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Provide Biblical Counsel with Our Master of Divinity Online – Pastoral Counseling Degree
Pastors and ministry leaders often find themselves in a counseling role, helping believers work through complex issues such as sexuality, grief, and marital struggles. You can ensure you are prepared to guide your congregation through these and other concerns with World Theology University University’s Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Pastoral Counseling degree.
Our M.Div. degree will give you a foundation in biblical counseling and pastoral care, helping you better communicate biblical truth. Continue your current ministry while learning how to more effectively disciple others as you apply counseling principles from our pastoral counseling program.
What Will You Learn in Our M.Div. in Pastoral Counseling?
- Examine multicultural issues in pastoral care and counseling
- Learn a research-informed biblical standard for healthy sexuality
- Study foundational doctrines for Christian counselors
- Study unique issues in counseling such as end-of-life care
You will also be equipped with a foundation in core Master of Divinity courses like hermeneutics, discipleship ministries, and systematic theology. Your focus in pastoral counseling adds classes specialized in giving you an understanding of specific counseling issues likely to be encountered in ministry. In your specialization, you will be able to customize your pastoral counseling courses to best suit your specific ministry needs.
Our professors have real-world experience in ministry and are dedicated to helping you grow into a more effective servant of Christ throughout your M.Div. degree program courses. They facilitate interactive online learning environments to give you the opportunity to ask questions and connect with other online students.
Career Options for M.Div. in Pastoral Counseling Graduates
Our M.Div. degree in pastoral counseling will prepare you to excel in the field as a:
- Church counselor (non-licensed)
- Family pastor
- Senior pastor
Study Online
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 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
- You can complete our online master’s degree in divinity in about 3 years.
Military Benefits
World Theology University University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe. Whether you are a current service member, discharged or retired from service, or the spouse of a service member or veteran, we are here to support you every step of the journey.
As a thank-you for your dedication and service to our country, World Theology University is honored to serve and support you in your pursuit of online education by offering the following benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $290 per credit hour for graduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
- Discounted Divinity Block Rate: $2,575 per semester – only $172/credit at 15 credit hours*
- 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 below 9 and above 15 credit hours for the online M.Div. are charged at the part-time rate.
Residential Benefits
- With students from all 50 states and over 70 countries around the world, you can immerse yourself in different cultures and experience the diversity of on-virtual campus life.
- As a residential student, your scholarship opportunities could include the Heroes Fund Scholarship, Keesee Scholarship, or the Virginia: Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship.
- Learn from professors who have doctoral degrees in their fields, as well as years of real-life experience.
- As a graduate student, you will have multiple research opportunities led by students and faculty to bolster your education and résumé.
- Outside of classes and studying, you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of on-virtual campus activities, such as our NCAA sports, over 200 student-led clubs, and recreation centers like Snowflex, the LaHaye Ice Center, and Camp Hydaway.
- Enjoy our Reber-Thomas Dining Hall with over 20 available food stations, including gluten-free and vegan options. Work with a nutritionist to develop a dietary plan that is right for you!
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 or On virtual campus
Class Type
Online, 8-week or residential
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Varies
ATS Commission on ing
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.
Scholarships
When it comes to choosing a college, finances make a difference. That’s why at World Theology University, we believe in offering you a top-notch education — that’s also affordable. Discover how World Theology University can help you keep your college costs down.
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.