Online master’s in Christian counseling programs are designed for future and existing pastoral counselors who are looking to upgrade their skills and knowledge to help better serve the needs of their clients. These programs combine counseling best practices with Christian beliefs to offer holistic counsel and help. The curriculum helps students develop a comprehensive view of counseling and learn how to help individuals and their families in faith-based and secular settings.
An online master’s in Christian counseling from a leading Christian college adds weight to one’s resume and makes students desirable candidates for a variety of professions in churches, nonprofit organizations, and counseling centers. These programs examine theological and ethical issues, emphasize Bible-centered counseling methods and techniques to help people dealing with crises, and focus on psychological research and theories.
Faith-based topics in these online programs include Biblical interpretation, Christian values, a historical insight of Christianity, conflict resolution in ministry along with biblical foundations and models for small group ministry. Counseling and psychology subjects include pastoral care and counseling, lifespan development, crisis management, family interventions, addictions, and abnormal psychology, among others. Every topic combines the Christian faith and philosophy with in-depth counseling and psychology.
Most online master’s in Christian counseling programs require a capstone or a thesis that demonstrates pertinent knowledge and skills in pastoral counseling and psychological concepts. While most programs do not lead to licensure, they prepare students well to appear for specific state-licensed professional counselor exams. Some begin work in the church and secular settings while others go on to pursue post-doctoral degrees. Whichever pathway they choose, they are equipped to help others struggling with mental health issues, marital challenges, substance abuse, and family crises.
Online master’s in Christian counseling programs are an excellent fit for individuals who are working full-time and are looking to earn an advanced degree as they continue to gather more experience. A lot of pastoral counselors or chaplains opt for Christian counseling programs online to gain more knowledge and insight into the subject and help their parishes better. Students from all backgrounds learn to blend spiritual growth with psychology along with interpersonal skills to help heal communities in need. The programs can lead to rewarding careers in counseling in Christian as well as secular settings.
In this ranking, we have explored the most affordable online master’s in Christian counseling programs. While most are 100% online, some are offered in a hybrid format. The flexibility of these programs allows students to manage their work, life, and studies in a balanced manner. Students considering a master’s in Christian counseling may use the ranking to learn about coursework, program requirements, specialization and concentration options, cost, accreditations, and admission requirements. Schools have been ranked primarily on the affordability of tuition – from high to low. We have also explored other criteria like courses offered, flexibility, and accreditations.
Methodology:
Net Price (as reported by the NCES):
- Under $10,000: 5 points
- Under $12,000: 4 points
- Under $14,000: 3 points
- Under $16,000: 2 points
- Under $18,000: 1 point
Program Flexibility (asynchronous course delivery, hybrid options, part-time/full-time schedule, etc. ) – 1 point per item
Online Student Support Network (faculty mentors/advisors, etc.) — 1 point per item
Accreditation: 2 points for regional, 1 point for national
Program recognition or alignment with recognized standards: 1 point for each
#30 Dallas Baptist University
Dallas, Texas
Online M.A. in Christian Counseling
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Points: 6
Dallas Baptist University offers an online M.A. in Christian Counseling via its Graduate School of Ministry. The 36-hour graduate program is designed for graduates who plan to counsel in the local church, denominational agencies, and ministry-based organizations. Students receive a strong theological and counseling foundation as they prepare to lead a practical ministry of Christian counseling. The Christ-centered curriculum incorporates biblical principles into a counseling ministry, providing a holistic outlook to serving. Coursework includes Introduction to Christian Counseling, Abnormal Psychology, Christian Counseling Skills. Students are equipped to pursue roles in recreation ministry, missions, men’s and women’s ministry, or in denominational organizations. Graduates go on to serve as pastors, age-group ministers, and leaders in non-profit or para-church organizations. Dallas Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $1,004
#29 Fordham University
Bronx, New York
M.A. in Pastoral Care
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Points: 7
Fordham University offers an online Master of Arts in Pastoral Care that is designed for clergy and laypeople involved in different kinds of ministry. Students are prepared to become competent and capable pastoral caregivers as they engage in ministerial work. The 36-credit hour program nurtures in-depth study, meaningful reflection, and the interdependence of theory and practice. The program also prepares students interested in Chaplaincy to seek certification from the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) or the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC). Coursework includes Pastoral Counseling Theory, Human Growth, and Development, Professional Ethics in Pastoral Counseling, Theology of Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care, Pastoral Counseling Skills, Social and Cultural Foundations of Pastoral Counseling. Fordham University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the Middle States Association.
Tuition per credit: $929
#28 Loyola University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
M.A. in Pastoral Studies-Online
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Points: 8
Loyola University Chicago offers an online M.A. in Pastoral Studies via its Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS), which is among the most prestigious education-for-ministry programs in the nation. The 36-hour master’s degree program includes courses like Introduction to Theology and Ministry, Church and Its Mission, The Literature of Ancient Israel, Christian Origins: An Exploration of the New Testament, Christian Doctrine and Its History: Grace, Christ and the Spirit, Liturgy and the Christian Sacraments, Christian Moral Theology and Ethics, Human Person and Psychological Development. The structured curriculum includes concentrations like Healthcare Ministries, Church Management, and Religious Education. The combination of pastoral theology, scripture, and ministerial skills provides students with a solid top-rate experience in education for ministry. Loyola University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).
Tuition per credit: $788
#27 Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, Colorado
Online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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Points: 8
Colorado Christian University offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program via its College of Adult and Graduate Studies. The Christian framework encompasses every aspect of the curriculum. Students are trained to become culturally responsive professional counselors through exceptional mentoring and experiential learning. The rigorous coursework prepares students to follow the streamlined licensure application process and take the National Counselor Exam, which would make them eligible to practice in the state of Colorado and many other states. The 6-credit hour program teaches students the unique opportunity to integrate Christian faith and sound counseling principles. The program is nationally accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Tuition per credit: $681
#26 Mid-America Christian University
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
M.S. in Counseling Online
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Points: 9
Mid-America Christian University offers an online M.S. in Counseling with an emphasis on Marital, Couples, and Family Counseling/Therapy that prepares students for Oklahoma licensure to practice. Students learn to incorporate traditional Christian values in their work and approach the practice of marriage and family therapy from a biblical perspective. The 46 credit hour curriculum helps them develop the skills and expertise to treat a number of relational and behavioral problems in marriages, families, and other relationships. Through the course of the program, students learn to analyze the systems and inner dynamics at play in the family and romantic relationships so they can help clients grow in lasting ways. Mid-America Christian University (MACU) is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition per credit: $642
#25 Missouri Baptist University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Online Master of Arts in Christian Ministry-Pastoral Ministries
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Points: 9
Missouri Baptist University offers an online Master of Arts in Christian Ministry with an emphasis in Pastoral Ministries. Students learn to pair theological ideas and scholarly work with practical methods for helping people with their problems. The 39 credit hours program leads to a theological degree that is both practical and foundational and paves the way for future seminary study. The curriculum places emphasis on the local church and building meaningful relationships with people to produce impactful discipleship and prepares students to make a positive impact on people. Built for both lay leaders and ministers alike, the program gives graduates with a good understanding of the world beyond the ministry, with a robust education that has practical implications for their career success. Missouri Baptist University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Tuition per credit: $637
#24 Ottawa University
Ottawa, Kansas
Online Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC)
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Points: 9
Ottawa University offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program that prepares graduates to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Students are trained to inspire trust and confidence while helping others heal, overcome troubles, and addictions. The 36-credit hour program combines theory and practice to provide students with a well-rounded education. The Christian counseling concentration includes topics like the Integration of Psychology and Christianity, Professional and Ethical Issues in Counseling, among others. Students are prepared to serve in both Christian and secular settings. For this concentration and to earn a Christian counseling degree, students need to be admitted to both the Ottawa University and the Phoenix Seminary programs. Ottawa University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition per credit: $635
#23 Freed-Hardeman University
Henderson, Tennessee
Online M.A. in Pastoral Care & Counseling
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Points: 9
Freed-Hardeman University offers an online Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling program that blends grounded theoretical research with practical applications to deal with real-life issues. Students receive the necessary spiritual and practical tools to provide adequate care and counseling in a ministry context. The 48-credit hour program prepares graduates to work as preachers, youth ministers, associate ministers, Bible school teachers, among others. They are well-prepared to provide support and counsel to those who are facing emotional/ psychological challenges. Coursework includes Introduction to Graduate Studies, Communication in Ministry, Christian Leadership, Family Ministry, Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy, Ministerial Counseling, Grief Counseling, Marriage, and Family Counseling.
Freed-Hardeman University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Tuition per credit: $610
#22 Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Waxahachie, Texas
Online Master of Divinity (M.Div.)-Counseling
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Points: 10
Southwestern Assemblies of God University offers an online Master of Divinity (M.Div.) with a concentration in counseling. The 72-credit hour program prepares students for Christian ministry and post-graduate work. They learn to think critically about biblical and contemporary theology and ethics, practice careful biblical interpretation, and interact in healthy ways within the diversity of cultures and religions. They have the option to choose from a thesis and non-thesis option and customize their degree with one of the eight specializations offered. The counseling concentration includes courses like Professional Orientation, Ethical and Legal Issues, Methods and Techniques in Counseling, Integrative Issues in the Behavioral Sciences, Human Growth, and Life Span Development along with the core courses. Southwestern Assemblies of God University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition per credit: $595
#21 Houston Baptist University
Houston, Texas
Online Master of Arts in Christian Leadership (MACL)
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Points: 10
Houston Baptist University offers an online Master of Arts in Christian Leadership (MACL) that prepares students for ministry, both lay and vocational, in their churches. The online graduate program is built upon the core elements of biblical and theological knowledge so that graduates can responsibly apply biblical truths to contemporary ministry settings. The 36-credit hour program focuses on developing skills for serving as a leader in contemporary ministry settings. Coursework includes Theological Inquiry, Christian Scriptures, Pastoral Church Ministry, Care, and Spiritual Formation, biblical languages, apologetics, classics, and philosophy, among others. Students are instructed through the context of Spiritual Formation and Internship. Houston Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $575
#20 Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling
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Points: 11
Liberty University offers an online Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling via its School of Behavioral Sciences’ Department of Community Care and Counseling. The 36-credit hour program is designed for students looking to offer biblical guidance and counsel to help others. Students are prepared to serve people who are struggling with the various challenges of life and seeking care. They learn to address the physical, spiritual, psychological, and relational needs of people through this non-licensure pastoral counseling degree. Coursework includes Spiritual Formation in Pastoral Counseling, Theories and Techniques in Pastoral Counseling, along with a Pastoral Counseling Internship. The Pastoral Counseling specialization gives students a solid foundation from which to offer counsel based on biblical principles. Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC.
Tuition per credit: $565
#19 Faulkner University
Montgomery, Alabama
Online Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and Family Ministry
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Points: 11
Faulkner University offers an online Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and Family Ministry (MACC) program that is designed for church workers who want to provide ministerial counsel and family guidance but do not seek licensure. The 36 semester hours curriculum includes five family studies courses from the Kearley Graduate School of Theology and seven counseling courses from the Alabama Christian College of Arts and Sciences. The graduate faculties from two academic units of Faulkner University take turns in teaching this interdisciplinary program. Coursework includes Counseling in the Community, Suicide Intervention and Counseling, Integrations of Theology and Counseling, Group Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling, and Analysis of the Helping Relationship. Faulkner University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per semester hour: $555
Featured Programs
#18 Crown College
Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota
Online Master of Divinity-Pastoral Counseling
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Points: 11
Crown College offers an online Master of Divinity degree that equips students with diverse ministry leadership skills. The 72-credit hour program provides a biblical and theological understanding so that students can serve with confidence and effectiveness. The Pastoral Counseling concentration further equips students with the practical and theoretical skills necessary to serve effectively as a pastoral counselor. Coursework includes Counseling Skills, Methods and Techniques, Theories and Practices of Counseling, Human Growth and Lifespan Development, Pastoral Counseling along with the core courses. Graduates go on to serve as pastoral counselors, senior pastors, associate pastors, executive pastors, chaplains, theological educators, missionaries, or officers in a faith-based organization. Crown College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition per credit: $555
#17 Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona
Online M.S. in Mental Health Counseling-Christian Counseling
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Points: 11
Grand Canyon University offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Christian Counseling via its College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The 74-credit hour program prepares graduates to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients with mental, behavioral, social, and emotional problems with a Christ-centered approach. Along with the foundational knowledge in psychological principles, clinical skills, and best practices, future counseling professionals are trained to integrate the principles of the Christian worldview into their counseling practice. They learn to serve with grace, dignity, and the spirit of Christ as they counsel others. .The online master’s degree creates a pathway toward licensure as a clinical counselor. Grand Canyon University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition per credit: $530
#16 Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa, Idaho
Online Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry
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Points: 11
Northwest Nazarene University offers an online Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry designed for students preparing for vocational Christian ministry. The theological education imparts an intercultural element that adds depth to both student interaction and ministry application. The 40-credit curriculum covers the breadth of ministerial studies, with courses in missiology, Christian education, theology, pastoral leadership, preaching and worship, Bible, spiritual formation, church history, and philosophy, among others. Students have the flexibility to continue working and living in their communities, which, in fact, enhances learning and allows them to apply their knowledge in practical settings. They learn from a talented and experienced faculty and also have the option to participate in a mentor relationship with someone in their own ministry settings. Northwest Nazarene University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Tuition per credit: $515
#15 Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Online M.A. in Human Services-Christian Counseling
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Points: 12
Regent University offers an online M.A. in Human Services – Christian Counseling via its School of Psychology & Counseling. The non-licensure degree helps students Understand human behavior, learn proven counseling strategies, techniques, and caregiving methods from a Christian perspective. The 30-credit hour curriculum includes courses like Graduate Foundations for Psychology/Counseling, Foundations of Human Services, Behavioral Science Foundations, Professional Ethics in the Human Service Fields Helping Skills & Techniques, Multicultural Awareness & Individual Diversity Capstone & Field Experience, Advanced Counseling Skills & Techniques 3 Counseling Models & Strategies Community & Crisis Counseling among others. Courses are taught with a combination of small-group projects, podcast lectures, real-time interaction with professors, and asynchronous chat room discussion. Regent University is accredited by SACSCOC.
Tuition per credit: $500
#14 Calvary University
Kansas City, Missouri
Online Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling
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Points: 12
Calvary University offers an online Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling that prepares students for counseling ministries in the church, para-church, and community settings. The 54 credit hour program includes courses in Bible, practical theology, and biblical counseling principles so that students acquire a basic knowledge of the counseling and are also able to articulate a biblical philosophy of counseling at the same time. They learn to biblically identify people’s problems, understand the dangers and influences of blending humanistic, and integrational counseling principles in a biblical counseling setting. They also develop essential communication skills needed for counseling one-on-one and in small group situations so that they can offer soul-care and lasting change.
Tuition per credit: $437
#13 Grace College
Winona Lake, Indiana
Online Master of Ministry Studies
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Points: 12
Grace College offers an online Master of Ministry Studies that is designed for students looking for masters-level theological education to enter vocational ministry. The 36-credit hour program offers three concentration options – Ministry Studies, Women’s Leadership Studies, and Counseling. The 100% online format is flexible and asynchronous, which allows students to work and study as it fits their busy schedules. The ministry-based Counseling Concentration includes theological foundations of counseling, Christian counseling theories and methodologies, premarital and marital counseling, and common problems experienced by people. Future pastoral counselors are equipped with the essential ministry tools to help and serve them to the best of their ability. They are taught by instructors who are engaged or have been engaged with counseling in a local church. Grace College and Seminary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
Tuition per credit: $405
#12 Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Kansas City, Missouri
Online Master of Theological Studies (MTS)-Biblical Counseling
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Points: 12
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary offers an online Master of Theological Studies (MTS) with a Biblical Counseling emphasis. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of theological disciplines so that students can pursue successful counseling careers or further graduate study. The 45-credit hour curriculum includes courses like Biblical Counseling in the Local Church, Biblical Counseling & Psychological Theories, Marriage & Family Counseling, Addictive Behaviors & Biblical Counseling along with the core courses. Graduates demonstrate increased biblical and theological knowledge and learn to apply their knowledge to help others who are seeking respite from their problems. The program effectively covers all the core areas of counseling from a biblical perspective, which allows them to make a positive impact upon others. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) and The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition per credit: $395
#11 North Greenville University
Greer, South Carolina
Online Masters in Christian Ministry (MACM)-Christian Counseling
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Points: 12
North Greenville University offers an online Masters in Christian Ministry (MACM) degree with a Christian Counseling specialization. The 36-credit hour program teaches students to be more impactful in their Christian ministry through the knowledge and skills they learn. Coursework includes Basic Pastoral Counseling, The Minister as Pastoral Care Leader, Pre-Marital, and Marriage Counseling, along with the six core courses. The final capstone course is supplemented with five elective courses. Students have the option to enroll fully online or entirely onsite or select a hybrid format. The curriculum covers topics that enable students to enrich their knowledge and each of their full potential in ministry.
North Greenville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $395
#10 Shasta Bible College & Graduate School
Redding, California
Online Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling
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Points: 13
Shasta Bible College & Graduate School offers an online Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling that is designed to prepare graduates to counsel individuals and their families from a biblical perspective. The 39-unit program is a good fit for those who are currently holding or seeking opportunities as counselors in churches, hospitals, medical and convalescent facilities, educational and vocational programs, correctional institutions, and community services; as chaplains in the military, prisons, and hospitals; and as teachers. The program does not qualify the student to sit for a licensure examination with the California State Board of Psychology or the California State Board of Behavioral Science. But students are well-trained on discipleship and the application of biblical truth to the problems and challenges of contemporary Christian living. Shasta Bible College and Graduate School is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).
Tuition per credit: $375
#9 Holy Apostles College and Seminary
Cromwell, Connecticut
Online MA in Pastoral Studies
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Points: 13
Holy Apostles College and Seminary offers an online M.A. in Pastoral Studies that prepares students to serve in parish settings with competence and effectiveness. The professional degree program requires 36 credits for completion and covers all contemporary ecclesial ministries and lay leadership methods, including religious education at catechetical leadership and youth ministry and other levels. Students develop an in-depth understanding of the ministry within the life and mission of the Roman Catholic Church. Coursework includes Apologetics, Spiritual Life in the Classics, Marriage and Family in Secular Culture, Marriage and Theology of the Body, Catholic Social Teachings, Contemporary Moral Issues, Pastoral Care of Marriage and Family, Morals and Psychology and Methods in Counseling among others. Holy Apostles College and Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.
Tuition per credit: $360
#8 Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, Tennessee
Online Religion (M.A.)-Pastoral Counseling
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Points: 13
Trevecca Nazarene University offers an online master’s degree in Religion with a Pastoral Counseling concentration, which equips students with knowledge and skills surrounding personal and relational conflicts and prepares them to become effective church leaders. Students learn about the nature, function, challenges, and limitations of pastoral counseling as it applies to various crisis situations, relationship issues, and family matters. The pastoral counseling concentration establishes a strong foundation in Biblical counseling in a ministerial setting though it does not lead to licensure or counseling certification. The 33 credit hour program includes courses like Marriage and Family Counseling in Pastoral Counseling, Pastoral Intervention in Crisis, Human Sexuality and Pastoral Counseling, Pastoral Counseling, and Process Addictions, among others. Trevecca Nazarene University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition per credit: $350
#7 Ohio Christian University
Circleville, Ohio
Online Master of Arts in Ministry-Pastoral Care and Counseling
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Points: 13
Ohio Christian University offers an online Master of Arts with a major in Ministry and a Pastoral Care and Counseling Concentration. Students are prepared to serve effectively in the church and society through lessons grounded in the Bible, historical thought, and context of the church and theology. Designed for those ministers who are called to a counseling ministry, the 36-credit hour program enhances the ministry skills of pastors and lay leaders in the local church. The Pastoral Care and Counseling Concentration does not qualify the graduate to work as a licensed counselor. It does, however, prepare graduates well to sit for a state certificate or license for these who wish to practice professional counseling in secular settings. Ohio Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Tuition per credit: $338
#6 Maranatha Baptist Seminary
Watertown, Wisconsin
Online Master’s in Biblical Counseling
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Points: 13
Maranatha Baptist Seminary offers an online Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling that is designed for students looking to become more effective communicators of biblical counsel. The 33 semester hours curriculum includes biblical counseling courses like Proverbs and Counseling, Counseling Survivors of Abuse, Counseling Addictive Behavior, Crisis Counseling, Marriage and Family Counseling, Theology and Practice of Pastoral Counseling, Methods of Biblical Change, Counseling Problems and Procedures along with Biblical Counseling Seminar and Practicum. Students get a solid foundation of biblical and theological knowledge, which they learn to apply in their work. They also develop research and communication skills to pursue further training in Biblical Counseling post-graduate studies. Maranatha Baptist Seminary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition per credit: $330
#5 Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Online Master of Divinity – Biblical Studies Track
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Points: 14
Campbellsville University offers an online Master of Divinity program with a Biblical Studies Track that prepares students in effective pastoral care and counseling. The 75-credit hour academically rigorous curriculum is delivered with an asynchronous course schedule, which allows flexible studies and preparation for a rewarding calling in ministry. Students explore Christianity in-depth and develop the leadership skills it takes to do Christ’s work in the church and on the mission field and take their ministry calling a step further. Graduates go on to serve as military chaplains, as pastors in a church or as a church staff, lead a non-profit, faith-based organization, or serve in cross-culture and international missions. Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $299
#4 Luther Rice College & Seminary
Lithonia, Georgia
Online Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling
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Points: 14
Luther Rice College & Seminary offers an online Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling that is designed to train students to serve as competent counselors in local churches and other ministry settings. The 36-credit hour graduate-level program equips them with the necessary skills to assist those in need of Christ-centered counseling and pastoral care. While the program does not lead to state licensure, students are well-prepared to serve as a non-licensed counselor in a variety of Christian and church contexts. 97% of graduates reported this program improved the quality of their ministry experience. The program offers an accelerated format and allows students to complete it in 18-24 months.
Tuition per credit: $297
#3 New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
New Orleans, Louisiana
Online Master of Divinity, Chaplaincy/Pastoral Care Specialization
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Points: 15
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary offers an online M.Div. with a Chaplaincy/Pastoral Care Specialization. The 86-credit hour program prepares students to serve as pastors, military and hospital chaplains, a church staff member in pastoral care and counseling. The program does not lead to licensure but prepares students to appear for the exams if they wish to take them. Coursework in the Pastoral Care Track includes Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment Personality Development, Advanced Pastoral Counseling, Crisis Counseling, and Group Counseling, along with core courses. The flagship degree is available all online or may be combined with on-campus classes courses at extension centers or the main campus. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $275
#2 Amberton University
Garland, Texas
Online MS in Family Studies-Christian Counseling
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Points: 15
Amberton University offers an online master’s degree in Family Studies with a Specialization in Christian Counseling. The interdisciplinary program blends Counseling, Human Behavior, and Development with the basic tenets of Christian Counseling. The 36-credit hour program emphasizes family life education and teaches essential skills like family enrichment, crisis management, social and organizational interactions. Graduates go on to work in social service, counseling centers, religious institutions, retirement, and assisted-living facilities. Coursework includes crisis counseling, lifespan development, family studies, Christian counseling, and practical experience Christian counseling, among others. Amberton University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $265
#1 Bob Jones University
Greenville, South Carolina
Biblical Counseling, M.A. Online
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Points: 16
Bob Jones University offers an online master’s degree in Biblical Counseling that prepares students to engage in Christian counseling in local church ministries. Students receive rigorous instruction from faculty who hold high academic credentials and practice regularly in their own counseling ministries. The 41-credit hour program provides a broad overview of counseling and psychology from a thoroughly biblical perspective. The comprehensive curriculum covers important counseling topics such as anxiety, depression, trauma, marriage and children, finances, addictions, and grief from a biblical perspective. A blend of theology and practice of counseling teaches students to offer hope through the eternal truths found in the Bible to those who are perplexed, lost, and hurting. Bob Jones University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $220
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