What Will You Study in the Online Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling?

• Discipline strategies to raise healthy kids
• Issues and strategies for counseling children and adolescents
• Marriage and family systems

In this 100% online Christian-program, you’ll explore how psychological, spiritual, and relational principles intersect to support healthy marriages, families, and individual well-being. Core courses cover human suffering, crisis intervention, counseling theories and techniques, spiritual formation, and biblical doctrine.

Potential Career Opportunities for Master’s in Pastoral Counseling in Marriage & Family Studies Graduates

• Church counselor
• Non-licensed counselor
• Family counselor
• Military chaplain

M.A. Pastoral Counseling Program Benefits

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 M.A. in Pastoral Counseling degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• Most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors. As a nonprofit university, World Theology University continues to strive to keep costs low for our students!
• 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.

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: $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 in pastoral counseling degree program are charged at the part-time rate.