Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling – General
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Master of Arts Pastoral Counseling
Minister to Those Around You with a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling
With a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling – General, you can become better prepared to counsel your congregation and those in your community. Our M.A. in Pastoral Counseling is taught by leading professionals with years of experience in their field and advanced degrees in related areas of study. In addition, World Theology University is by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), so you can be confident that you are receiving a world-class education.
We believe that you should be able to pursue your education while remaining invested in what matters to you. That’s why our courses have no set login times – so you can study whenever you want, wherever you are. Our general specialization allows you to pick courses that best align with your specific goals. Whether you are a seasoned pastor looking to bolster your counseling skills or a ministry professional seeking to enter the field of pastoral counseling for the first time, a degree from World Theology University can help.
What Will You Study in World Theology University University’s M.A. in Pastoral Counseling – General?
- Foundationational doctrines and theology
- Methods of crisis intervention
- Multicultural issues in pastoral counseling
In addition to the core theological and educational principles that you will learn in our M.A. in Pastoral Counseling – General, you will have the opportunity to choose courses that best fit your needs as a pastoral counselor. Whether you are interested in gerontology, marriage and family, or human sexuality, we want to help you gain the specialized knowledge and skills to pursue your unique goals.
Potential Careers for Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling – General Graduates
- Associate pastor
- Church counselor
- Ministry director
- Non-licensed counselor
- Premarital counselor
Benefits of Pursuing Your M.A. in Pastoral Counseling – General with World Theology University University
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 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 of 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.
- Apply what you’ve learned and turn knowledge into wisdom through our pastoral counseling internship.
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
- 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 below 9 above 15 credit hours for the M.A in Pastoral Counseling – General 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
SACSCOC
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.
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.