Best Online Master’s in Christian Counseling Degree Programs of 2024

Christian counseling is a therapeutic approach that combines talk therapy with traditional Christian beliefs. Christian counselors are slightly different than conventional clinical mental health counselors; aspiring Christian counselors do not necessarily need to obtain licensure to practice. However, becoming a licensed mental health counselor will increase your earning potential and expand your job prospects.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment opportunities for marriage and family therapists will grow rapidly over the next decade. On average, professionals in this field earn around $57,000 per year.

Online master’s programs in Christian counseling require between 30 to 45 credits to graduate; programs that prepare students for professional licensure can exceed 60 credit hours. Full-time students can graduate with their master’s within three years, while part-time students may need up to five years.

Choose your area of study

In many cases, Christian counseling falls under a specialty track within a Master of Arts (MA) in counseling degree; these programs often prepare graduates to sit for state licensure exams. This degree may be available as a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Divinity (MDiv) as well.

It’s essential to choose your area of focus. Only some schools provide the same elective or specialization coursework; narrowing down your preferred concentration will thus inform your overall research. Standard concentrations for Christian counseling include addiction, crisis response and trauma, marriage and family studies, and life coaching. If you already know exactly what you would like to do once you graduate, look for programs that match these specific career goals.

Research schools and programs

You should only consider institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

Ideally, your master’s in Christian counseling program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP). This programmatic accrediting organization has particularly high standards for counseling education.

From there, research the following aspects of each program:

• How does each program facilitate hands-on practice? Counseling programs may feature role modeling exercises and supervised hours; these opportunities are essential for students to apply their theoretical knowledge.
• Will the program meet the qualifications to become a licensed mental health provider? Not all programs lead to licensure. Some focus solely on requirements for counseling roles within the context of the church, which are typically exempt from state licensure requirements.

You might also research each program’s student support services and disability accommodations. Many schools offer their online community free tutoring, tech support, and career counseling.

To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.

Prepare for tests and applications

Application requirements vary by school and program. For a master’s degree in Christian counseling, you’ll likely need a bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as social work or psychology) with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher. Many schools require undergraduate GPAs of at least 3.0.

While not all Christian counseling programs require the GRE, many do. If you struggle with standardized testing, allow plenty of time to study or attend a test prep course. Beyond GRE scores, application packets often require undergraduate transcripts, recommendation letters (ideally from a pastor or church representative), a personal statement, and other supplemental materials, which can take several weeks to gather.

Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.

Select your program

You may select several programs to apply to, though application processing fees can quickly add up. Once accepted, decide which program to attend; you’ll likely need to pay an enrollment fee to hold your spot.

Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Completing your master’s degree is a big financial commitment. Submit a FAFSA form to determine whether you qualify for federal grants or affordable loans. Speak to a financial aid advisor for your program to ascertain whether you are eligible for additional funding opportunities, including military discounts. Many Christian institutions provide scholarships, even if you’re attending classes online. Contact an advisor to discuss the possibility of transfer credit from prior graduate work or professional experience. And if you already work in the field, see if your employer offers tuition assistance benefits.