UCJ accredits Midland Bible Institute theology and psychology degrees

The Bachelor of Arts in Theology and the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology programmes offered by the Midland Bible Institute (MBI) have been accredited by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ).

"The accreditation of these programmes by the UCJ has expanded access to higher education for persons wishing to pursue their career goals in the fields of theology and psychology," said acting principal, Shonna Leigh.

Leigh said that the theology degree programme is beneficial to persons preparing to work in various occupations and capacities, including as pastors, evangelists, Christian education directors, religious knowledge teachers, counsellors, youth workers, and cross-cultural missionaries.

PERSONS OF INTEGRITY

"At MBI, we believe theological reflection is a way of examining all aspects of life based on God's revelation of Himself as recorded in scripture," Leigh said. "The programme is, therefore, designed for such reflection and to equip students for Christian ministries in a real-world context, and the overall goal is to produce persons of integrity with a clear biblical world view and leadership skills anchored in the knowledge of God."

Leigh said that the psychology degree programme at the Curatoe Hill, May Pen, Clarendon, institution has been crafted to offer students the opportunity for personal growth and to study the discipline from a Christian world view. She pointed out that psychology, true to its origin (Greek "psyche"), is the study of the soul and contends that no world view other than Christianity has truer insight into the spiritual realm.

The acting principal describes the psychology degree programme as the "gateway" to a variety of career pursuits, a medium that allows one to make a difference in people's lives, and a "great way" to learn more about oneself and other persons.

Entry requirements to the four-year degree programmes at the MBI are five passes at CSEC, GCE, City & Guilds Level 3 or the equivalent, including English language and mathematics, or a teaching diploma. Students have the option of selecting a minor and must complete a minimum of 124 credit hours to earn their degree. The options for minors are theology, pastoral care, guidance and counselling,

Other programmes at MBI include:

- Post-graduate diploma in applied behaviour development

- Associate degree in psychology or theology

- Diploma in psychology or theology

- Certificate in Ministry and Leadership

- Continuing education short courses