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Our Master of Arts in Religion – Pastoral Counseling Degree Trains You to Bring Spiritual Growth to Your Congregation
Pastors and church leaders play a critical role in churches and communities. We realize how important this responsibility is, and we are excited to help those who serve in full-time ministry earn a degree that will provide the training and resources they need for success! While completing the Master of Arts in Religion, one of our most popular online ministry degrees, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a thorough program that provides flexibility to tailor the degree plan to your passions and needs.
Our M.A.R. in Pastoral Counseling is designed to provide pastors and church leaders with additional training in pastoral care and Christian counseling to meet the spiritual needs of their congregation and community. If you are called to hands-on ministry, you will find the tools for effective, personal ministry leadership in our pastoral counseling area of study.
What Will You Learn in Our Master’s Degree in Religion?
Our M.A.R. in Pastoral Counseling is designed to enhance your ministry knowledge and training for serving the church by providing you with a foundation in ministry and counseling techniques. The core curriculum in our M.A.R. provides in-depth studies of the Old and New Testaments, history of Christianity, systematic theology, pastoral care, and biblical counseling.
You can further your ministry and add value to work accomplished through your gained knowledge in:
- Discipleship ministries
- Premarital and marital counseling
- Psychology theory and Christian counseling techniques
- Science informed by biblical truth
- Spiritual formation
- The integration of spirituality and theology
Career Options for Master’s Degree in Religion Graduates
Your career goals vary, and that is why our M.A.R. in Pastoral Counseling is such a great fit. World Theology University University will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to be confident in any industry you choose. By joining the World Theology University family, you will learn the proper tools and skills needed to become an effective:
- Associate or senior pastor
- Missionary
- Rescue mission director
- Shelter home director
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 M.A.R. 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 religion in about 2 years.
Military Benefits
World Theology University University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students from 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
- 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 School of Divinity master’s programs 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.