Best Online Christian Counseling Programs
Writer
Writer & Editor
Reviewer
Writer
Writer & Editor
Reviewer
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
A bachelor's in Christian counseling equips students with the skills to provide counseling and therapy from a Christian and biblical perspective.
In addition to traditional psychology and counseling courses, the training explores pastoral approaches to counseling. With this degree, graduates can pursue many community and social service occupations.
Each online bachelor's in Christian counseling has its own format and structure. These programs may offer clinical or nonclinical counseling preparation, combining theoretical, practical, and leadership training with research requirements.
We'll walk you through the best online bachelor's in Christian counseling programs, along with information on coursework, program admission, and career options.
Featured Online Christian Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Programs
-
The Baptist College of FloridaLocation
Graceville, FL
Tuition$12960
Graduation Rate62%
A Christian school in Graceville, Florida, the Baptist College of Florida offers a bachelor of arts in psychology to online students. Participants complete general education courses, biblical/theological foundation classes, and electives. Students also take 60 credits dedicated to their major, which are split between theology and psychology coursework. By receiving spiritual and psychological training, graduates develop a solid grasp of their field from a Christian perspective.
Graduates can pursue work related to counseling, promoting the emotional, mental, and behavioral health of others. The school also offers a master of arts in counseling, designed to build on what students learn in their undergraduate studies.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
School Status: Private
Tuition: $360 per credit
Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Program Length: 4 years
Format: Online
Instruction Style: AsynchronousAdmission Requirements
GPA: No minimum requirement
Standardized Tests: ACT or SATContact the School
-
Oral Roberts UniversityLocation
Tulsa, OK
Graduation Rate57%
A Christian university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Oral Roberts University offers three online degrees to students interested in pursuing counseling careers. Enrollees can choose from a traditional BA or BS in psychology or a more ministry-focused BA in Christian caregiving and counseling. Each pathway prepares students for a career in mental health services.
The BA in psychology balances traditional psychology classes with liberal arts and theology courses, while the BS in psychology adds more technical, science-based courses to the curriculum. Both equip students to serve within their field, helping others while working within a Christian framework. The BA in Christian caregiving and counseling offers more courses in ministry, caregiving, theology, and psychology basics.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Bachelor of Arts in Christian Caregiving and Counseling
School Status: Private
Tuition: $410 per credit
Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Program Length: 4 years
Format: OnlineAdmission Requirements
GPA: No minimum requirement
Standardized Tests: ACT or SATContact the School
-
Nazarene Bible CollegeLocation
Colorado Springs, CO
A Christian college in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Nazarene Bible College offers flexible options for students pursuing a bachelor's degree in counseling. The school's BA in ministry with a major in counseling for Christian ministry features a three-part foundation in Christian theology and ministry, liberal arts core credits, and psychology specialization credits. Graduates are prepared to serve as ministers and counselors.
The degree offers several completion options, including a two-year degree completion program for working adults. Students can also specialize in three possible minors. Courses take place completely online, except for two face-to-face weekend courses each year.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Ministry With a Counseling for Christian Ministry Major
School Status: Private
Tuition: $380 per credit hour
Credit Requirements: 128 credits
Program Length: 4 years
Format: Hybrid
Instruction Style: Mostly asynchronousAdmission Requirements
GPA: No minimum requirement
Standardized Tests: Not requiredContact the School
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Program?
Course curricula vary by program, but below are some common classes you'll likely take in a Christian counseling bachelor's program.
-
General Psychology
This course examines the history and practical applications of psychology. You'll look at common psychological perspectives and approaches. You'll also study assessment and evaluation methods and psychological treatment processes. -
Human Growth and Development
In this course, you'll explore physical and cognitive human development in its various stages. This class covers typical growth milestones and the many factors that influence development. -
Marriage and Family Counseling
In this course, you'll develop specialized counseling skills for working with married couples and families. You'll learn about the importance of these bonds, the challenges they may face, and the societal and behavioral factors that influence these relationships. -
Pastoral Approaches to Counseling
This course examines how professionals can provide support and counseling within a Christian context. You'll look at biblical and theological counseling perspectives and learn to blend them with your psychological training.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Degree?
Christian counseling degree graduates can apply for traditional support roles and those within the Church and Christian community.
While job requirements vary by employer and state, graduates in this field may qualify for many counseling jobs, including in addiction and school and career counseling.
Below are a few possible career paths graduates may pursue, with average salaries sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Addiction Counselor
These counselors offer support and treatment to people managing substance use challenges, behavioral disorders, and mental health conditions. They assess clients, provide education and resources, and develop treatment and coping plans. These counselors may need licensure to practice, the requirements for which vary by state but include a graduate degree.
- Average Annual Salary (2023): $60,080
School and Career Counselors and Advisors
School and career counselors and advisors work with students and professionals to help them plan their next steps in school or work. They help individuals overcome challenges, identify their strengths and interests, and set goals. Counselors in this field may need licensure, which requires a master's degree and certification.
- Average Annual Salary (2023): $66,990
Social and Community Service Manager
Social and community service managers develop and manage social and community programs for various organizations. They often handle the budgets, staffing, and communications with the public and stakeholders. They may specialize in working with certain demographics or in certain locations.
- Average Annual Salary (2023): $83,400
Clergy
Clergy professionals perform many roles within a church or religious organization, including leading sermons and services. They also develop religious education programs and offer guidance to members. Clergy leaders typically need a graduate degree, but education requirements vary.
- Average Annual Salary (2023): $63,720
Continuing Education
In addition to the diverse employment opportunities, a bachelor's in Christian counseling leads to many continuing education options.
For example, graduates can continue directly into a master's in Christian counseling program. Or, they can specialize with a master's in child development, a master's in human and family development, or a master's in marriage and family counseling.
Prospective counselors may also qualify for postgraduate licensure or certification depending on their training and state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Programs
Is a bachelor's in Christian counseling worth it?
Many students find great value in a bachelor's in Christian counseling. These degrees can prepare students for community and social service occupations, as well as education and support roles. Students can also give back to their communities in various ways.
What can I do with a bachelor's in Christian counseling?
A bachelor's in Christian counseling provides graduates with several postgraduate options. Many enter the field directly, pursuing positions within their church or community organizations.
Since clinical counseling licenses and roles typically require a master's degree at a minimum, bachelor's graduates in this field often continue their education.
Are Christian counseling majors in demand?
Many organizations seek out graduates with a bachelor's in Christian counseling. The BLS projects roles for community and social service occupations to grow faster than average between 2022 and 2032.
The BLS projects 18% growth for substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors and 5% growth for school and career counselors and advisors during this period.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's in Christian counseling?
The highest-paying jobs for graduates with a bachelor's in Christian counseling vary by location and field. Typically, the highest-paying counseling jobs are at private practices, but you may need a master's degree to qualify.
The social and community service management field can also be lucrative. According to the BLS, social and community service managers earned an average annual wage of $83,400 in 2023.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 15, 2024.
