College can be expensive. Students and their parents are often forced to make difficult decisions on borrowing money—and this can cause a lot of angst. So there’s a big question: to loan, or not to loan?Ěý
There is no need to qualify the problem of debt in the US. Consumer debt has not only become a way of life but a major problem for so many Americans. It’s also clear that college debt causes a similar problem. What’s not clear is how parents and students looking for an education should think of debt—especially from a biblical perspective.Ěý
Generation X was likely the first generation to take on the massive college loans that are now normal. And as they start sending their own kids to college, this puts everyone in an interesting position. Now Gen X is coming to terms with their decisions of 20-some years ago. Many Gen Xers signed pieces of paper they barely understood leading to massive loans and often incomes that were far too meager to make repayment manageable. When they look at college for their kids, many ask one big question they might not have considered themselves: what does it cost? Now, many are opposed (in some cases, even morally) to borrowing money for college.
Thus, a faulty dilemma has emerged: either one goes deeply, insouciantly, into debt; or one accepts no college debt—not one penny. There may be a third option that does not offer either bliss-is-ignorance or self-assurance benefits, but may be (in the end) more honest, satisfying, and biblical.

Not all debt is the same

To borrow money for a home, an education, a boat, a car, a watch, or a cell phone are all very different things. Each serves a different purpose, and while it would be hard to convince most people that debt is a very good thing or the ideal situation, one should admit this: boat debt and house debt can be two very different things. Not to make essential distinctions is unwise.Ěý

Not all debt-holders are the same

When some from Gen X signed school loan papers, they were ignorant of the ramifications. Those who are fully aware of what loans are, the terms, the repayment options, and lifestyle ramifications (as best as a young person can be) are not in the same scenario as those who fall blindly into debt. A person with a clear plan who borrows money with a life mission to pay it off as soon as she graduates—in as short a time as possible—is different from the one who borrows without careful consideration.Ěý

Not all college educations are the same

A biblical education is different from what one receives at community college. A transformative four-year education at a biblical university, in a biblical community, under committed Christians equipped with a deep worldview and biblical integration is a unique mission and purpose rarely repeated in the vast majority of colleges and universities.
This is not to say that no good educational opportunities exist outside of biblical universities. What this does say is this: the purposes and outcomes of a college education are not all the same. One must carefully answer this question: What is the purpose of a university education? The answer will have deep consequences, for if the purpose is simply to get a credential, perhaps the school selected is less important. But if the purpose is something much larger and formational, a biblical education may be considered far more valuable.

Not all families are the same

There are families whose children are not yet ready to leave “the nest” and for whom a less expensive college option, and even commuting, are a welcomed fit. But there are also families who fear gravely for a son or daughter who is not off alone immediately following high school.Ěý For some, the farther the better, and while it is true that there are a variety of ways and options for a young person to “get away” (and some are cheaper than others), many families may rightly conclude that this is simply the best thing for their child, and the only way for this to happen is to borrow at least some money toward the cost of a four-year transformative experience.
Consider a family with a son who is finishing high school. He’s “climbing the walls,” so ready for his independence, to face the world on his own, to learn, to grow, to prepare and explore for the future. Is this not the kind of independent, gritty young person the world is clamoring for today? Would this family be the wiser to tell such a one, “You will be staying in your room and going to the local community college because college debt is bad”?Ěý It would seem that the world has greater need for such leaders (who quickly and aggressively pay off their loans with the same pluck that brought them forth from their parents’ basements) than those who make college debt aversion their chief end.

Just what is the chief end of man?

This is the final and most central point. Why were humans created? What is our main purpose? Whether in tithing or giving, thoughts and behaviors around money, or the question of whether or not we borrow money for college, our main purpose in life as Christians is not to be so well-heeled that we give generously or to always be debt-free (though those are both good aims). Our main purpose is not even to position ourselves for success—financially, professionally, or otherwise.
No, as has been stated long ago, we were created “to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” Or to quote an even more pastoral response, “to be wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.”Ěý
The pursuit of being debt-free is a good thing, and Christians should carefully examine all aspects of their behavior around tithing, money, and college debt—indeed, they should “work out their salvation with fear and trembling.” But to allow a principle of avoiding loans to become the paramount purpose propelling one’s action is to disorder the purpose of the Christian life. That will have far more tragic eternal consequences than any paperwork arriving, post-graduation, from Sallie Mae. We would do well to recall that we serve a sovereign God who owns “the cattle on a thousand hills” and that we ought to make choices—carefully and humbly—as pilgrims and sojourners with an eye not chiefly on this life, but on the next.

Many high school students see college as the clear next step. But choosing what to study in college can be anything but clear. Lots of students go into college unsure about what they want to major in. What should you do?ĚýĚý
Major in business. If you want to be prepared for a career after college, majoring in business might be the best decision you can make!

Get equipped with what you need

Business degrees prepare students for their career ventures upon graduation withĚýthe skills, knowledge, and professional competencies necessary to succeed in the business world.
A degree in business will include classes from a broad range of topics and fields, including:

• finance
• accounting
• international business
• management principles
• business law and strategy
• organizational/non-profit leadership
• and way more

Programs include resume and portfolio creating, business etiquette, and interview skills, along with real-life opportunities to practice them.
You’re not just studying how to balance a budget; you’re learning to effectively interact with a complex and changing global business environment.Ěý

Real-world experience that sets you apart

Additionally—and maybe most importantly—business degrees often have real-world internship opportunities built-in.
Internships provide college students with important experience to include on their resumes and business portfolios, as well as connections in the fields they’ll go into.
Colleges and universities have networks to connect students to businesses they might not otherwise have access to, giving them an inside opportunity with all kinds of organizations. For many interns, these temporary positions even lead to full-time jobs. It’s not just an internship; it’s a head start.Ěý

Do what you want to do

The variety of courses and experiences offered by a business program makes it a great major for business-minded students of all kinds. Interested in small business? Entrepreneurship? Large corporations? Even humanitarian or charitable/non-profit organizations? Business majors make prime candidates!
Don’t know what to major in? If you want a degree that will definitely help you land a job upon graduation, major in business.Ěý

With online, hybrid, and in-person classes, learning can be structured in a number of ways. In-person classes are generally synchronous, while online classes are often asynchronous. Hybrid courses combine elements of both.
Synchronous Learning
Synchronous classes occur when students and instructors gather together in real-time. Think “in sync.” This can mean in-person instruction on campus, but it also can mean designated online meeting times. Basically, if the class is expected to be together regularly and at a certain time for instruction, it’s synchronous learning.
Example: Professor expects the class to be in-person or to tune in on Zoom Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 am.
Asynchronous Learning
Asynchronous classes are done more at your own pace. Instructors will link to pre-recorded lectures or videos for students to watch when it works for them. Think “not in sync.” This does NOT mean there are no deadlines or that you can get the work done whenever you want. Asynchronous classes still usually require that students get a certain amount of work done at a certain time; however, students can do the learning or view the instruction anytime and anywhere up to that date.
Example: Professor expects students to complete video assignments and respond in a forum by Friday at 5 pm.
Hybrid Learning
Some classes might utilize a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning: this would be considered a hybrid course. Say your class includes five in-person meetings throughout the semester that you are expected to attend. Between these meetings, professors might require asynchronous videos and/or assignments to be done at a specific deadline. Hybrid courses are utilizing the benefits of both synchronous and asynchronous learning; engaging, in-the-moment class times with the flexibility of working on assignments at your own pace.
Example: Professor expects students to meet every other Friday at 9 am and for students to watch a video and respond to a forum by the following Wednesday at 5 pm.
Throughout your higher education experience, you’ll likely encounter each of these types of classes. 91łÔąĎ offers synchronous learning for undergraduate programs on campus and asynchronous learning for those studying through Cairn Online. If you’re wondering which learning style works best for you, send us an email to begin the conversation about starting or completing your journey at 91łÔąĎ.

1. Get ready for class.

Getting ready for class is a must. Create the expectation for yourself that you will be mentally and physically prepared for class.
This can include several things:Ěý

• Get up an hour before class: If you are the type of person to roll out of bed at 7:59 for your Zoom class at 8, try getting up earlier and starting your day right. Getting up an hour or more before class makes you more awake and alert so you can actually get something from it.Ěý
• Eat breakfast: Getting some food is another way to wake up right. This will help you feel active and present as you attend class, and it give you the fuel to expend the mental energy that learning requires.
• Take a shower and get ready for the day: A third way to wake up and feel like you’re living your best life, taking a shower and getting ready for the day helps you feel more prepared and engaged.Ěý
• Dress for success: It’s tempting to wear your sweats and a hoodie to class. For a better experience, dress like you would if you were attending in person. The clothes you wear have an effect on the way you feel. Some people even wear shoes at their desk to complete the “work-mode” feel. Dressing in something a little bit nicer will make you feel like you’re invested and ready to succeed.

2. Schedule time for homework.

It’s not enough to just pay attention in class. A huge part of college (probably where you’ll learn the most!) is in the time spent outside of class completing assignments. Working from home, you’ll need to set aside time specifically for homework. If you »ĺ´Ç˛Ô’t schedule it, there’s a good chance it won’t happen—at least, not on time.Ěý
Find what works best for you. Ultimately, you know yourself and when you function best. Figure out your own system, but make sure you set up some expectation of intentional study time based on your class schedule.

3. Use the remote work essentials.

Now that so many people are working from home, they are finding the best ways to stay home and not feel like they’re losing their minds. Beyond our normal tips to beating stress that still apply, here are some best practices:

• Designate a work area: If at all possible, find a desk or table and make it your workstation. Find a quiet place, pick the right chair, and seat yourself in or near sunlight if your home or apartment allows. Organize the space as you like and make it your own!
• Take reading assignments or videos outside for fresh air and sunshine.
• Use entertainment as a reward; stay off your phone, YouTube, or Netflix until you accomplish a task.
• Take breaks.
• Go for a walk.

4. Be diligent and stay intentional.

When you’re learning from home, the draw to our other pastimes is even greater than in-person learning. Fight the urge to indulge in your distractions for too long.Ěý
Avoid endlessly scrolling through social media; catch yourself before you get sucked down YouTube wormholes or Netflix sessions. Acting like you will ignore them completely probably won’t work. But being aware of when you need to limit them is important.Ěý
When you’re learning from home—and really anytime in your life—be intentional about what media you use and how much you use it.

5. Stay connected.

Life as a remote student is obviously much different than on-campus life. There might not be as much going on, and your parents might be getting on your nerves. For that reason, find a way to connect with friends from college online.Ěý
That social aspect of college is a big deal, and we need it to feel healthy and known. We need it to be reminded we’re not alone. Use Facetime or Zoom to get some face-to-face interaction with others. Figure out ways to play games online, like Pictionary, Mafia, or—whatever you got! There are more ways to be together when we’re apart than ever before.Ěý
Incorporate these five best practices into your life, and you can get the most out of learning from home.

Becoming a counselor can be an exciting, dynamic, and fulfilling profession where you help people navigate many of life’s difficult challenges. But before you get there, you have to obtain the required qualifications. This may seem like a confusing process, and if you »ĺ´Ç˛Ô’t know exactly where you’re going, it can be. But you’re not alone.Ěý
Here’s what you need to know to get started on the track toward licensure.Ěý

Getting Started

Before you get to that status of “Licensed Professional Counselor” (LPC), there are certain qualifications you have to meet. In the counseling field, this is often referred to as “licensure” or the “licensure process.”Ěý
Processes like this are utilized in many fields as a way to produce practitioners who are qualified, ethical, and able to adequately perform their jobs. For counselors, working toward licensure acts as a way to learn the essential knowledge, skills, and ethical behaviors that encourage effective therapy.Ěý

What is counseling licensure?

Counseling licensure is a state-sanctioned and regulated license required to offer licensed professional counseling services in settings such as private practice, counseling agencies, counseling centers, or hospitals.Ěý

What are the requirements?Ěý

1. Graduate degree
Future counselors must complete a master’s degree in counseling from an accredited institution. This education equips counselors with the psychological, theoretical, and technical knowledge needed to counsel well.

2. Supervised hours
Often incorporated into a master’s program, counselors must attain a state-determined number of hours counseling under an experienced and eligible supervisor. Beyond the master’s program, counselors must earn additional hours post-graduation. This provides continued direction and accountability for developing counselors.
For example, the requires 3,000 hours of supervision. Half (1,500) of those hours must be completed under the supervision of an LPC. The additional 1,500 hours can be under an LPC as well as an LCSW, LSW, PhD, or PsyD who has the to be eligible to supervise.
3. Examination
There are currently two national counseling examinations in the US: the and the . Which exam the counselor-in-training completes is decided by each state. Adequate completion of this exam deems a counselor an official LPC. Information and study materials for both exams are available through the
4. Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Even after obtaining licensure, counselors must regularly accumulate a certain number of CEUs. This is generally every two or three years in order to keep counselors engaged in current theory and ethics and to prevent their license from expiring.Ěý
5. Annual fees
Licenses often require an annual renewal fee, as well as membership fees for various associations, such as the or the .Ěý

How long does licensure take?Ěý

Everyone’s journey toward licensure is different, as it depends on various factors like state, work opportunities, and the accumulation of hours. However, graduates with a master’s in counseling can expect it to take a few years after graduation to obtain a license.Ěý
In Pennsylvania, for example, a graduate has 2–6 years to complete their 3,000 hours. Generally, full-time counselors see about 20 clients per week. In this case, it takes a counselor about three years to complete their hours and earn a license. However, it ultimately comes down to how long it takes to accumulate the required hours.Ěý
Licensure requirements change from state to state, and they often undergo subtle changes. You’ll need to for counseling licensure requirements to be completely up to date on these developments. With these requirements completed and maintained, you are set to see clients and perform the important work of a counselor.Ěý