabus outlines the recommended schedule.
Computer & Internet Requirements
1. Are classes able to be downloaded on both Mac and PC?
Assignments can be downloaded on either a Mac or a PC as long as the computer is able to download Microsoft Word documents.
2. Is there a customer service number in case of technical difficulties?
Yes, please call 800-921-4561 for assistance.
3. Is the class entirely online or is it a program that can be downloaded?
All of the classes are online, but certain assignments can be downloaded in advance. For instance, the open book test can be downloaded and taken while the student is doing the reading.
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. What is the application process for WCBCS?
Due to the high volume of applications WCBCS must process from Master’s Commission programs, Master’s Commission students, staff, and graduates/alumni applying to WCBCS are required to submit the $50.00 application fee via PayPal before being able to submit an application. Immediately upon receipt of payment, WCBCS will create your student record. You will then be redirected to the online application and given further instructions.
→ → → TO ENROLL NOW CLICK HERE ← ← ←
2. IMPORTANT NOTE:
To ensure a successful application process, please be sure to fill out the correct and complete information about the Master’s Commission you plan to attend or have attended. Your application will be submitted to Master’s Commission International Network for approval from your local Master’s Commission director before WCBCS can accept your application.
Entrance Requirements
1. Students who would like to enroll must have the following four requirements:
1) Have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
2) Have graduated from high school or completed a GED.
3) Send copies of the “official transcripts” from every school you have attended to the WCBCS address.
4.) Plan to attend or have attended a Master’s Commission Affiliate program.
→ → → TO ENROLL NOW CLICK HERE ← ← ←
2. What is an “official transcript”?
This is the transcript sent directly from your previous schools to our offices and it must be stamped with the official school seal. Students may complete up to two classes before their “official transcript” is on file.
Official transcripts should be sent to:
WCBCS Attn: Registrar 7459 S IH 35 Waco, TX 76706 Phone…800.921.4561 E-mail…info@westcoastbible.org
3. If I am currently in high school and plan to go to a Master’s Commission can I enroll in WCBCS? (CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT)
High school students may, with the permission of the appropriate high school official, concurrently enroll in high school and college courses. A maximum of nine (9) semester hours will be accepted. College students may concurrently enroll in courses at WCBCS.
Scholarships
1. Does WCBCS have scholarships?
WCBCS does not offer scholarships or receive federal funding.
2. Does Master’s Commission have scholarships to attend WCBCS?
The short answer is YES. Each Master’s Commission program does have access to scholarships for WCBCS. The number of scholarships available to them depends on the number of students they have enrolled in WCBCS. You must be enrolled or have previously attended a Master’s Commission to receive a scholarship. Each individual Master’s Commission Director has a very limited number of scholarships available. To find out more information please contact the Master’s Commission you are looking to attend.
1. What is a Degree in Ministry?
A degree in ministry is a degree that trains a student to do the work of the ministry, much like a business degree trains a person in business. As you view the classes being offered, you will find classes that address the various ministries throughout all of church ministry.
Click here for a list of current BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAMS.
2. How is it possible to obtain a four-year degree in two years? What are the requirements?
As stated in the previous questions, students will complete the five various modules in each class to complete their degree. The length of completion is completely up to each individual student. The syllabus for each class outlines the schedule for a student to finish a class every two weeks, typically, in the bachelor degree program. Sample classes are available online that will address what the requirements are like. Click here for more info on Course Descriptions
3. How many extra credits are required to get a Master’s Degree? Could I get it during my third year in Master’s Commission?
Every Masters degree form WCBCS is 48 hours, 12 classes. The average student typically takes 6-9 months to complete their degree. So it is completely possible, even realistic, to complete a Masters degree in the third year program of any Master’s Commission.
4. What about Staff, Graduates & Directors of Master’s Commission programs? How do the costs, enrollment, degrees & etc work for them?
The requirements are the same as someone enrolled in a Master’s Commission. You will be more on a self-pace schedule as stated below in questions 11 and 12. But you’ll get everything for the same cost. It may take MCIN a couple weeks longer to verify your graduation from an Affiliated Master’s Commission program, however, and for this reason, it is VERY important to provide all information available about the MC program(s) you graduated from.
→ → → TO ENROLL NOW CLICK HERE ← ← ←
5. How many classes will I need to take to graduate?
Students are required to complete a minimum 30 hours (10 classes) to complete any degree. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
6. Can someone who has a degree go for a Master’s Degree?
Yes. When someone completes a bachelor degree through WCBCS, they can then go on for a Master’s degree at WCBCS or elsewhere. As stated before, we encourage students to contact their prospective colleges in advance to ensure that the degrees from WCBCS will satisfy their requirements. Typically, schools with the same accreditation are more than willing to accept other schools degrees and will allow advanced degrees to be earned.
7. Can I get additional degrees?
Students who graduate from WCBCS can continue on in their academic endeavors through WCBCS or at another college. However, before enrolling at WCBCS, we encourage students to contact their prospective college in advance to ensure that the degrees from WCBCS will satisfy their requirements. There have been several students dually enrolled in two degree programs simultaneously.
8. Is it possible to do more than one major at a time?
It is possible to do more than one major, as some of our degree plans are very close to one another. We can help the student determine the most efficient course of action for them.
9. What is the benefit of having a degree versus just being credentialed?
Being credentialed is important, but having a degree is essential in ministry and in our current culture! When pastors or potential employers look at two qualified candidates, many times the deciding factor can be their educational background.
10. If I do not want to go into ministry, what benefit will a bachelor’s degree in ministry have?
A bachelor degree obtained in any field is a monumental achievement that will bring opportunities to your career. It shows a potential employer that you are disciplined and able to complete a task set before you. Most importantly, completing a bachelor’s degree shows that you are a good steward of the gifts that God has placed in you. Can God use someone without a degree? Absolutely! He has done so throughout the centuries of mankind! However, our current world places a premium on education and you’ll find that in our culture many more opportunities will be available to you if you have completed a bachelor’s degree.
11. Has WCBCS received legal approval to grant degrees in the state of California?
WCBCS has successfully completed the process of approval with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education for the state of California. WCBCS completely complies with all the laws of the state of California and is authorized to grant degrees.
12. Do I “have to” finish a class every 14 days in the Bachelor program or in the time frames prescribed in the MRE & DMin programs?
At WCBCS, we understand that life can change and bring about all sorts of challenges without warning. The class syllabus provides a guideline to help you stay focused and finish your degree within two years. (Syllabus and Daily Schedule) However, our policy allows you to complete your degree in a maximum of 5 years at the bachelor level and 3 at the MRE and DMin levels. Therefore, you may work at your own pace, given that you adhere to the maximum time allowed. Click here for more info on Class and Program Length
13. Once I start a specific class, how long do I have to complete it?
At WCBCS, we are committed to providing our students with the best in academic quality, while focusing on the key principles that will be most used in their chosen field. Once a class is begun, students are required to complete any class within six months. If a class is not completed in the given time frame, the student will receive an “I” on their transcript. A student will not be allowed to graduate with an “I” or “F” on their transcript.
Life Learning Credits
1. What are Life Learning Credits and how do they work for Master’s Commission Students?
Life Learning Credits are given for the invaluable learning experiences in the real-world classroom, which are recognized from an academic standpoint. Master’s Commission students will be granted 15 LLC hours for each year that they have completed in an MCIN affiliated Master’s Commission program. A maximum of 30 LLC hours are available to each student. Therefore, a MC student who completes two years through MC will only be required to take 90 credit hours (30 classes) in order to graduate.
2. What changes if I only take one year of Master’s Commission?
If you only take one year of MC then you will receive 15 hours of Life Learning Credits. However, once you have paid your WCBCS tuition in full, you may continue as a student at WCBCS after your time in the Master’s Commission program.
3. What classes do life credits cancel out?
The classes “cancelled out” by the Life Learning Credits will be determined individually for each student by their student advisor. Each student will receive a degree plan within two weeks of their enrollment in the program that will outline their required classes. Life Learning Credit Information
Transferrable Credits
1. Can I transfer credits that I’ve already obtained? If so, which credits transfer?
A student can transfer credit hours from another institute, college, or university as stated above. An evaluation and assessment of each student’s individual transcript will be made. We are able to transfer most credit hours for which the student made a “C” or above. Life Learning Credit Information
2. If I transfer credits, is tuition still $1,250?
If the student wishes to pay for classes on an individual basis, the cost is $75.00 per class on the bachelor level, $100.00 per class on the master’s level, and $125.00 per class on the doctoral level. This method will only benefit the student who has 10 or fewer classes to complete.
3. If I have already obtained an Associates Degree or a General Education degree, should I send a transcript?
Any college classes a student has obtained will help them to complete the degree faster. If the student has 90 hours, it would benefit them to pay for each class separately ($75) as described above. Transcripts should be requested and sent to us directly from the previous college(s). Once we receive the transcripts we will create a degree plan for the student who can then determine which payment method would be best.
Class Modules
1. Who teaches the classes?
WCBCS has a long list of highly qualified personnel who have been actively involved in ministry for a number of years. We encourage everyone to view our faculty programs online to learn about each of our educators. Click here for FACULTY LIST
2. Are the professors academically qualified? All WCBCS professors hold a degree for, at minimum, the level they are teaching. In addition, they are proven leaders in their field who will give you the practical insight you need to succeed. A team of professors who will provide various viewpoints on a given subject will teach some courses. We encourage everyone to view our faculty programs online to learn about each of our educators. FACULTY LIST
3. Are the classes entirely online, entirely bookwork, or a combination of both?
The classes are online, although bookwork is required. Each class is made up of the following five modules:
1.) Read one textbook and provide one personal key truth learned from each chapter as well as how it can be implemented in ministry. Our belief is that the exercise has been successful if the student can learn one practical truth that will stay with them for a lifetime.
2.) Listen to two 30-45 lectures or watch an online video and fill in the blanks on the lecture notes.
3.) Complete an open book exam. The student can complete this exam while reading the text. Each exam will consist of 20 to 25 questions. However, students MAY NOT collaborate with other students to complete this exercise.
4.) Find magazine or Internet articles discussing the subject and write a summary of each article. Each article must be properly identified with the title, author, and web link noted.
5.) Write a final paper discussing the subject matter and its relevance to your personal ministry as well as how you plan to implement it in life and ministry.
VIEW SAMPLE CLASSES click here.
4. Am I required to study on my own?
The classes are designed for the individual learner. However, collaboration and discussions are allowed.
5. Will I read books as a whole or in chapters?
Students will typically read one chapter each day, unless they are very short chapters. Each course syllabus outlines the recommended schedule.
6. How much time will homework require?
The average amount of time needed per day is one hour or less. There is no additional homework beyond this requirement.
7. What is this program modeled after?
WCBCS is a program that is not modeled after any other educational program in the world. This revolutionary educational concept was created by our founder, Dr. Kevin Harrison, who has served in education in administration on the elementary, secondary, and collegiate levels. This model lives out the old German Proverb, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” WCBCS targets specific textbooks and designs its classes around the 10 most important things a student needs to learn about a subject. Most of the things students learn in traditional education are either not relevant to their actual work or aren’t memorable enough to have taken root in the mind of the student. By focusing on less content of greater importance, we can help students remember and implement more!
8. What is the Grading Scale?
A = 100 – 92
B = 91 – 84
C = 83 – 75
D = 74 – 65
F = 64 & below
Honors:
3.95 – 4.00 Summa Cum Laude
3.75 – 3.94 Magna Cum Laude
3.50 – 3.74 Cum Laude
All honors (if applicable) will appear on the official transcript only. No honors will appear on the degrees earned by student.
Accreditation
1. Is WCBCS accredited?
Yes, WCBCS is privately accredited through Transworld Accrediting Commission. Accreditation conveys the message that an external set of measures has been applied and a match achieved. Several standards are involved in the accreditation process and are listed below:
STANDARD I: Structure & Governance
1. All Bible and theological courses must be based on evangelical doctrine (see Evangelical Doctrinal Statement).2. The organization and operation of the educational facility is in accord with appropriate state statutes.3. There is on file a copy of the legal instrument creating the educational organization.4. The organizational structure and charter must reflect adequate personnel to accomplish the stated purpose and goals of the educational institution.
STANDARD III: Policies
1. A current catalog is available to all students.2. Student policies are stated in writing and available to all students.3. Financial policies, including refund policies, are made available to all applicants prior to admission.4. Faculty policies are stated in writing and distributed to each faculty member.5. Administrative policies are in accordance with state laws.6. Admission and personnel policies are in accordance with federal anti-discrimination statues.
STANDARD IV: Faculty
1. The institution maintains written criteria for faculty appointment.2. Faculty/Student ratio reflects realistic workload.3. Written faculty contracts are maintained and annually updated.4. Faculty payment policies are consistent and non-discriminatory.5. A method exists for faculty input into administrative decisions.
STANDARD V: Curriculum
1. The institution must maintain an annually updated list of courses offered.2. The institution has a curriculum committee that oversees academic offerings.3. Degree requirements are in keeping with generally accepted standards.4. Students must receive a copy of their degree plan.5. Course requirements for students are consistent within departments or divisions.
2. Who is WCBCS accredited through?
WCBCS is privately accredited through Transworld Accrediting Commission (www.transworldaccrediting.com). The Transworld Accrediting Commission International (TACI) is a professional, federally recognized, non-profit church educational organization whose philosophy is to demonstrate accountability to the consuming public for education obtained in non-traditional evangelical educational institutions. This accountability is demonstrated by institutions that are accredited by TAC, having documented evidence of compliance with TACI standards of structure and governance, material resources, policies, faculty and curriculum.
TACI accredits and assists Theological Schools, Seminaries, Universities, Colleges and Programs throughout the World. Their strength and heritage is in our member institutions, including many major denominations and worldwide ministries. Real educators, recognizing achievement! Accreditation & Affiliations
Graduation from WCBCS
Graduation Approval: The Office of the Registrar must approve all candidates applying for graduation. Contact the Office of the Registrar via e-mail.
Graduation Ceremony: An annual graduation ceremony will be held in May on a date to be announced. Graduates do not need to participate in order to receive their degree. However, this opportunity is available in order to allow our students’ friends and families to honor and recognize their accomplishments.
Denominational Questions
1. Will the Assemblies of God recognize these credits for credentials?
A WCBCS student has not yet attempted to obtain their credentials through the A/G. However, at the conclusion of any degree program WCBCS offers ordination to all of our students through Casa do Oleiro Ministries. That ordination may potentially be able to be transferred. Master’s Commission International Network (MCIN) is working with WCBCS to secure A/G approval/recognition as soon as possible. WCBCS has currently enrolled many students from A/G backgrounds who are currently involved in ministry.
Other Facts
Grade Appeal Process:
If a student feels that there is an error on his grade report, he must begin the appeal process within thirty days of receiving the grade report. After thirty days the grade is considered final and is not subject to appeal by the student or any third party. WCBCS is not responsible for lost tests, projects, etc. Please be sure to make a copy of all material prior to submitting material to WCBCS for grading or evaluation.
Course Repeating Policy:
Students desiring to repeat a course for the purpose of having the first grade removed from the cumulative grade point average must follow these procedures:
(1) A course may be repeated once if the student receives a grade of less than “C”.
(2) A course may be repeated once for an additional charge if the student receives a “C” or higher.
(3) The second grade, in all circumstances, replaces the first grade for the purpose of calculating the cumulative grade point average.
(4) Any student receiving an “F” or “I” must contact the Grade Department for further instructions. No student will be allowed to graduate with an “F” or “I” in a required course. Any undergraduate student receiving three “Fs” will be placed on academic probation. Any graduate student receiving two “Fs” will be placed on academic probation.
Non-Discrimination Policy
West Coast Bible College and Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or marital status.
Confidentiality Policy
West Coast Bible College and Seminary keeps all student records and personal information private and will not release that information without the written consent of the student.
MC Director Questions & General Info
1. How difficult is it for a student to finish these 20 months? Should our Master's Commission program set aside class time for our students to go online and complete class work? Do we need to assist them in the schooling?
The students will need to put an average of 1 hour per day into their studies. The work isn’t difficult, but requires consistency. The studies can be completed in 16 months if the students follow the course syllabus and earn the 30 life learning hours obtained by completing two years of Master’s Commission. It would, however, be in the student’s best interest for the MC director to keep up with the students’ progress.
2. Once a student is registered, do their books automatically come in the mail or do they need to go back online and order them? Does that cost extra?
Students are required to order their books online. We provide 5 different links. The books average $15 a piece, but used books are available for purchase at a significantly less expensive price. Each course syllabus includes a list of required books. Books used @ WCBCS
3. Should we offer a class session for the students to watch the required videos or lectures or is that the responsibility of each individual student?
Depending on the make-up and schedule of your individual MC program, it may or may not work for you to offer a combined class session. You as the director should make that decision for your MC program.
4. Is a student required to study for 20 consecutive months? Can the studies be spread out as the student desires?
You and the student have complete flexibility to tailor the program to the needs of your MC program and your individual students. We have designed this program to be flexible for that purpose.
Life Learning Credits: The 30 Life Learning Credit hours is represented by 10 courses that the MC director will need to eliminate from the list of required classes. Master’s Commission students will be granted 15 LLC hours for each year that they have completed in an MCIN affiliated Master’s Commission program. A maximum of 30 LLC hours are available to each student. Therefore, a MC student who completes two years through MC will only be required to take 90 credit hours (30 classes) in order to graduate.
Finishing in 2 Years: A student can graduate in two years taking 15 classes each year for two years and earning the 30 Life Learning Credits. Finishing in two years is possible by following a 14-day per course syllabus. In order to finish in two years a student will have to take 7 classes in the first half of the year and 8 in the second half.
WEST COAST BIBLE COLLEGE & SEMINARY
WCBCS Mission
West Coast Bible College & Seminary exists to train men and women to serve in positions of ministry around the world, as well as to train those who want to further their Bible and ministry knowledge. Our desire is to create Disciples of Christ – not disciples of debt. To remain true to our goals, we have eliminated as many costs as possible so everyone can afford to get a practical, quality education.
The mission of West Coast Bible College & Seminary is to honor God by educating and ministering to a diverse community of students for the purpose of developing servant-leaders who will radically impact the world where they live with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We accomplish this through biblically based programs and services that have an appreciation of past traditions, but that utilize cutting-edge technology and the latest resources to equip our student for the future.
Click links below for more info on WCBCS:
Founder of WCBCS: Dr. Kevin Harrison
Master’s Commission International Network®
MCIN Mission
Master’s Commission International Network of Affiliates was formed in 1994 to preserve the integrity and purity of the heart with which this intense discipleship-training program was created. Our Mission is “To know God and to make Him known.” It is the desire of the MCIN to help the local church in many different denominations raise up a generation of world changers, recklessly abandoned to the cause of Christ. To do this, each Master’s Commission discipleship training program must be a ministry of a local church, not a para-church organization. Master’s Commission is effecting a generation of young adults who are trained to reach a world with the Word of God as their foundation, prayer as their passion, and evangelism as their battle cry.
The MCIN purpose is, in part, to be a resource center, which enhances established programs and sets a firm foundation for beginning programs. As a resource center, one of our focuses is to provide educational resources like WCBCS.
The Master’s Commission International Network of Affiliates consists of Master’s Commission programs that share the same heart and desire for character, integrity and discipleship. If a Master’s Commission program is recognized and backed by the MCIN, then it meets the standards, mirrors the original heart of this movement and follows the requirements and core values for MCIN. Each Affiliate of the MCIN that is in good standings shall have a non-exclusive license to use the registered tradename of Master’s Commission® & Master’s Commission International Network®.