Best Online Master's Degrees in Christian Counseling

Online master’s degrees in Christian counseling offer an affordable and convenient path to anyone interested in providing counseling employing Christian principles and biblical teachings. Learn what you can expect from today’s top programs in this guide.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Shannon Lee

Graduate Ed.CareersOnline Learning

Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Updated: 12/16/2025

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In-Depth Profiles
In-depth Profiles: Online Christian Counseling Master's Programs
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What You'll Learn
What You'll Learn in a Christian Counseling Master's Program
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Accreditation
Accreditation for Christian Counseling Master's Degrees
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What Can You Do?
What Can You Do with a Master's in Christian Counseling?
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Paying for Your Online Master's in Christian Counseling
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Best Online Master's in Christian Counseling
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Helping others through counseling or therapy usually requires a master’s degree, but most programs teach methodologies for use in a secular setting. While this works for many clients and practitioners, some prefer counseling grounded in Christian values and ideologies.

Fortunately, many affordable and convenient master’s-level counseling programs now offer a Christian focus and are available online to help students balance work and personal responsibilities. Before moving forward, however, you’ll want to carefully research program options, get a deeper look at the curriculum, and see what types of counseling licenses and careers a master’s in Christian counseling degree can qualify you for.

This guide will help you start your search for a quality online Christian counseling degree program and answer key questions you’re likely to have. Keep reading to get started on your journey to becoming a counselor grounded in a Christian approach to therapy.

In-depth Profiles: Online Christian Counseling Master’s Programs

There are plenty of master’s in Christian counseling degree programs available today online, so choosing the best program suited to meet your professional and academic goals can be challenging. Three top-notch online Christian counseling programs are profiled below to show you who stands out for their quality of education, learning flexibility, and affordability.

Grand Canyon University

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Christian Counseling from Grand Canyon University suits individuals looking to become Licensed Associate Counselors or Licensed Professional Counselors. Many of the techniques and strategies taught in this program are similar to secular clinical mental health counseling programs, but the Christian approach allows students to also aid in a client’s spiritual growth.

The program consists of 74 credits with most classes lasting eight weeks each. The bulk of required coursework can be finished online. However, students must complete several in-person practicum and internship courses as well. These requirements test what you’ve learned in a supervised clinical setting and are necessary for licensure. In addition to online learning, on-campus classes are available evenings and meet just once a week. The current tuition rate is $575 per credit hour.

Liberty University

Liberty University is an academic leader when it comes to flexible online learning, and its Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling demonstrates this. This program is not intended for those looking to earn their state licensure as therapists or counselors. Instead, it’s intended for individuals who are already licensed counselors but who want to shift their practice into a more Christian-oriented approach that integrates biblical teachings.

One of the biggest advantages of this master’s program at SACSCOC-accredited Liberty University is the speed at which you can earn your degree. The program consists of 36 credits, allowing most students to complete their programs in less than two years. Classes last just eight weeks each, and students can receive up to 18 transfer credits. The program offers several specializations, including Addiction and Recovery, Community Chaplaincy, Leadership and Church Ministry, Marriage and Family, and Theology.

Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary

Going above and beyond in terms of accreditation, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary’s Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (MACC) program has regional accreditations from both the New England Commission for Higher Education (NECHE) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). It also has programmatic accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Students in Gordon Cromwell’s MACC program complete a curriculum that trains them to diagnose and treat various behavioral health issues for a variety of clients, including families, groups, couples, and individuals. All course requirements can be completed online, but hybrid learning is also an option. Because this program leads to licensure, students also complete supervised in-person internships and practicums. The entire program consists of 66 credits with 15 of those credits focused on biblical and Christian-specific coursework.

What You’ll Learn in a Christian Counseling Master’s Program

In addition to training individuals to become counselors and therapists, master’s in Christian counseling programs provide theological teaching. Many Christian counseling master’s programs require students complete supervised practicums and internships, while others do not. If in-person requirements exist, the program most likely leads to licensure. Regardless of whether a program leads to licensure, most offer many of the same types of classes. Some of the most common courses are:

Popular Courses

Crisis Counseling

Various crises, including sudden death, loss, grief, and other unpleasant life events, are covered in this course. It also identifies and explains relevant biblical passages and ideas that can apply to different crisis situations.

Introduction to Christian Counseling

This course offers a basic overview of how Christian methods and paradigms can be applied to counseling. Christian counseling methods are matched with appropriate scenarios as well as the type of clients they are most effective with. Special emphasis is placed on applying Christian counseling techniques to current events and issues.

Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues

The obligations of the counselor or therapist are covered in this class. Students learn about the current legal and ethical standards that apply to their practice from both secular and biblical perspectives. Students additionally learn about the historical background of these requirements and the issues that helped develop them.

Marriage and Family Counseling

The focus of this course is on counseling individuals and couples who want to improve their family relationships. It begins by teaching the fundamentals of marriage and family structure, and then shifts into different family systems and relationships.

Spiritual Formation – Becoming a Healthy Practitioner

This course looks at counseling services that included consideration of the client’s spiritual needs. Students learn about the stages of spiritual growth as well as how a person’s spiritual beliefs can affect their mental health, personality, and how they treat others.

Accreditation for Christian Counseling Master’s Degrees

There are two main types of accreditations to look out for when choosing an online master’s in Christian counseling program. The first is institutional or regional accreditation, which concerns a school’s overall academic quality. Regional and institutional accreditation should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The second type of accreditation is programmatic, which applies to specific degree programs. Christian counseling programs at the master’s level are typically programmatically by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP). However, other types are possible, including the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).

Ideally, you want to attend a Christian counseling master’s program with both institutional and programmatic accreditation, but many won’t have programmatic accreditation. If not, it’s critical to confirm the school’s institutional accreditation and that their Christian counseling master’s program meets the requirements for licensure in the state where it is located.

What Can You Do with a Master’s in Christian Counseling?

What you can do with a master’s degree in Christian counseling depends on the type of program. While non-licensure programs do not lead to state certification as a counselor or therapist, they do provide a religious perspective that can be useful for pastoral or church counseling. Longer programs typically lead to state therapist and/or counselor licensure. Below is a list of common job titles for master’s in Christian counseling degree holders.

Church Counselor

Church counselors are not licensed or certified mental health professionals, but they can still offer valuable guidance and advice in line with a client’s religious beliefs. The master’s degree in Christian counseling provides this biblical knowledge and Christian context in addition to counseling training.

10th Percentile	Median Annual Pay	90th Percentile
$33,300	$46,130	$79,880

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023

Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and family therapists treat general mental health issues focused on spousal and family relationships. To become a licensed marriage and family therapist, most states require earning a master’s degree in counseling or a related program.

10th Percentile	Median Annual Pay	90th Percentile
$39,090	$58,510	$104,710

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023

Pastor

While the leader of a church isn’t usually required to have a degree in counseling, part of a pastor’s job is to counsel church members on overcoming a range of problems and struggles.

10th Percentile	Median Annual Pay	90th Percentile
$35,400	$58,920	$96,600

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023

Counseling Psychologist

In most states, earning a master’s degree won’t be enough to become a licensed psychologist; a doctorate is usually needed. A master’s degree in Christian counseling may be a good choice for those who intend to earn a psychologist doctorate, but also want a Christian approach to helping future patients and clients.

10th Percentile	Median Annual Pay	90th Percentile
$48,820	$96,100	$168,870

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023

Rehabilitation Counselor

A rehabilitation counselor requires a master’s degree and special training in counseling and rehabilitating those with disabilities. Individuals with previous training in rehabilitation may find that earning a master’s degree in Christian counseling will fulfill the remaining training and degree requirements to enter a career in rehabilitation counseling.

10th Percentile	Median Annual Pay	90th Percentile
$31,390	$44,040	$73,710

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023

Paying for Your Online Master’s in Christian Counseling

For many students seeking a master’s degree in Christian counseling, the cost of attendance is a major hurdle. Fortunately, there are many forms of funding available to help alleviate the financial burden. Scholarships, which don’t need to be paid back, and employer tuition assistance are popular options, as are private and government school loans that eventually need to be paid back. Learn more about these and other financial aid options by visiting OMD’s financial aid page.

What Your Online Master’s in Christian Counseling Could Cost

School Name	No. of Credits	Cost/Credit	Est. Tuition
Huntington University	60	$551	$33,060
Grace College	60	$650	$39,000
Luther Rice College & Seminary	36	$362	$13,032

FAQs About Online Christian Counseling Master’s Degrees

What are the typical admissions requirements for an online master’s in Christian counseling?

Admissions requirements differ from program to program, but most online master’s degree programs in Christian counseling require applicants to submit the following:

An admission application
An application fee
Official transcripts
Letters of recommendation
A resume or curriculum vitae
A personal statement or essay

Additional requirements often include a second essay or answering short questions about your spirituality and desire to become a counselor, an interview, and completion of certain prerequisite classes like those covering the basics of psychology and the Bible.

How long will it take to finish my master’s in Christian counseling online?

Non-licensure Christian counseling master’s programs can typically be completed in 18 months to two years. State-approved or CACREP–accredited programs typically require two to five years. Most programs feature curriculums that can be completed in about three years. The exact length depends on whether you attend full- or part-time and how quickly you can finish the supervised training requirements of your coursework.

Can I earn a master’s in Christian counseling 100% online?

Most master’s in Christian counseling programs that can be earned fully online do not lead to state certification or licensure. Fully-online programs typically require completion of around half the number of credits of CACREP-accredited programs leading to state licensure, and do not include in-person practicum or other face-to-face requirements. Online master’s in Christian counseling programs meeting the training and learning requirements for state licensure and/or CACREP accreditation are presented in hybrid formats in which classroom requirements can be completed online but supervised training requirements must be completed in-person.

Will an online master’s in Christian counseling qualify me to become a licensed counselor?

Online master’s in Christian counseling programs that lead to licensure require students to complete 60 to 66 credits and include in-person practicum and internship requirements. These programs may or may not have programmatic accreditation but will meet the academic and training requirements for licensure in the state where the school is located. The Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Grace College is an example of such a program.

Programs not leading to licensure consist of 30 to 36 credits and are designed for students who are already licensed or plan on working as non-licensure counselors in church or religious settings. Luther Rice College and Seminary’s Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling is an example of this type of program.

Best Online Master’s in Christian Counseling

This guide to the best online programs was created to address concerns you may have about finding a quality master’s degree in Christian counseling — including cost, duration, specialization options, and career outcomes. From accredited institutions to programs that integrate Christian principles, we’ve curated a list to answer the call of providing guidance and support rooted in faith.

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

Private · SACSCOC

Liberty University’s M.A. in Pastoral Counseling trains ministry leaders to integrate biblical principles with counseling techniques, addressing spiritual, mental, and relational needs. It offers flexible online courses, practical internships, and specializations like crisis response, marriage, and leadership to equip students for non-licensure Christian counseling roles.

Program Highlights:

Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling program includes a supervised internship with at least 150 hours, including direct face-to-face pastoral counseling experience, providing hands-on practical training.
The program offers specialized career tracks such as crisis response and trauma, marriage and family counseling, leadership, and discipleship, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific ministry goals.
Students benefit from curriculum featuring lectures and study materials by Dr. James C. Dobson, a world-renowned psychologist and author, enhancing the program’s expert-led instruction quality.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $7,740
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 48,639

Houston Christian University

Houston, TX

Private · SACSCOC

The MA in Christian Counseling at Harding University integrates biblical principles with counseling techniques to prepare students for compassionate, effective ministry. The program emphasizes practical skills, theological foundations, and ethical counseling to equip graduates for roles in churches, ministries, and diverse care settings.

Program Highlights:

The MA in Christian Counseling program at Houston Christian University integrates Christian faith with advanced clinical counseling skills to prepare students for spiritually informed therapeutic care in diverse ministry and healthcare settings.
Students benefit from practical clinical experience that enhances their ability to serve effectively in faith-based organizations, treatment centers, hospitals, private practice, and independent self-employment.
The program emphasizes leadership development through a rigorous curriculum that combines timeless Christian wisdom with contemporary psychotherapy, positioning graduates to lead with excellence and make a lasting impact.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $8,875
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 1,009

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL

Private · HLC

Loyola’s MA in Counseling for Ministry is a 36-credit program preparing students to serve as pastoral caregivers in diverse faith contexts worldwide. It emphasizes therapeutic skills grounded in religious traditions, offers flexible online or on-campus study, and suits those not seeking Illinois clinical licensure.

Program Highlights:

The MA in Counseling for Ministry at Loyola offers a flexible course delivery model with options for online, on-campus, full-time, or part-time study to accommodate diverse student needs.
This program is specifically designed for international students and those not requiring Illinois licensure, enabling graduates to serve faith communities globally without additional licensing barriers.
Students engage in a tightly-knit learning community focused on pastoral caregiving enriched by Jesuit values like cura personalis, fostering both therapeutic skill development and spiritual maturity.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $21,375
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 2,455

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Louisville, KY

Private · SACSCOC

The Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling at Southern Seminary equips students for ministry by integrating Scripture and practical theology to counsel individuals, couples, and families. It offers 60 credit hours, can be completed online or on campus, and aligns with certification standards through the ACBC.

Program Highlights:

The program is a certified training center through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC), allowing students to pursue both a master’s degree and ACBC certification concurrently.
Southern Seminary’s biblical counseling program emphasizes counseling rooted exclusively in Scripture, providing practical, Christ-centered methods rather than secular psychology models.
Students engage in rigorous practicum requirements including observed counseling hours, ensuring real-world clinical experience before graduation.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $9,252
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 2,159

Amberton University

Garland, TX

Private · SACSCOC

Amberton’s MS in Family Studies with a Christian Counseling specialization blends counseling, human behavior, and faith-based approaches to prepare students for roles in social services, religious settings, and family education. It offers flexible online and on-campus learning focused on prevention, enrichment, and ethical counseling skills.

Program Highlights:

Amberton University's MS in Family Studies offers an optional specialization in Christian Counseling, allowing students to tailor their degree to specific career goals within faith-based contexts.
The program provides flexible delivery options, including 100% online courses or a hybrid of online and classroom learning, accommodating working adults' schedules.
Students benefit from a multidisciplinary curriculum integrating research, ethics, counseling skills, and human behavior, preparing them for diverse employment settings such as social service agencies, juvenile services, and assisted living facilities.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $7,200
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 677

Palm Beach Atlantic University

West Palm Beach, FL

Private · SACSCOC

Palm Beach Atlantic’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. blends rigorous clinical training with Christian faith integration, preparing students for Florida licensure. It emphasizes counseling skills, ethical interventions, spiritual sensitivity, and offers specializations like crisis trauma and marriage-family therapy, supported by hands-on clinical experiences and faculty mentorship.

Program Highlights:

The dual M.Div. and M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers an accelerated timeline to earn two degrees, combining theological and clinical training efficiently.
Students complete two hands-on, face-to-face experiential clinical placements designed to meet Florida’s licensure requirements, ensuring high practical readiness and licensure eligibility.
The program integrates theologically informed, spiritually sensitive counseling interventions with empirically based clinical techniques, uniquely preparing culturally and spiritually competent counselors.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $11,007
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 349

Cornerstone University

Grand Rapids, MI

Private · HLC

The M.A. in Christian Counseling at Cornerstone blends counseling skills with ministry principles, equipping students to guide individuals and families toward Christ-centered wholeness. This 100% online, ATS-accredited program integrates spiritual formation, crisis intervention, and cultural competence, emphasizing a biblical worldview in counseling practice.

Program Highlights:

The M.A. in Christian Counseling at Cornerstone University is offered 100% online with flexibility and accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, allowing students to integrate counseling skills with ministry from anywhere.
The program emphasizes developing a comprehensive counseling philosophy grounded in Christian theology, ethics, and spiritual formation to disciple individuals toward Christ-centered wholeness.
Students benefit from courses taught by experienced faculty focused on blending biblical principles with effective counseling techniques, including group counseling and crisis intervention, enhancing practical ministry readiness.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $8,522
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 231

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Wake Forest, NC

Private · SACSCOC

The MA in Biblical Counseling at Southeastern prepares students for church-based counseling ministries, integrating Scripture, gospel, and practical counseling skills. It involves 65 credit hours, personal counseling experience, and equips graduates for roles in pastoral care, chaplaincy, and family ministries, grounded in biblical anthropology.

Program Highlights:

The Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary offers clinically informed training requiring students to complete 10 hours of personal counseling with a credentialed, experienced counselor, ensuring practical, supervised counseling experience.
Students learn from faculty who integrate a robust biblical framework with gospel-centered, Christ-honoring counseling methods, uniquely blending Scripture and clinical insight into counseling practice.
The program prepares graduates for diverse ministry roles including serving as chaplains or on local church staffs with specialized responsibilities in counseling, pastoral care, and family ministries, reflecting strong practical ministry placement and vocational readiness.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $5,688
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 1,434

Grace College and Theological Seminary

Winona Lake, IN

Private · HLC

The online M.Div. in Pastoral Counseling at Grace Theological Seminary prepares students for counseling ministry with a strong biblical and theological foundation. It integrates Scripture with psychological principles to equip graduates for healing and restoration ministries within the local church through a 75-credit, three-year program.

Program Highlights:

Grace Theological Seminary offers the Pastoral Counseling M.Div. with tuition equal to their residential program, ensuring affordable education with no premium for online study.
Students benefit from instruction by the same highly acclaimed professors as on-campus courses, delivered through a dynamic, easy-to-navigate, high-definition video learning platform.
The program integrates a solid biblical and theological foundation with practical counseling skills provided by expert Graduate Counseling faculty, preparing students for effective pastoral counseling ministry.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $7,912
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 413

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA

Private · SACSCOC

Regent University’s M.A. in Human Services – Christian Counseling offers non-licensure training in counseling strategies and caregiving from a Christian perspective. The program emphasizes multiculturalism, real-world problem-solving skills, and integrates science with faith, preparing students for roles like life coach, pastoral counselor, and human services manager.

Program Highlights:

Regent University’s M.A. in Human Services – Christian Counseling offers mentorship from seasoned faculty who integrate science and faith in counseling education.
The program provides a multicultural focus with training in counseling intervention and caregiving activities from a Christian perspective.
Students benefit from a flexible, fully online format combining real-time interaction, small-group projects, and asynchronous learning modalities.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $16,128
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 5,215

Freed-Hardeman University

Henderson, TN

Private · SACSCOC

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Freed-Hardeman University integrates biblical principles with practical counseling skills, preparing students for ministerial counseling roles. The program covers diverse topics including family ministry, ethical issues, crisis counseling, and internships for hands-on experience.

Program Highlights:

Freed-Hardeman University’s Pastoral Care and Counseling program offers a fully online Certificate in Counseling for Church Leaders, blending counseling and Bible instruction for flexible, practical learning.
The program is taught by licensed counselors and experienced ministry professionals, providing students with specialized skills to address mental health and biblical guidance needs within congregations.
FHU’s Graduate School of Theology fosters strong networking opportunities through mentorship by faculty experts and cohort-based group study, enhancing community and professional support for ministry leaders.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $11,700
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 397

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Kansas City, MO

Private · HLC, ABHE

The Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary equips students with biblical counseling principles and methodologies, preparing them to serve in churches and counseling centers. The 60-credit program, available online or residentially, includes supervised practicum and fulfills ACBC certification requirements for residential students.

Program Highlights:

The MABC program offers a tuition scholarship specifically for Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) church members, providing significant financial savings for eligible students.
Residential MABC students satisfy all requirements to become certified through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC), ensuring recognized professional credentials upon graduation.
Students can choose between fully online or residential formats, with online options integrating all three phases of ACBC certification for flexible study tailored to diverse needs.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $7,020
Accreditation HLC, ABHE
Online Students 1,587

Calvary University

Kansas City, MO

Private · ABHE

The Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling at Calvary University offers graduate-level training integrating biblical, theological, and psychological principles. It equips students to counsel effectively in church and community settings, practice counseling skills, care for themselves, and prepare for licensing exams like the National Counselors Exam in Missouri.

Program Highlights:

Calvary Seminary offers a substantial tuition discount of $250 per credit hour for seminary students, representing a 30 to 42 percent savings off standard rates.
The university provides multiple scholarships specifically for seminary students, including an Alumni Scholarship valued up to $500 per semester, easing financial burdens for qualifying graduates.
Calvary Seminary supports students with flexible payment plans and online payment options, facilitating manageable tuition payments throughout their studies.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $7,830
Accreditation ABHE
Online Students 52

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

New Orleans, LA

Private · SACSCOC

The Counseling in Ministry M.Div. at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary equips students for pastoral and ministry roles involving counseling, integrating biblical and theological training with practical counseling skills. It includes 87 hours of coursework but does not qualify graduates for professional counseling licensure.

Program Highlights:

The Counseling in Ministry program at NOBTS includes a unique course, "A Practical Integration of Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality," co-taught by experts, ensuring biblically grounded counseling techniques integrated with professional psychology.
Faculty in the program are licensed professional counselors approved to supervise clinical practice, providing students with high-quality mentorship and supervised counseling experience required for licensure.
Students must complete at least one Applied Ministry Studies course via a mentoring format, offering personalized guidance and practical ministry integration tailored to individual vocational goals.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $7,695
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 702

Cairn University-Langhorne

Langhorne, PA

Private · MSCHE

Cairn University’s Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry integrates biblical theology with counseling theory and practice. The 45-credit program emphasizes restoring relationships with God and others through practical skills, intensive small-group labs, and specialized courses like trauma counseling, preparing students for faith-based counseling roles.

Program Highlights:

Cairn University’s MA in Counseling Ministry features four semesters of hands-on counseling laboratory training, providing realistic practice and confidence-building in core counseling skills within a supportive, faith-centered cohort.
The program uniquely integrates Christian theological principles with clinical mental health training, equipping students to address counseling issues through a biblically informed lens while mastering evidence-based therapeutic methods.
Students benefit from intimate small-group cohorts that foster both clinical skill development and personal spiritual growth, enabling compassionate counseling rooted in shared Christian values and community support.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $9,465
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 153

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA

Private · WSCUC

California Baptist University’s MA in Counseling Ministry is a one-year, biblically grounded program preparing students to create healing congregational environments. It integrates practical ministry skills with counseling theory, emphasizing relational and people-helping abilities within church and para-church contexts.

Program Highlights:

The Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry program at California Baptist University offers a flexible learning format with both on-campus and synchronous online options, enabling students to study from anywhere while gaining applied ministry experience in their own community.
Students have the opportunity to pursue a unique dual degree combining the MA in Counseling Ministry with the MS in Counseling Psychology, preparing them for marriage and family therapist (MFT) licensure and church-based counseling.
From day one, students engage in practical, hands-on ministry experience, applying biblical principles to develop robust people-helping ministries within their local congregations, enhancing real-world preparation and effectiveness.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $14,184
Accreditation WSCUC
Online Students 1,790

Mercer University

Macon, GA

Private · SACSCOC

Mercer’s combined Master of Divinity and Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students for counseling careers in religious settings, blending theology with clinical skills to address mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual needs. The program supports licensure as a professional counselor and typically completes in four years full-time.

Program Highlights:

Mercer University’s combined Clinical Mental Health Counseling/M.Div. program boasts a 95% first-time pass rate on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination, demonstrating strong academic and licensure preparation.
The program offers a blended learning format with evening classes one night per week, designed for busy and working adults, allowing flexible part-time or full-time study and potential completion within four years including summers.
Students gain relevant internship experience with supervised client interaction in a CACREP-accredited program, preparing them for licensure and clinical mental health practice with spiritual and theological integration.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $17,565
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 1,872

Crown College

Saint Bonifacius, MN

Private · TRACS

The M.A. in Pastoral Counseling at Crown College equips ministry leaders with scripturally-based counseling skills to support hurting individuals. The program emphasizes practical knowledge, spiritual formation, and ethical counseling within a Christian context and is primarily delivered online with ATS accreditation.

Program Highlights:

Crown College’s M.A. in Pastoral Counseling is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), ensuring academically excellent and robust theological education tailored for ministry contexts.
The program offers flexible 8-week online courses blending psychological principles with Christian perspectives, ideal for working professionals seeking advanced counseling skills without requiring state licensure.
Students benefit from a fully online format optimized for effective learning and designed to accommodate diverse life situations, expanding opportunities for ministry leadership and further education.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $10,980
Accreditation TRACS
Online Students 348

Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC

Private · SACSCOC

Gardner-Webb’s Christian Counseling master’s program integrates theology, faith, and clinical mental health counseling, preparing students for licensure with 111 credit hours, including supervised practicum and internship experiences, grounded in spiritual formation and counseling theory.

Program Highlights:

Gardner-Webb's Divinity/Mental Health Counseling dual degree uniquely integrates theology and spirituality with counseling theory and clinical experience, preparing students for licensure as professional counselors in North Carolina and most other states.
The program includes a Capstone experience, practicum, and internship components that provide substantial real-world clinical placements, ensuring hands-on training in diverse mental health settings.
Undergraduate students at Gardner-Webb can accelerate their path by enrolling in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Accelerated Master's Program (CMHC-AMP), earning up to 12 graduate credit hours during their senior year, shortening overall completion time.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $11,250
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 820

Faith International University

Tacoma, WA

Private · TRACS

The Master of Arts in Counseling and Care at Faith International University is a 72-credit program integrating Christian theology with counseling theory to prepare students for pastoral and professional counseling roles, emphasizing biblical foundations, multicultural competence, and ethical clinical practice toward licensure readiness.

Program Highlights:

Faith International University’s Master of Arts in Counseling and Care offers specialized training that integrates biblical wisdom with clinically informed counseling techniques, enabling students to provide holistic, Christ-centered care grounded in theology and psychology.
The program is taught by faculty who are deeply committed to both academic excellence and the spiritual development of students, ensuring personalized mentorship and growth in both counseling skills and faith.
Students benefit from practical coursework that meets California licensure requirements, including advanced counseling theories, multicultural counseling, and assessment, positioning graduates for licensure and diverse clinical placement opportunities.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $6,600
Accreditation TRACS
Online Students 52

Dallas Baptist University

Dallas, TX

Private · SACSCOC

The M.A. in Christian Counseling at Dallas Baptist University is a non-licensure, 36-credit program offering Christ-centered training to prepare leaders for counseling ministries within churches and faith-based organizations, integrating biblical principles with psychological theory and practical counseling skills.

Program Highlights:

Dallas Baptist University’s Master of Arts in Christian Counseling program offers a waived application fee, reducing initial enrollment costs for prospective students.
The program integrates a robust biblical foundation by requiring active church membership and demonstrated Christian conduct aligned with DBU’s mission, ensuring faith-based community engagement and spiritual development.
Prospective students benefit from a flexible, non-licensure 36-hour program designed specifically to prepare servant leaders for ministry-based counseling roles, emphasizing practical ministry application over licensure.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $22,878
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 722

MidAmerica Nazarene University

Olathe, KS

Private · HLC

The Christian Counseling Master’s program at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary offers comprehensive training in biblical counseling principles, ethics, and soul-care. It prepares students for service in churches and counseling roles, combining theological study with supervised practical experience to address emotional and behavioral issues biblically.

Program Highlights:

The Christian Faith & Counseling emphasis offers a unique 5-credit-hour add-on eligible for financial aid, enhancing faith integration for counseling professionals.
The program provides flexible hybrid and evening class schedules to accommodate students balancing busy personal and professional lives.
Admission is selective with limited spots and involves interviews, ensuring a committed, focused cohort and personalized training experiences.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $12,764
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 153

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Popular Courses

Crisis Counseling

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Marriage and Family Counseling

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