Best Online Master’s in Christian Counseling Programs

If your Christian faith is important to you and you want to serve others, earning a master's in Christian counseling can lead to several meaningful careers. These programs usually require approximately 30-45 credits and take around 2-3 years to complete, depending on whether you enroll full or part time.

A master's in Christian counseling curriculum usually blends foundational knowledge with Christian texts and beliefs. The degree can lead to rewarding careers helping people struggling with mental health challenges, family crises, and substance use disorders.

Attending graduate school at one of the top online colleges is a major decision. Check out our guide to learn more about what to expect, including common courses, careers, and admission requirements.

What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Christian Counseling Degree?

Students who enroll in graduate school and complete online master's in Christian counseling programs qualify for state licensure as professional counselors in various fields, including school counseling, mental health counseling, and marriage and family therapy.

Caring, compassionate, faith-driven, and detail-oriented students with interpersonal skills often succeed in master's in Christian counseling programs. Nevertheless, no matter your characteristics, if you focus on your coursework, you can develop the foundational knowledge and hard and soft skills you need to thrive as a counselor during your program.

Many online master's in Christian counseling programs take approximately 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 may need more time to graduate.

In addition to theoretical coursework, most programs include some sort of supervised fieldwork in the form of an internship or practicum. During these experiences, students complete the supervised hours required for state licensure, often working under the direction of a licensed counselor. In online programs, distance learners can often arrange to complete these requirements at sites in their local communities.

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What Courses Will I Take in an Online Christian Counseling Master's Program?

Group Counseling

In this course, students learn key methodology and theories for group counseling. Through case studies, learners may also examine current research, ethical dilemmas, and laws they may encounter in their counseling practice.

Christian Theology

Most master's in Christian counseling programs include one or more theology courses, during which students delve into topics like Christian doctrine and spiritual formation in the context of their future counseling practices.

Pastoral Ministry

This course prepares students to guide individuals and groups in addressing their spiritual needs through Christianity. Learners may delve into Christian doctrines and various theological interpretations.

Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution and mediation are key skills for any counselor. This broad survey course delves into theory, research, and best practices in conflict resolution.

Practicum/Internship

To prepare graduates for state licensure, most master's in Christian counseling programs include a practicum or internship experience in the field. During this course, students usually complete supervised hours at a counseling practice.

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What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master's in Christian Counseling Program?

Admission requirements for on-campus and online master's in Christian counseling programs are similar, if not the same. In addition to the typical requirements listed below, some programs ask prospective students to submit a statement of faith or a letter of recommendation from a former pastor or minister.

Some programs also require a bachelor's degree in counseling or psychology, but many master's in Christian counseling accept students with undergraduate degrees in any field.

Application

All graduate programs require prospective students to fill out an application form, often through an online portal. Unfortunately, application systems like the Common App and Coalition App primarily serve undergraduate students, so for most online master's in Christian counseling programs, you will have to fill out an individual application through a school website.

Test Scores

While standardized test scores are becoming rarer as an admission requirement, some online master's in Christian counseling programs still require applicants to submit GRE scores. Fortunately, with the right GRE prep, you can maximize your chances of getting the score you want.

Letters of Recommendation

Most graduate programs require applicants to submit 1-3 letters of recommendation, often from former undergraduate professors or employers. However, some master's in Christian counseling programs want to understand your faith background before accepting you. As such, you may have to submit a recommendation from a pastor or spiritual leader.

Resume and Work Experience

Most master's in Christian counseling programs do not require work experience from applicants. Nevertheless, most programs still require prospective students to submit a resume to get a sense of each applicant's professional, academic, and volunteering background.

Essays

Most online master's in Christian counseling programs require applicants to submit 1-3 short essays. These essays are often no more than 500 words. Common prompts often ask about prospective students' Christian faith and career goals.

Official Transcripts

All accredited master's in Christian counseling programs ask applicants to submit official transcripts from all postsecondary schools they have attended. If you have already completed some graduate coursework, you may be able to earn some transfer credits depending on the school and the program.

What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Christian Counseling Degree?

Career Outlook

More people are becoming more open about mental health, according to a 2019 study from the American Psychological Association. In turn, this has helped normalize mental health discourse. As more people seek out counseling services, demand for mental health professionals – including graduates with a master's degree in Christian counseling – has grown steadily.

Between 2020 and 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 23% job growth for substance misuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. That rate nearly triples the average projected growth rate for all careers (8%) during that period.

See where a master's in Christian counseling can take you. Learn more about counseling careers.

Career Paths

Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and family therapists work with individuals, couples, and families to sort through relationship problems. They often work full time in mental health centers and private practices. These professionals must hold a master's degree to earn state licensure and practice.

Median Annual Salary: $49,880

Rehabilitation Counselor

Rehabilitation counselors assist people dealing with physical, cognitive, and emotional conditions to perform daily tasks. They can work in healthcare facilities, nonprofit organizations, and senior citizen centers. Most rehabilitation counselors need a master's degree to qualify for jobs.

Median Annual Salary: $38,560

Substance Misuse, Behavioral Disorder, or Mental Health Counselor

These counselors work one-on-one and in group settings with clients dealing with mental health issues, anxiety, stress, substance misuse, and addiction. They often work full time in settings like private practice, nonprofit organizations, prisons, faith-based organizations, and healthcare facilities. They need a master's degree to earn state licensure and practice.

Median Annual Salary: $48,520

School Counselor

School counselors help K-12 students apply to colleges, learn study skills, and deal with social, mental, and academic challenges. These counselors need a master's degree and a state-issued license to work in public schools.

Median Annual Salary: $58,120

Career Counselor

Career counselors help students and professionals find the right career. They can work in private practices, colleges, schools, career centers, and nonprofit organizations. These professionals do not always need a master's degree, but an advanced degree in counseling can help you stand out in the field.

Median Annual Salary: $58,120

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Continuing Education

If you want to become a professor or researcher and shape the next generation of counselors, you can consider earning a Ph.D. But if you want to work as a professional counselor, a master's degree in Christian counseling will allow you to earn certification or state licensure. Counselors or therapists will also need to complete continuing education to maintain their licensure.

How Do I Choose an Online Master's in Christian Counseling Program?

Cost

The true costs for online master's in Christian counseling programs vary widely by school. For the lowest tuition rates, consider enrolling at an in-state, private institution vs. a private university. You can avoid paying fees like transportation and room and board by enrolling online.

Program Format

If you enroll in an online master's in Christian counseling program, consider whether you prefer synchronous or asynchronous learning. Synchronous courses involve scheduled, live online sessions, while asynchronous courses allow students to view lectures when convenient. Furthermore, think about whether you want to enroll full time or part time.

Location

Even if you enroll online, consider choosing a school close to you. Christian counseling programs often include in-person requirements in which you must work under the supervision of a licensed counselor. It may be easier to set this up if you live near campus.

Accreditation

You should only enroll at schools that are institutionally accredited. This means that the school has completed a third-party review process evaluating the quality of its programs, faculty, and services. If you enroll at an unaccredited school, you cannot receive federal financial aid.

Student Support

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

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How We Rank Schools

Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best online Master's in Christian Counseling ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified ten schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.

• Each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution.
• Must offer an online Master's degree program in the given subject.
• Must submit an annual report to the National Center for Education Statistics.

To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring admissions rate, enrollment rate, full-time retention rate, and graduation rate. Review our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more about the standards we uphold.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Christian Counseling Master's Programs

Is a master's in Christian counseling worth it?

The worth of any degree is subjective and depends on each student. But for many learners, an online master's in Christian counseling is worth it. Most students who pursue these degrees are driven by their Christian faith and mission. They also enjoy the opportunity to help others overcome challenges.

Furthermore, you need a master's degree to qualify for state licensure and become a professional counselor. Since a master's degree is often a prerequisite for counseling careers, most students who know they want to be counselors and identify strongly with their Christian faith feel like Christian counseling programs are worth it.

What can I do with a master's in Christian counseling?

With a master's degree in Christian counseling, you can qualify for state licensure in almost any counseling field. You can pursue paths in career, school, substance misuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling.

Counselors work for nonprofit organizations, prisons, healthcare providers, government agencies, faith-based organizations, and in private practices. However, keep in mind that no one degree can guarantee you any specific job opportunities.

Are Christian counseling graduates in high demand?

Yes, Christian counseling graduates are in high demand. Thanks to an increasing demand for mental health services, the BLS projects 23% job growth for substance misuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors between 2020 and 2030. That rate is much higher than the average 8% job growth for all occupations.

Between 2020 and 2030, the BLS also projects 16% job growth for marriage and family therapists, a career that many Christian counseling degree-holders pursue after graduating.

How much money can I make with a master's in Christian counseling?

With a master's in Christian counseling and licensure, you can pursue various counseling jobs that pay approximately $45,000-$60,000 per year, according to the BLS.

To increase your salary, continue to gain experience in the field. You can also try to find a job with a government agency or enter private practice, allowing you to find your own clients and set rates.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in Christian counseling?

Salary potential depends on several key factors, including experience, location, and employer. However, the highest-paying job for graduates with a master's in Christian counseling is likely school or career counselor.

According to the BLS, these professionals earned a median annual wage of $60,510. The top 10% of earners in this field made more than $98,000.

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