Shasta Bible College and Graduate School was founded in 1970 by Dr. Royal D. Blue to provide evening spiritual-based courses as the Northern California Bible Institute (NCBI). Under President Gordon Rasmussen's leadership, the Institute officially became Shasta in 1982 and pursued accreditation. Now Shasta stands as a private, nonprofit Baptist college affiliated with ABWE missionary service. SBC maintains a close-knit community of 200 full-time students on its 55-acre Sacramento Valley campus in Redding, Forbes' 72nd best city for job growth. Ranked sixth by Christian Universities Online, SBC is America's eighth most affordable Bible college with an average net price of $17,973. Shasta has produced noteworthy alums like Lisa Bowe, Mark Connors, Tom Meyer, and Pastor Tony Loubet.
Shasta Bible College and Graduate School Accreditation Details
Instead of regional accreditation, Shasta has held national accreditation from the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) in Category III since 2012. This accreditor is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Shasta is licensed to operate by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). It's also an esteemed member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) for parochial school teacher or counselor certification.
Shasta Bible College and Graduate School Application Requirements
The 2015 admission cycle accepted 100 percent of students, but enrollment at SBC isn't guaranteed. Freshmen pursing the BA need to finish a high school diploma, homeschool program, or GED certificate. Admitted Shasta undergrads generally rank in the top 50th percentile of their class with a 2.5 GPA or higher. AP exams scored at least "3" would transfer, but SAT and ACT scores are optional. Transfers into the BA in Christian Professional Studies must hold 60 to 90 credits graded "C-" or greater with a resume of experience. Credits from the College-Level Exam Program (CLEP) are also accepted with an $80 test fee.
Getting into the MA or MDiv program for Biblical Counseling will require Shasta applicants to finish a four-year Bachelor of Arts with humanities prerequisites. Post-grads need to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in their last two years at accredited colleges. Taking the Graduate Record Exam is optional, but students typically score at least 140 on the quantitative and verbal sections. MDiv students need to sign the Doctrinal Statement of the Baptist faith. Those studying on I-20 visas need to prove English fluency with a minimum TOEFL score of 80 (Internet) or 550 (Paper).
Shasta BC&GS has rolling admissions, but the final Fall application deadline is July 1st. Prospective Biblical Counseling majors can apply online or download the paper form via Adobe and mail it to 2951 Goodwater Avenue in Redding, CA 96002. Don't forget to submit the following:
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts from each school
- Signed student reference forms
- College entrance exams, including TOEFL
- Personal statement or essay
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Tuition and Financial Aid
Both undergraduate and graduate courses at SBC cost $350 per unit for affordability. Full-time BA students will pay $12,060 annually. Graduate students taking 9+ credits per semester afford $6,300 annually. Room and board for single students is $1,200 each term. Shasta students should also prepare for the $200 registration fee, $150 technology fee, $70 student activity fee, and $40 accident insurance fee.
According to the NCES, 100 percent of full-time Shasta attendees receive financial aid for $4,351 yearly on average. Students who apply before July 28th qualify for institutional funds like the Gerald K. Duckett Memorial Award, Oran Smith Memorial Award, Beverly Ann MacNeill Memorial Award, and Romaine Oliver Memorial Scholarship. The Multiple Sibling Discount takes 10 percent off tuition for each brother or sister. Golden State residents may obtain the Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B for up to $9,084. Federal Work-Study pays $10/hour for campus employment. Federal aid programs, including the Pell Grant, SEOG Grant, and William Ford Direct Loan, are accepted. Shasta is also a Yellow Ribbon school for military and veterans benefits.
Studying Psychology and Counseling at SBC
Led by Dean Benjamin King, MDiv, the Shasta Department of Bible and Theology offers four counseling degrees to integrate study of human behavior with His Word. There's also a Certificate in Christian Professional Studies for Biblical Counseling. Courses are delivered online or in Redding, in English or Korean, for 15-week terms with an unbelievably low student-faculty ratio of 5:1 for personalized interaction. Students access journals in the Faye Messler Library and support services like the SOAR Program in Oran Smith Hall. Aspiring pastoral counselors can prepare for mental health services with these SBC degrees:
BA in Bible and Theology: Biblical Counseling
With a freshman retention rate of 60 percent, Shasta's BA in Bible and Theology is the traditional, four-year program preparing undergrads with Old and New Testament knowledge to fulfill Lord's final command in six concentrations, including Biblical Counseling. For 128 units, students take courses like Church history, apologetics, vocational guidance, interpersonal relations, and life cycle issues. Five units of field ministry are included at placements like First Baptist Church in Red Bluff, Faith Christian Jr./Sr. High School, and more.
BA in Christian Professional Studies: Biblical Counseling
Another undergrad option at SBC is the BA in Christian Professional Studies, which is reserved for adults over age 24 who have three years of work experience and 60+ college credits. Returning students pick from three concentrations, such as Biblical Counseling, to finish in two years full-time and enter their divine vocation. Majors expect courses like hermeneutics, survey theology, Biblical discipleship, conflict resolution, family dynamics, and addictions. Students may also join Global Outreach Teams for missions in Haiti, Thailand, and Ghana.
MA in Biblical Counseling
Although it won't provide California LPC licensing, the MA in Biblical Counseling is a valuable Christ-centered degree for post-grads at Shasta to guide God's children toward spiritual growth for faithful Christian living. The 39-credit degree offers two tracks with courses like family life education, personal evangelism, premarital counseling, and marital therapy before a semester-long practicum project. Starting every January or August, the Master's offers opportunities like the Alpha Omega Conference, Israel Trip, and ASB activities.
MDiv in Biblical Counseling and Christian Family
Upholding TRACS standards, the Master of Divinity (MDiv) suits post-bachelor's students seeking ordained ministry or full-time lay positions serving the Church and spreading His Word. The 96-credit terminal degree has four tracks, including Biblical Counseling and Christian Family to focus on building loving relationships in Christ. Advanced MDiv courses dive into homiletics, elementary Hebrew, pastoral ministry, self-confrontation, counseling children, crisis management, and family finance. Before leaving Shasta Graduate School, students complete a capstone practicum or thesis project.
See also: 30 Fastest Online Counseling Degrees