Q/A for Counseling Programs
What awards are available in counseling?
There are three awards possible within the Counseling Program. The primary award is a Diploma in Christian Counseling, consisting of 24 credits (8 Skills Based Courses, 14 electives, and a 2 credit guided study). There are two awards at a certificate level, which require a total of 10 credits. The Certificate in Christian Counseling requires 8 Skill Based Courses plus 3 electives. A Certificate in Family Studies requires 10 credits in the Marriage and Family Knowledge Based Courses. See the program brochure or MBTS website for a list of courses.
What does the curriculum include?
There are both skill based courses that instruct the student in increasing skills necessary in effective counseling. There are also knowledge based courses that focus on information about and topics often addressed in counseling and how the helper can assist the person towards growth. You can see the list of courses online.
What academic level are the courses?
All the courses are bachelor level.
Is this a credited program?
Yes, these courses are within an academic program rather than a workshop. As such students are given one credit upon successful completion of assignments.
What are the admission requirements for the program?
You must have form 5 or above, meet the application requirements of MBTS, and have some degree of calling to helping others.
Do I have to have any prior experience in counseling?
No, although there should be some sense of God's calling or a desire to explore this area of gifting.
How long do the programs take?
It is up to you. There are 9 courses offered each year: 3 Skill Based Courses and 6 Knowledge Based Courses. Understanding that working adults cannot always have their Saturdays free, the program is set up for your flexibility. Therefore, if you are able to take all the courses offered, the programs will take 2 ½ to 3 years to complete. Even though the Certificates only consist of 10 credits, all the necessary courses are not offered in one year. Theses courses are embedded in the Diploma in Christian Counseling.
How much does it cost?
Each course cost RM70 (Penang) and RM85 (Klang Valley). Materials and textbooks are additional. Attempt is made to secure texts and materials at a reasonable price. When textbooks (or reader) are required the cost is around RM50. Materials will vary but are usually less than RM20. Of course you are not required to purchase the textbook, but you are required to read it.
Why is tuition higher in Klang Valley?
The cost of providing logistics such as facilities and travel for outside lecturers make it necessary to charge a higher tuition fee at the Klang Valley campus. You need to realize, too, that tuition does not cover the full cost of your education, therfore your tuition fee is a bargain.
How do I apply?
Submit an application to MBTS either in Penang or Klang Valley with a RM100 nonrefundable application fee. This fee covers the cost of processing your application. The application will be assessed by the program director when the file is complete.
What if I don't have all the information today? Can I turn in the application now and give you the rest later?
Please turn in your application with all the required documents, essays, and reference addresses. It delays your admittance when everything is not turned in together.
What is the application fee for?
The application fee goes toward the costs of processing your application. Individuals often make application without ever taking a course so the school needs to cover the cost of time and labor to process the applications.
How will I know when I have been accepted as a student in the counseling program at MBTS?
You will receive a letter from MBTS that either accepts or denies your application.
It has been 2 months since I sent my application in and I still have not heard anything from MBTS. Why?
The typical reason for delayed response from MBTS is that the referees are very slow in responding. It would help if you would encourage them to respond to the form reference letter.
When are the courses held?
Courses are held 9 months of the year on the third Saturday of the month. Class starts at 9:00 and lasts till 5:00. Tea and lunch breaks are scheduled.
Where are the courses held?
Courses are held at two venues: 1) MBTS in Penang, 2) MBTS, KV Branch in Cheras. You can get the address and directions at our website.
Who are the lecturers?
The lecturers are either MBTS faculty or guest lecturers. Most lecturers have both counseling degrees and experience. In those cases where the lecturer does not have a counseling degree they have extensive knowledge and experience in the course topic.
What are the assignments like?
The assignment requirements for each course include reading and written assignments. The assignments are determined by the lecturer and will vary according to topic. Each course requires reading of 300 pages. This will take the form of a required textbook, a reader, or sometimes both. The guideline for written work is one or more assignments that total 2000-2400 words (7-8 pages).
How long do I have to do the assignments?
Since there is a course each month it is best to complete the course work before you take another course. Therefore the guideline is you have one month to complete the work.
Wow, doesn't that seem like a lot of work?
One credit course is supposed to be at least 15 hours of lecture time. Since these courses are only 7 hours you have to make up the other hours in outside work. This is accomplished through additional reading and assignments. Hopefully you have applied for this program because you feel God's leading in the area of counseling. Any academic endeavor takes commitment. Therefore, for the time you are taking courses, you may have to realign your priorities in order to meet the goal that you feel called to.
What if I miss a course?
The skill-based courses are requirements in both the Diploma and Certificate of Christian Counseling. Therefore if you miss one of those courses you will need to take it the next time it is offered. All the other courses are electives and are not required, so you are not penalized for missing that course. You must meet the credit requirements though of 24 credits for Diploma in Christian Counseling and 10 credits for Cert. in CC or Cert in M/F.
Can I audit the courses?
Yes you can audit the counseling courses by registering for the desired course as an audit student. The fee is the same. As an audit student you attend the course only and are not required to do reading or complete assignments. But if you audit and then decide to join the program you will need to resit those courses and do outside assignments.
Can I take courses for credit before I apply?
You can take up to three courses for credit while you are making application to the school. Of course if you do not finish the application process then MBTS cannot award you credit.
Can these courses be transferred to other programs?
These courses can be transferred to other programs or schools, although it is up to the discretion of the school whether they accept them or not. They can be transferred into other programs at MBTS as well but must fit into the requirements of the desired program. One must also understand that a course cannot meet the requirements for two programs. So if you transfer credits to another program they are removed from the transcript of your counseling diploma.
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