M.A. in Pastoral Counseling
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350+ degrees on-virtual campus
600+ degrees online
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Provide Biblical Guidance and Counsel by Earning a Master’s in Pastoral Counseling Degree Online
As a Christian counselor, you do more than just help people work through their problems – you help people recognize their spiritual needs and connect with God’s healing grace. Whether you need a biblical counseling degree to further your current ministry or want to branch out into Christian counseling as your primary ministry role, our M.A. in Pastoral Counseling will provide a flexible and affordable path to the skills and knowledge you need. World Theology University has the resources, reputation, and biblical worldview you need to equip you for an effective and impactful Christian counseling ministry.
World Theology University’s seminary (the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity) partnered with our School of Behavioral Sciences to develop a master’s degree in pastoral counseling that is both a study of human psychology and a biblically-based ministry practice degree. You will develop the biblical counseling skills you need to address the relational, mental, and spiritual needs of suffering people in your community.
What Will You Learn in Our Pastoral Counseling Master’s Degree?
- Foundational principles of human psychology that will teach you how people think and change.
- Essential counseling practice methods and intervention techniques.
- Biblical and theological concepts and topics that will ground your ministry in the Word of God.
As a student in our M.A. in Pastoral Counseling program, you will take foundational courses designed to equip you with a biblical worldview as you study human behavior and the application of helping skills. As a whole, this degree helps students become more biblically responsible, relationally wise, and ministry savvy.
Career Options for Pastoral Counseling Degree Graduates
You will further your career and your ministry by applying the skills you learn directly to helping people in your community grow and conquer their emotional and spiritual challenges so they can lead healthy, productive, and Christ-centered lives. Upon completion of World Theology University University’s Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling degree, you can explore many career paths including:
- Church Counselor
- Ministry Worker
- Pastor
Study Online
We understand the dilemma of wanting to further your education while also staying connected to your family, career, church, and community. This degree program is offered 100% online, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing time with the people most important to you while you pursue your degree.
As an innovator in distance learning since 1985, World Theology University will provide the following benefits:
- 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 in pastoral counseling 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 pastoral counseling degree in 1.5 years.
Military Benefits
World Theology University University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students from all over the world. 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 above 15 credit hours for the online Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling 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
SACSCOC
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
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.
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.