Best Online Master’s in Christian Counseling Degrees

If your Christian faith is important to you and you want to serve others, earning a master’s in Christian counseling could be the key to starting a meaningful career. The degree can lead to rewarding careers helping people manage mental health conditions, family crises, and substance use disorders.

A master’s in Christian counseling program requires students to complete 30-45 credits and blends foundational counseling knowledge with Christian principles.

Learn what to expect, including common courses, careers, and admission requirements.

Students who complete online master’s in Christian counseling programs qualify for state licensure as professional counselors. They work in specialties like school counseling, mental health counseling, and marriage and family therapy.

Students who succeed in master’s in Christian counseling programs are usually:

Many online master’s in Christian counseling programs take about 2-3 years to complete and require around 30-45 credits. However, requirements vary by school and by program. Part-time students with significant work or personal commitments typically take more time to graduate.

In addition to theoretical coursework, most programs include supervised fieldwork like an internship or practicum. During these experiences, students complete the supervised hours required for state licensure and work under the direction of a licensed counselor. Distance learners can often arrange to complete these requirements locally.

This course teaches you about group dynamics and the theoretical frameworks of group counseling. Students learn about using assessments and standardized measurements to evaluate clients. You may take this course simultaneously with a practicum experience.

In a Christian theology course, you’ll learn the various approaches to theology. Enrollees study the entire scope of the biblical texts and the history of theology. They may use software to translate scripture, taking an explanatory approach to interpreting biblical texts.

This course focuses on teaching enrollees the pastoral approach to mental health work. Students learn to build their counseling practice by merging spiritual teachings with clinical counseling techniques.

You’ll gain the skills necessary to resolve personal and organizational conflicts through a Christian lens. Students develop the ability to recognize underlying problems and acquire the necessary intervention techniques to address them.

Through practicums and internships, you’ll apply theory in real-world settings. Typically, these experiences consist of direct counseling with individuals and groups. In these hands-on settings, you learn to build rapport with clients and implement ministry plans.

The true cost of an online master’s in Christian counseling program varies by school. For the lowest tuition rates, consider enrolling at an in-state, public institution rather than a private university or out-of-state college. Enrolling online can save you money in transportation, room and board, and on-campus fees.

Not all online master’s in Christian counseling programs meet every state’s counseling licensure requirements. Clinical hour requirements differ from state to state. Out-of-state learners must research prospective schools to ensure the clinical hours meet state licensure requirements. Additionally, online learners must be able to commute to their practicum and internship requirements locally. Consult your state counseling board or the American Counseling Association for more information.

Accreditation status matters. Don’t risk your counseling career by attending an unaccredited online master’s program in Christian counseling. At the institutional level, you need to attend an accredited school to receive federal financial aid. Counseling programs should also have programmatic accreditation.

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs accredits both online and in-person programs. Graduates of these accredited programs become eligible for licensure. Accredited programs require the clinical hours needed for licensure and registration for the national exam.

Student support services can positively impact your college experience, especially if you are an online student who needs remote resources. Before enrolling, check if your school offers mentorship opportunities, tutoring, networking events, career services, and internship placements.