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By Kristen Fescoe
Posted August 2015
In this ranking, we highlight the 10 best online Christian counseling degree programs of 2015.
Christian counseling is a blend of psychology and faith, where a trained professional practices using techniques and modalities from psychology and applies them in a biblically based manner. By earning a degree in christian counseling, one can begin a career in this exciting helping field. There are degree options at both the undergraduate and the graduate level. Bachelor’s programs in Christian counseling will prepare students for either graduate training or entry-level work in pastoral or biblical counseling. A master’s or doctoral degree will train students for careers as Christian counselors, biblical counselors or pastoral counselors.
This list outlines the top 10 Christian counseling degrees that can be earned online. More and more, fully accredited, nationally recognized programs are offering degree options online to accommodate the increasingly busy schedules that most Americans juggle. Earning a degree from one of the best programs in the country can start your journey towards helping those in need, with an interdisciplinary approach that combines modern psychology and the teachings of the bible.
Accreditation
Christian colleges and universities have two options when offering accredited online Christian counseling degrees. The first is to adhere to the credentialing criteria set forth by traditional counseling accrediting bodies, such as Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), or Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). However, many colleges and universities offering online Christian counseling master’s degrees (or degrees at various levels) will choose to pursue a school accredited by the church ruling body. Some of these accreditors include:
Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
International Association of Bible Colleges and Seminaries (IABCS)
National Addictions Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC)
Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
Methodology
In order to compile this list of the top Christian Counseling Degree programs, research began with a large number of colleges, universities and seminaries throughout the United States. Only academic institutions with full accreditation were considered. Next, the schools must offer a faith based counseling degree program with a rigorous and robust curriculum in an online format. Our editors selected the top ten programs in the country based upon the length of program accreditation, reputation among national rankings, total cost of attendance and the flexibility in the degree program.
Ranking Top 10 Best Online Christian Counseling Degree Programs 2015
#10 – Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, Colorado
Master of Arts
The Master of Arts in Counseling program at Colorado Christian University is a Christian counselor degree program that integrates rigorous coursework, hands-on learning, and mentoring by dedicated faculty members into a comprehensive graduate educational experience. One of the distinctive features of this online Christian counseling master’s degree is the “Christian framework” that is found in every element of the required curriculum.
The 60 credit hour program can be completed in 2 1/2 years of intensive study and students have the ability to transfer up to 12 graduate-level credit hours. Counseling students are mentored by highly skilled professors who have wide-ranging academic and clinical backgrounds in the field of counseling. Experiential learning opportunities afford students the opportunity to be challenged to explore how to successfully integrate theory and faith as a professional clinician. Classes are provided in a “lock-step cohort format,” meaning that graduate counseling students study with a community of peers focused on a common goal. Upon completion of the program, graduates are academically prepared to complete the National Counselor Exam in order to pursue licensure.
Overall Cost of Attendance: $24,438
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Counseling
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
National Ranking: Not Applicable
Religious Affiliation: Christian
#9 – Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, California
Bachelor of Arts
University College at Azusa Pacific University offers students the unique opportunity to specialize their degree to best suit their academic and career goals. Specialized emphasis areas are paired with on of the school’s degree programs in order to provide the students with the best possible program to fit their needs.
One of the most unique opportunities is the chance to earn a pastoral counseling degree online. The Applied Pastoral Counseling emphasis is a 15 credit emphasis that can be paired with the B.A. in Applied Psychology, B.A. in Applied Studies, B.A. in Leadership, B.A. in Management, B.S. in Criminal Justice, or B.S. in Health Sciences. By combining the emphasis area with the core degree program, students gather an understanding of fundamental philosophies, notions, and principles of psychology and counseling as well as the ability to develop important skills that can be applied to a pastoral care setting.
Pastoral Counseling students may ultimately choose to pursue a master’s degree in counseling or psychology in order to be eligible for counseling licensure. Students with a strong desire for a Christian emphasis may eventually pursue a Master in Divinity (M.Div.). Graduates of this pastoral counseling degree online program are prepared for ministry-related positions in organizations such as crisis pregnancy centers, Christian services for children and families, lay counseling ministries, and nonprofit, faith-based organizations.
Overall Cost of Attendance: $31,587
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology with emphasis in Pastoral Counseling
Accreditations:
Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (CAATS) Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
National Ranking:
US News and World Report 173rd Best National University
Religious Affiliation: Christian Interdenomonational
#8 – Argosy University
Orange, California
Doctor of Education
Argosy University is another example of a regionally accredited school offering an excellent option for a pastoral counseling degree online. The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Pastoral Community Counseling program is an online program designed to prepare students for leadership positions within their religious community and is based on the central belief that “religious/spiritual communities provide a unique opportunity for human growth and development.”
The curriculum combines knowledge, development of skills, reflective practice, and research in order to prepare the pastoral counselor to “address individual and communal development in an ethically responsible fashion.” The program maintains a commitment to community, and students interact with each another and with faculty within a virtual community. The fully online program is designed for busy working professionals and graduates of this program have secured employment as pastors, counselors, school counselors, family counselors, group therapy counselors and guidance counselors.
Overall Cost of Attendance: $18,846
Degree Options:
Doctor of Education in Pastoral Community Counseling
Accreditations:
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
National Ranking: Not Applicable
Religious Affiliation: None
#7 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy
Liberty University is an innovative online Christian college offering “Christ-centered online degrees” to students with a wide variety of backgrounds and religious traditions. Students can choose from over 250 certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral online degrees in a range of popular specializations, including business, criminal justice, education, nursing, and more. These online degrees are offered through a flexible virtual classroom environment, that allows students to complete their course work on their own schedules. Many of the degree options can be completed completely online using an eight-week delivery format.
Liberty University offers the most Christian counselor degree options of any school on our list including an online Christian counseling master’s degree, a Christian counseling certification at both the undergraduate and graduate level, and several other options for Christian counselor degrees. Regardless of your career aspirations in the field of Christian counseling, you can find a degree option that is an ideal fit.
Overall Cost of Attendance: $23,367
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Specialization in Christian Counseling
Bachelor of Science in Religion with Specialization in Christian Counseling
Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry with Specialization in Pastoral Counseling
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling with Specialization in Crisis Response & Trauma
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling with Specialization in Discipleship & Church Ministry
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling with Specialization in Leadership
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling withSpecialization in Life Coaching
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling with Specialization in Marriage & Family
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling with Specialization in Military Resilience
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling with Specialization in Pastoral Counseling
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling with Specialization in Crisis Response & Trauma
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling with Specialization in Marriage & Family
Master of Arts in Religion with Specialization in Pastoral Counseling
Doctor of Ministry with Specialization in Pastoral Counseling
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling with Specialization in Counselor ED and Supervision
Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy with Specialization in Pastoral Care/Counseling
Certification with Specialization in Christian Ministry
Graduate Certification with Specialization in Pastoral Counseling
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
National Ranking:
US News and World Report 80th best University in the Southern Region of the US
US News and World Report 37th Best College for Veterans
Religious Affiliation: Southern Baptist
#6 – Crown College
Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota
Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts
Among the most popular of Crown College’s undergraduate programs is the Psychology/Counseling Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program, with coursework specifically designed to meet the needs of all types of learners from recent high school graduates and adult learners. This Christian counselor degree program allows students to answer the call to help others from a faith perspective. It is among the few undergraduate psychology degrees in the country that is offered completely online and is a Christ-centered program.
This program includes a solid framework in psychological theory from a Christian worldview. Coursework focuses on human behavior and development, listening and assessment techniques, counseling theory, and skill building. The curriculum offers skills-based counseling training to prepare students for a variety of career options, from business to ministry to social work. Graduates are also prepared for the rigors of graduate training in this or a related field of study. Another benefit of the program is the ability to add a minor in Drug and Alcohol Counseling to the Psychology Counseling degree.
The Master of Arts in Christian Study degree program was created for individuals pursuing variety of potential careers, including pastoral ministry, foreign missionary service, theological education, or service within a faith-based organization. This online Christian counseling master’s degree is designed to give students the theological understanding and practical skills that will underlie a career in the field of ministry. The coursework includes collaborative activities that mirror real-life situations.
Crown College colloquially notes that the degree functions like a mini-Master of Divinity degree. The core requirements of the program have been recently made more comprehensive and robust, emphasizing the need to interpret Scripture while also understanding the social and cultural elements of the ministry context. The program has also added four tracks for individualized study, including:
- Spiritual Formation
- Theological Studies
- Ministry Training
- Intercultural Ministries
The faculty members supporting this degree program have admirable academic degrees, as well as significant ministry and mission experience. A major strength of this program is that graduates are prepared for licensing and ordination/consecration with the Christian and Ministry Alliance.
Overall Cost of Attendance: $21,840
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Christian Counseling
Master of Arts in Christian Studies
Accreditations:
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
National Ranking:
US News and World Report Top 10 Online Christian Colleges of 2013
US News and World Report 54th best University in the Midwestern Region of the US
Religious Affiliation: Christian and Ministry Alliance
#5 – Ohio Christian University
Circleville, Ohio
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Undergraduate Certification
The Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Ministry is offered with an optional concentration in Pastoral Ministry. This concentration is designed for students who have a calling to lead a church, a ministry within a church, or even a non-profit organization. Upon graduation from this program, students are capable of applying practical ministry skills to meet the pastoral needs of a church congregation.
Master of Arts in Ministry is offered with an optional Pastoral Care and Counseling Concentration. This program is also ideal for those potential students who have been called to a counseling ministry within a church setting. While the program does not cover the material required to qualify the graduate to work as a licensed counselor, this degree is generally accepted by the church as the requirement for employment as a pastoral counselor in a church setting.
The undergraduate level Christian counseling certification prepares students to have a foundational understanding of human behavior in a wide variety of settings. Upon completion of the online Counseling Certificate, students should be able to apply counseling theories to real-world situations. Certificate programs offered at Ohio Christian are a good fit for students who have a desire to further their training in a particular field and who have already earned a degree or who want to add the certificate option to a planned degree program. This Christian counseling certification is available either online or on-site and requires 12 semester credit hours for completion.
Overall Cost of Attendance: $16,414
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Ministry with concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling
Master of Arts in Ministry with concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling
Undergraduate Certification in Counseling
Accreditations:
Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
National Ranking: Not Applicable
Religious Affiliation: Christian
#4 – Campbellsville University
Campbellsville , Kentucky
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
The 42 credit-hour Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) degree program is designed to “enhance career opportunities and prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills to counsel in a variety of occupational venues.” This online Christian counseling master’s degree program combines training in three unique disciplines to most efficiently prepare counselors. These disciplines include:
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Social Work
- Theology
Campbellsville University is considered a service and leadership institution, whose mission is “academic excellence, scholarship, and continued life-long learning in a Christian environment is well met.” In order to meet the needs of this important mission, the Christian MFT program seeks to prepare students for careers in counseling individual, families and groups and to make valuable contributions to their communities through service.
The design of the program includes a combined evening and online format to better meet the needs of students working full-time or raising a family.
Overall Cost of Attendance: $14,646
Degree Options:
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy with Christian Focus
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
National Ranking:
US News and World Report 81st best University in the Southern Region of the US
Religious Affiliation: Baptist
#3 – Carolina College of Biblical Studies
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies with a Minor in Biblical Counseling
Carolina College of Biblical Studies truly offers a great value education. With an average total cost of attendance of just $838, this college offers as close to a free Christian counseling degree as is currently available. In many cases student tuition is covered by grants and other allowances, making this a free Christian counseling degree option.
The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies degree trains students to be “active participants in God’s global work.” While enrolled in this program, students will gather comprehensive knowledge of the Bible, an appreciation for differing world-views, and value for spiritual disciplines. When the Minor in Biblical Counseling is added to this degree, students gain thorough biblical understanding including the inner workings of the human heart. Students learn to diagnose and provide practical guidance for “inner person problems from the Word of God alone.”
In addition to the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies requirements, students minoring in Biblical Counseling are required to complete the following courses:
- Introduction to Biblical Counseling
- Theological Foundations of Biblical Counseling
- Human Emotions
- Counseling Human Problems
- Counseling Human Problems 2
- Counseling Marriage and Family Problems
With a strong, thorough curriculum and a low cost of attendance, this Bachelor of Arts is an almost free or completely free Christian counseling degree with the power to begin an exciting and rewarding career.
Overall Cost of Attendance: $838
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies with a Minor in Biblical Counseling
Accreditations:
Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
National Ranking: Not Applicable
Religious Affiliation: Non-Denominational Christian
#2 – University of the Southwest
Hobbs, New Mexico
Master of Science
The Online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at USW offers students the required courses to qualify for licensure in New Mexico and many other states throughout the country. USW has two graduate programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: a 48-hour program and a 60-hour program. A graduate student may pick the program that most closely matches his or her state’s requirements, as some states require a minimum of 48 hours while others require a minimum of 60 hours for licensure.
Coursework in this program includes learning and human growth and development, career development/life planning, group work, the helping relationship with children, adults and families, psycho-educational assessment, psychopathology, professional orientation and ethics, theoretical foundations, and research/program evaluation. The program also offers a range of elective courses such as play therapy, program development and management, clinical supervision, counseling traumatized clients, addictions counseling, human sexuality, and psychopharmacology. Both programs include practicum and internship requirements in professional settings, observing and working with licensed therapists and clients.
Overall Cost of Attendance: $14,186
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditations:
Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
National Ranking:
US News and World Report 13th Best University in the Western Region of the US
Religious Affiliation: Interdenominational Christian
#1 – Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona
Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts and Master of Science
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) at Grand Canyon University (GCU) is home to a wide range of degrees in the area of professional and Christian counseling. The college approaches the field of counseling with a Christian worldview and teaches students to integrate their training with the moral and ethical implications of their faith. Students can choose to pursue a generalist degree or degree options working with individuals battling substance abuse and addictive disorders.
GCU has earned both regional accreditation as well as church-based accreditation, which will help students pursue licensure if they have an interest. Students at the CHSS are asked to address “the problems of tomorrow, as they gain tangible skills and become deep critical thinkers who have a broad background in humanities.” By addressing this challenge the college creates lifelong learners and advanced critical thinkers who can function effectively in an increasingly complex global environment.
Overall Cost of Attendance: $19,761
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Counseling
Bachelor of Science in Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse
Master of Arts in Christian Studies with Concentration in Pastoral Ministry
Master of Arts in Christian Studies with Concentration in Youth Ministry
Master of Science in Christian Counseling
Master of Science in Christian Counseling of Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
Accreditations:
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
National Addictions Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC)
National Ranking: Not Applicable
Religious Affiliation: Christian
Best Online Programs in Christian Counseling
This list highlights the best, most affordable and fully accredited undergraduate and graduate programs in Christian Counseling. Included on this list are small liberal arts colleges, biblically based seminaries, large universities and many unique learning options. Students have the luxury of earning their degree either completely or largely in an online format, with minimal trips to campus. As technology advances quickly, students still have access to the many features and accommodations offered by the school including online libraries, face-to-face interactions with faculty and peers as well as online campus services. For those individuals who desire a career where they can help those in need and use a faith-based approach, a career as a Christian Counselor is an excellent opportunity.
Resources:
National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator Tool
About the Author
After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University and then a Master of Science in Clinical and Forensic Psychology from Drexel University, Kristen Fescoe began a career as a therapist at two prisons in Philadelphia. At the same time she volunteered as a rape crisis counselor, also in Philadelphia. After a few years in the field she accepted a teaching position at a local college where she currently teaches online psychology courses. Kristen began writing in college and still enjoys her work as a writer, editor, professor and mother.
