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Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Pastoral Counseling

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An online master’s in pastoral counseling is a degree that blends ministerial or biblical philosophies with modern counseling concepts. The pastoral counseling graduate degree provides a framework for students who wish to train for various clergy roles in the therapeutic setting. They receive psychological training to provide therapy to members of their congregation who are in distress.

An online master’s in pastoral counseling teaches students to represent and utilize both faith and psychology to help their clients on an emotional level with any problem. They learn to focus their solutions on behavioral science methods and moderate theology. This unique branch of counseling and psychotherapy combines resources from the mental health field with those of theology. Pastoral counselors represent the central beliefs of a religious community. They practice in the form of therapy that is an interplay of faith, life, and behavioral science. They work in a variety of settings like:

  • Houses of worship
  • Hospitals
  • Correctional facilities
  • Substance abuse rehabilitation facilities
  • Hospices
  • Domestic violence centers
  • Workplaces
  • Military bases
  • Religious-based counseling centers

Most online master’s in pastoral counseling are non-licensure in nature, which means that they do not lead to state licensure. But the coursework prepares students well to take the exams if they wish to attain a license to practice. To practice, counselors need a master’s degree from an accredited institution, along with a pastoral counseling experience with supervision in an AAPC-approved training program. They also need a minimum of three years of ministry experience with active interaction with the local religious community. 

This article has researched and reviewed the schools that offer accredited and recognized online masters in pastoral counseling degree programs. We zeroed down to the top 25 schools that provide high-quality programs that provide foundational training for successful pastoral counseling careers. We have considered the program offerings, program and school accreditation, school rankings, faculty profiles, affordability of the programs, aids, student support, practicum, and internship opportunities for ranking purposes. The programs are ranked based on their affordability.

Methodology:

Tuition 

  • Net Price Below $10,000: 4 points 
  • Net Price Below $15,000: 3 points 
  • Net Price Below $20,000: 2 points 
  • Net Price Below $25,000: 1 point

Student to Faculty Ratio 

  • Less than 20:1: 1 point 
  • Less than 15: 1: 2 points 
  • Less than 10: 1: 3 points 

Return on Investment (ROI) 

  • Top 500: 1 point 
  • Top 300: 2 points 
  • Top 150: 3 points

Student Support Network (faculty mentors/advisors, writing/technology support, etc.)— 1 point per item

Concentrations/Specializations – 1 point per item

Accreditation (School-Wide and Program-Specific) – 1 point per item

“Wow” Factor – 1 point (anything that would mark a program as unique. Special qualities that make a program “stand out from the crowd”)

#25 Fordham University 

The Bronx, NY 

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Fordham University

Online Pastoral Care (M.A.)

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Points: 5

Fordham University offers a Master of Arts degree (M.A.) in Pastoral Care. It prepares students for ministerial work and to be competent and effective pastoral caregivers in the ministry setting. Graduates are prepared to seek certification from the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC), the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC). The program’s core combines sociological, philosophical, historical, theological, psychological, and cultural foundations. Various modalities of theological reflection include: 

  • Cultural and multicultural perspectives
  • Pastoral and practical theology
  • Developmental theory
  • Psychology; Spirituality

The program leads to meaningful reflection, in-depth study, and the interdependence of theory and practice. 

Fast facts:

  • 36 credits
  • Offered through: Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 
  • Tuition per credit: $960

#24 Madonna University

Livonia, MI 

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Madonna University

Online MA in Pastoral Ministry

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Points: 6

Madonna University offers an online Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry. It prepares students for professional roles of Christian service within a faith community or in other settings where people are in need. They serve in parishes, hospice centers, hospitals, nursing facilities, prisons, and educational settings. Coursework includes: 

  • The Prophetic Literature; The Gospels 
  • Ministerial Identity and Pastoral Skills 
  • Franciscan Themes: Justice, Peace & Christian Conscience 
  • Pastoral Ministry Praxis; Bioethics and Sexuality
  • Public Issues and Christian Morality

As pastoral ministers, graduates help in sacramental preparation, illness, the passages of youth and young adulthood, grief, loss, trauma, birth, and death. 

Fast facts:

  • 46 credits
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition per credit: $900

#23 Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary 

Evanston, IL

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Online MA- Pastoral Care and Counseling

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Points: 6

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary offers an online Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling. The interdisciplinary pastoral care and counseling training program trains students for pastoral care careers. Students learn to integrate theology with psychological theories to address human suffering and facilitate healing. They graduate as highly skilled, critical, reflective, compassionate, and socially engaged practitioners-scholars with a robust and evolving sense of pastoral identity. Concentration courses include: 

  • Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling 
  • Psychology of Religion
  • Premarital, Marital, and Family Counseling 
  • Pastor as Counselor; Clinical Pastoral Ed

The Clinical Track provides clinical training and academic coursework necessary to sit for the Illinois state licensure exam for professional counselors. 

Fast facts:

  • 65 credits
  • Offered through: Center for Religion and Psychotherapy of Chicago
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: The Association of Theological Schools; Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition per credit: $815

#22 Hampton University

Hampton, VA

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Hampton University

Online Counseling – Pastoral, M.A.

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Points: 7

Hampton University offers an online Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling. It provides students with professional counseling skills to practice as spiritual leaders within the church and communities. Key features of the program: 

  • Students develop and grow as leaders, advocates, and change agents in their communities and various school settings.
  • They learn in an environment of spirituality, collaboration, self-examination, and reflection.
  • The program optimizes individual development, academic, and career development.
  • Graduates bring emotional and spiritual health to communities through their leadership, advocacy, and spirituality.

The program has a non-denominational focus and provides intensive training s that graduates can nurture their communities and parishes. The department has a record of 95% job placement rate among its graduates.

Fast facts:

  • 30 credits
  • Offered through: School of Liberal Arts & Education 
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: CACREP; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 
  • Tuition per credit: $665

#21 Westminster Theological Seminary 

Glenside, PA 

Online MA-Counseling

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Points: 7

Westminster Theological Seminary offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling. It provides students with a Christ-centered understanding of the human experience. It combines the study of theology and counseling practices with practical experience. Coursework includes: 

  • Introduction to Apologetics; Bible Survey
  • Principles of Biblical Interpretation; Counseling Observation 
  • Dynamics of Biblical Change; Counseling in the Local Church
  • Helping Relationships; Counseling and Physiology
  • Theology and Secular Psychology
  • Marriage Counseling; Human Personality
  • Counseling Problems and Procedures
  • Counseling Children and Adolescents

Courses are offered in partnership with the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF).

Fast facts:

  • 60 credits
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Tuition per credit: $650

#20 Denver Seminary

Littleton, CO

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Denver Seminary

Online Master of Divinity

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Points: 7

Denver Seminary offers an online Master of Divinity. It is designed for prospective students exploring future ministry opportunities and working ministry professionals needing a flexible learning schedule. The program provides students with the broadest and deepest preparation tools for life in ministry and more. Coursework includes: 

  • Thinking Biblically & Theologically
  • Intro to Mentored Formation
  • Pastoral Care & Counseling Relationships
  • Pastoral Theology & Practice of Ministry
  • Apologetics & Ethics
  • Spiritual Formation for Life & Ministry

The flexible and affordable program is a good fit for individuals who can’t relocate due to personal, family, or ministry ties. It provides them with the skills and knowledge to become Pastors, Chaplains, Missionaries, or Church Planters. 

Fast facts:

  • 79 credits
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Association of Theological Schools; Higher Learning Commission,
  • Tuition per credit: $625

#19 Freed–Hardeman University

Henderson, TN  

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Freed–Hardeman University

Online MA- Pastoral Care & Counseling

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Points: 8

Freed–Hardeman University offers an online Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling. It balances theoretical research with practical applications to deal with real situations. Students learn the spiritual and practical tools to provide care and counseling in a ministry context. Coursework includes: 

  • New Testament Text Course; Old Testament Text Course
  • Communication in Ministry;Family Ministry
  • Pastoral Counseling; Spiritual Leadership
  • Suffering and the Human Condition
  • Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
  • Psychopathology; Crisis Counseling 
  • Grief Counseling

The program prepares students to be preachers, associate ministers, youth ministers, and Bible school teachers. 

Fast facts:

  • 48 credits
  • Offered through: Graduate School of Theology
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
  • Tuition per credit: $610

#18 Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Regent University

Online MA- Pastoral Counseling

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Points: 8

Regent University offers an online Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling. It equips students with biblically centered counseling tools to help others through stress and crises. The non-licensure M.A. degree is a good fit for the future pastor, nonprofit leaders, or biblical teachers. Coursework includes: 

  • Professional Ethics in the Human Services Fields
  • Addictive Behavior & Substance Abuse
  • Marriage & Relationship Counseling
  • Community & Crisis Counseling
  • Multicultural Awareness & Individual Diversity
  • Survey of Christianity; Capstone & Field Experience 
  • Pastoral Care, Counseling, & Conflict 

The online master’s program draws from fields like mental health counseling, Christian psychology, and clinical pastoral education.

Fast facts:

  • 30 credits
  • Offered through: School of Psychology & Counseling
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 
  • Tuition per credit: $595

#17 Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary 

Wake Forest, NC

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Online MDiv in Biblical Counseling

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Points: 8

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary offers an online Master of Divinity with a concentration in Biblical Counseling. It prepares students for a wide variety of biblical guidance ministries in local churches. Graduates serve as chaplains with special responsibilities for pastoral care, counseling, and family ministries. Coursework includes:

  • Counseling Individuals with Problematic Emotions 
  • Counseling and the Church 
  • Counseling Individuals with Addiction Problems 
  • Counseling Parents and Children 
  • Cross-cultural Counseling 

Graduates go on to work with non-profit ministries as counselors, with secular agencies to encourage the world with the gospel, lead a counseling ministry at their local church and encourage the body of Christ through counseling. 

Fast facts:

  • 62 credits
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Tuition per credit: $580

#16 Liberty University 

Lynchburg, VA

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Liberty University

Online MA- Pastoral Counseling

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Points: 9

Liberty University offers an online Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling. It combines theology with psychotherapy to address the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals and groups. Students gain the counseling skills and biblical knowledge needed to help people in all walks of life. Specialization options include:

  • Addictions and Recovery; Community Chaplaincy
  • Crisis Response and Trauma; Discipleship and Church Ministry
  • Dobson Center Family Advocacy, Public Policy, and the Future
  • Dobson Center Marriage and Family Studies
  • Dobson Center Parenting and Child/Adolescent Development
  • Leadership; Life Coaching
  • Marriage and Family; Military Resilience
  • Pastoral Counseling; Theology

By choosing a specialization, students can personalize their degree to meet their unique goals.

Fast facts:

  • 36 credits
  • Offered through: School of Behavioral Sciences 
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 
  • Tuition per credit: $565

#15 Crown College

St Bonifacius, MN

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Crown College

Online MA- Pastoral Counseling

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Points: 9

Crown College offers an online Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling. It provides students with counseling and practical skills to practice within a congregation or church setting. It meets the demand for excellent Christian counselors to help people who are hurting or struggling. Coursework covers areas like:

  • Theories and Practices of Counseling
  • Human Growth and Lifespan Development
  • Counseling Skills, Methods, and Techniques (Residency Optional)
  • Marriage and Family Therapy; Trauma-Informed Counseling and Crisis Intervention
  • Multicultural Counseling; Christian Theology
  • Facilitating Spiritual Formation
  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling
  • Addictions and Substance Abuse

The degree does not lead to licensure with the state but better prepares those in ministry to help others.

Fast facts:

Featured Programs

  • 36 credits
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition per credit: $555

#14 Grand Canyon University 

Phoenix, AZ

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Grand Canyon University

Online MS Mental Health Counseling-Christian Counseling

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Points: 9

Grand Canyon University offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Christian Counseling. Students get the foundational knowledge in psychological principles and best practices. The Christian counseling emphasis empowers and trains students to implement a Christ-centered approach to their future practice. Coursework includes:

  • Biblical Foundations for Counselors: The Story of God
  • Spiritual Formation: Becoming a Healthy Practitioner
  • Biblical Concepts-Healthy Relationships: Forgiveness & Healthy Spirituality
  • Integration of Scripture with Counseling Theory

Students learn to integrate the principles of the Christian worldview into their counseling practice and provide Christian mental health counseling with dignity, compassion, and the spirit of Christ. 

Fast facts:

  • 74 credits
  • Offered through: College of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 
  • Tuition per credit: $550

#13 Gardner–Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Gardner–Webb University

Online Master of Divinity

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Points: 10

Gardner–Webb University offers an online Master of Divinity. It combines practical knowledge, spiritual formation, and theological understanding to help graduates lead as Christian ministers and scholars. Students are equipped to work and serve in a variety of Christian ministries. Concentration options include: 

  • Pastoral Studies
  • Biblical Studies
  • Congregational Health through Formation: Christian Education
  • Pastoral Care and Counseling
  • Missiology
  • Intercultural Studies

Graduates prepare to lead in the pastoral role of the minister as counselor and caregiver, whether in a parish setting or in an institutional setting. The study of theory and supervised clinical practice deepens their understanding of the realistic elements of ministry. 

Fast facts:

  • 78 credits
  • Offered through: School of Divinity
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
  • Tuition per credit: $505

#12 Southeastern University

Lakeland, FL

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Southeastern University

Online MS- Pastoral Care & Counseling

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Points: 10

Southeastern University offers an online Master of Science in pastoral care and counseling program. It combines advanced counseling methods with theological principles to help people who are struggling with various challenges. Students expand your leadership capabilities and develop the skills to serve their Church & community members as a trusted caregiver & counselor. Coursework includes:

  • Foundations of pastoral care and counseling
  • Spiritual formation for ministers, lay ministers, and mentors
  • Self-care for ministers, lay ministers, and mentors 
  • Crisis intervention 
  • Pastoral counseling, mentoring, and life coaching 

The program is a good fit for ministry professionals and lay leaders in the Church and faith-based agencies. 

Fast facts:

  • 36 credits
  • Offered through: College of Behavioral & Social Sciences
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 
  • Tuition per credit: $495

#11 Colorado Theological Seminary

The Villages, FL 

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Colorado Theological Seminary

Online MA- Clinical Pastoral Counseling

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Points: 12

Colorado Theological Seminary offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Pastoral Counseling Program. It provides students with a solid background in Christian Counseling. It helps them prepare for and get National Christian Counselors Association (NCCA) licensure which is different from state licensure. Coursework includes: 

  • Basic Christian Counseling; Temperament Theory
  • Testing/Measurements; Temperament Therapy
  • Christian Psychology and Counseling; Mastering Pastoral Counseling
  • Temperament Case Studies; Counseling the Codependent

Students are each assigned a mentor to get help throughout the program. The mentors help with in-class learning sessions, assignments, and grading of each section of work. 

Fast facts:

  • 48 semester hours
  • Format: Online
  • Affiliate to: Association for Biblical Higher Education 
  • Tuition per credit: $395

#10 Calvary University 

Kansas City, MO

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Calvary University

Online MA-Biblical Counseling

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Points: 12

Calvary University offers an online Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling. It provides a biblically and psychologically focused education for individuals who wish to enter into biblical counseling service. The program blends knowledge from cores like Bible and Worldview, Theology, and Counseling. It provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for effective biblical counseling practice. Students learn to:  

  • Identify and explain how different counseling perspectives complement and contrast a Biblical worldview
  • Utilize critical thinking to formulate a counseling theology, philosophy, methodology, and practice founded in Scripture
  • Practice counseling skills as well as self-care

The program prepares students for the National Counselors Exam and Missouri licensing procedures.

Fast facts:

  • 54 credits
  • Offered through: Department of Bible and Theology
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability; Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition per credit: $375

 #9 Ohio Christian University

Circleville, OH

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Ohio Christian University

Online MA in Ministry

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Points: 12

Ohio Christian University offers an online Master of Arts with a major in Ministry with a Pastoral Care and Counseling Concentration. It is designed to enhance the ministry skills of pastors and lay leaders in the local church. Students are well-prepared to serve more effectively in the church and society. Coursework includes: 

  • Ministry Essentials; Pastoral Care Giver
  •  New Testament History and Interpretation
  • Old Testament History and Interpretation
  • History of Christian Thought; Theology of John Wesley
  • Mission in the Western World; Ministry Capstone

Students gain a deep understanding of the Bible, theology, and historical thought and context of the church that enhances their ministry skills. 

Fast facts:

  • 36 credits
  • Offered through: Department of Bible and Theology
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition per credit: $375

#8 Shasta Bible College & Graduate School

Redding, CA

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Shasta Bible College & Graduate School

Online MDiv: Pastoral and General Ministries

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Points: 12

Shasta Bible College & Graduate School offers an online Master of Divinity in Pastoral and General Ministries. It is designed for students seeking to be pastors, ministers, evangelists, missionaries, and teachers. Those with undergraduate degrees in related fields can apply for this degree and prepare to work in churches or parachurch organizations. Coursework includes: 

  • Self-Confrontation and Biblical Counseling
  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Advanced Homiletics
  • Church Organization, Administration & Polity
  • Church Planting, Growth & Development

The flexible and affordable program offers students the flexibility to study from their own home or office without putting life on hold. 

Fast facts:

  • 96 credits
  • Offered through: Department of Bible and Theology
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) 
  • Tuition per credit: $375

#7 Dallas Baptist University

Dallas, TX 

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Dallas Baptist University

Online MA- Christian Counseling

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Points: 13

Dallas Baptist University offers an online Master of Arts in Christian Counseling. It provides a theological and counseling foundation for students to incorporate biblical principles into a counseling ministry. Coursework includes:

  • Ministry Research and Writing Across Media
  • Foundations of Spiritual Life; Ministry Mentorship
  • Applied Hermeneutics; Christian History and Heritage
  • Systematic Theology

The non-licensure program is a good fit for graduates who plan to counsel in a local church, denominational agencies, and ministry-based organizations. The Christ-centered education prepares servant leaders for the practical ministry of Christian counseling. Graduates use their skills to serve as pastors, age-group ministers, and leaders in non-profit or para-church organizations. 

Fast facts:

  • 36 credits
  • Offered through: Graduate School of Ministry 
  • Format: Online/Hybrid
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 
  • Tuition per credit: $369.67

#6 Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Kansas City, MO

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Online MA-Biblical Counseling

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Points: 13

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary offers an online Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling. It prepares students for service in biblical counseling centers, local churches, and broader ministry settings. They receive significant training in the principles and methods of biblical counseling. Coursework includes:

  • Biblical Counseling in the Local Church
  • Biblical Interpretation & Counseling Methods
  • History & Theology of Soul-Care; Marriage & Family Counseling
  • Biblical Counseling & Psychological Theories 
  • Biblical Counseling & Emotional Issues; Addictive Behaviors & Biblical Counseling

The non-licensure degree helps students address the common counseling problems and challenges of counseling using appropriate biblical counseling methods.

Fast facts:

  • 60 credits
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Association of Theological Schools; The Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition per credit: $365 

#5 Holy Apostles College and Seminary

Cromwell, CT 

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Holy Apostles College and Seminary

Online MA- Pastoral Studies

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Points: 13

Holy Apostles College and Seminary offers an online Master of Arts (MA) in Pastoral Studies program. It prepares students to serve effectively within parish settings in contemporary ecclesial ministries and lay leadership. Students gain an understanding of ministry within the life and mission of the Catholic Church. They learn about religious education at all levels, youth ministry, and catechetical leadership. Concentration options include:

  • Apologetics; Catechetical Ministry
  • Marriage & Family Studies
  • Pastoral Counseling; Spiritual Direction
  • Youth & Young Adult Ministry
  • General Studies

By choosing an area of concentration, students can tailor their degree to best fit their goals and passion.

Fast facts:

  • 36 credits
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education; New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
  • Tuition per credit: $360

#4 South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary 

Deerfield Beach, FL

South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

Online MA- Pastoral Counseling

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Points: 14

South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary offers online Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling. Students gain an understanding of biblical counseling to help with their problems and connect them with God’s healing grace. The skills and knowledge they gain through this flexible and affordable degree are a good fit for students who wish to branch out into Christian counseling or further their current ministry. Coursework includes:

  • Human Growth and Development
  • Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Counseling
  • Psychotherapy and Substance Abuse
  • Couples Counseling

The program combines human psychology with biblically-based ministry practice theories.

Fast facts:

  • 36 credits
  • Offered through: School of Behavioral Sciences
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: ABHE; CHEA
  • Tuition per credit: $350

#3 Bob Jones Seminary

Greenville, SC 

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Bob Jones Seminary

Online Biblical Counseling, MA

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Points: 15

Bob Jones Seminary offers an online Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling. It provides a robust theology and practice of counseling grounded in the doctrines of progressive sanctification and Scripture’s sufficiency. Students learn to engage in Christ-centered, Scripture-driven counseling in partnership with local church ministries. Coursework includes:

  • Foundations of Biblical Counseling; Biblical Counseling Practicum
  • Spiritual Growth Seminar; Survey of the New Testament 
  • Survey of the Old Testament; Systematic Theology
  • Biblical Hermeneutics; Biblical Sanctification 

The program offers a broad look at counseling and psychology from a thoroughly biblical perspective. Students learn about secular and Christian psychological theories biblically and objectively. 

Fast facts:

  • 41 credits
  • Offered through: Division of Graduate Studies
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 
  • Tuition per semester: $2,780

#2 Maranatha Baptist University

Watertown, WI 

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Maranatha Baptist University

Online Masters of Biblical Counseling

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Points: 15

Maranatha Baptist University offers an online Masters of Biblical Counseling. It is designed for students looking to get into full-time ministry and become more effective communicators of biblical counsel for people struggling with various issues. The curriculum provides a solid foundation of biblical and theological knowledge from which to build practical applications. Coursework includes: 

Top Counseling Schools Most Affordable
  • Theology and Practice of Pastoral Counseling
  • Counseling Survivors of Abuse; Biblical Counseling Seminar
  • Biblical Counseling Practicum; Counseling Problems and Procedures         
  • Counseling Addictive Behavior; Proverbs and Counseling
  • Methods of Biblical Change

The flexible and affordable program helps students get acquainted with classic theology and current trends in theology.

Fast facts:

  • 33 credits
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition per credit: $345 

#1 Luther Rice College & Seminary

Stonecrest, GA

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Master's in Pastoral Counseling + Luther Rice College & Seminary

Online MA- Biblical Counseling

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Points: 16

Luther Rice College & Seminary offers an online Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling. It trains students to serve as a counselor in local churches and other ministry settings. They are equipped with the necessary skills to assist those in need of Christ-centered counseling and pastoral care. Coursework includes:

  • Introduction to Psychology and Counseling Theories
  • Foundations in Counseling; Introduction to Biblical Interpretation
  • Helping Skills; Applied Theology for Spiritual Development 
  • Marriage and Family Counseling

The non-licensure prepares students to serve as non-licensed counselors in a variety of Christian and church contexts.

Fast facts:

  • 36 credits
  • Format: Online
  • Accreditation: TRACS; ABHE; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 
  • Tuition per credit: $316

Sources

U.S. News & World Report 
Niche.com

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