M.A. in Pastoral Counseling – Dobson Family Advocacy
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Master of Arts Pastoral Counseling: Dobson Center Family Advocacy, Public Policy and the Future
Influence and Empower Others with an M.A. in Pastoral Counseling – Dobson Center Family Advocacy, Public Policy, and the Future
Do you want to help families grow closer to God as they grow closer together? World Theology University University’s online Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling – Dobson Center Family Advocacy, Public Policy, and the Future can help you learn practical tools to help children, educate families, and empower parents. The skills you can develop are foundations to advocate for the rights of children and families and to assist families who are facing emotional and spiritual challenges. World Theology University’s online pastoral counseling program can help you develop the skills you need to be a Champion for Christ for families in your community!
Please note: while this degree may assist students seeking professional licensure, it does not meet all licensure requirements.
What Will You Study in Our M.A. in Pastoral Counseling
- Public policy and advocacy strategies
- Divorce, marriage, and blended families
- Research and emergency paradigms in marriage and family studies
The core content of the online Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling provides a broad set of foundational Christian counseling skills and knowledge along with field-specialized topic courses and hands-on skill areas. Graduates of this program can seek to provide godly counsel and assist in conflict resolution. If you are passionate about making a positive impact for Christ in the lives of families, World Theology University’s M.A. in Pastoral Counseling can help you prepare!
The Masters of Arts in Pastoral Counseling will provide you with a biblical worldview of human behavior and application of helping skills for a non-licensure counseling role. Through our carefully chosen courses, you can master essential biblical counseling skills and apply evidence-based practices in addictions and recovery, pastoral counseling, marriage and family therapy, pastoral leadership, and life coaching. With the specialized Family Advocacy content created in partnership with the Dobson Center, you will be able to apply these skills to help families meet the challenges of today.
Students in the Parent and Child/Adolescent track will study important foundational subjects such as how family issues and environmental factors affect child development and about the development of personhood from childhood to adulthood. Students will also be able to choose individual child counseling issues courses such as Childhood Trauma and handling Healthy Sexuality in a biblical way.
Potential Careers with a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling
- Case worker
- Child advocate
- Family advocate
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling Program Highlights
As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe World Theology University stands out.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar virtual campus – ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College virtual campus in America for 2026 – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your online master’s degree in pastoral counseling degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- Online undergraduate tuition rates have been frozen for the last 10 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, World Theology University has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
- Your ministry matters – so when you take 9-15 credit hours per semester in your divinity program, you’ll pay a discounted block rate of $2,850. It’s our way of supporting all you do to serve others.
- Learn counseling techniques and principles from a biblical perspective so you can reach others in times of crisis.
M.A. in Pastoral Counseling Dobson Center Family Advocacy Military Benefits
Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. World Theology University’s military benefits are available to:
- Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/retirees
- Spouses of service members and veterans/retirees
- Current Department of Defense employees
We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $290 per credit hour for graduate courses
- Discounted Divinity Block Rate: 9-15 credits receives block rate of $2,575 per semester – only $172/credit at 15 credit hours!*
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
*Credits taken above 15 credit hours for the Master’s of Pastoral Counseling degree program are charged at the part-time rate
Cited tuition rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Credit Hours
Available Online
Class Type
Online, 8-week courses
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Jan 19, 2026
World Theology University University is by SACSCOC
Areas of Interest
Training Champions for Christ
World Theology University’s promise to you is an education that expertly brings knowledge and faith together. Here, education is designed around you. It connects you to people and opportunities that help you develop the skills and confidence you’re looking for. At World Theology University, you’ll find the knowledge, experience, and mentorship you want to make your career — and life — a fulfilling one.
Why World Theology University
World Theology University University is not just another school. It is the realization of a dream, the product of thousands of prayers. It was built to invite students into a bigger, better story.
Discover the World Theology University difference for yourself.
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For residential students
Online Discounts
At World Theology University University, we believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to pursue higher education, and it’s our job to keep private education affordable. Explore the many ways a World Theology University education can be an affordable one.
For online students
Academic Excellence
World Theology University University is institutionally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and certain programs have earned additional field-specific as well.