Christian counseling blends faith and psychology to help people navigate an ever-challenging world. Counselors use biblical principles to address clients' challenges and fears while facilitating personal and spiritual growth.
Earning a master's in Christian counseling can help you become a licensed professional counselor and earn an average annual salary of $57,240, according to Payscale data from November 2024. Learn about choosing the right online Christian counseling degree program for you, the courses you might take, and counseling career options.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Christian Counseling Degrees
Why Get a Degree in Christian Counseling?
A master's or doctoral degree in Christian counseling online can qualify you to become a licensed professional counselor and help clients who are seeking biblically based counseling. A graduate degree and licensure can increase your earning potential and allow you to pursue more career opportunities, such as opening an independent Christian counseling practice.
Earning a master's degree offers benefits that include:
Career advancement
Most states require a master's degree to become licensed. An undergraduate degree or certificate may open doors to entry-level counseling positions, but more opportunities exist for licensed professional counselors.Helping people
According to 2023 Gallup polling, 68% of Americans identify as Christian, many of whom prefer faith-based counseling that aligns with their religious beliefs.Higher pay
A master's degree can lead to licensure and an average annual salary range of $42,000-$78,000. By comparison, certified addiction, drug, and alcohol counselors average between $35,000 and $65,000 per year.
How to Choose an Online Christian Counseling Degree Program
When choosing an online Christian counseling degree program, pay attention to several key metrics to ensure the right fit. These include admission criteria, costs and financial aid, and factors that measure the program's effectiveness, such as graduation rates and accreditation.
Here is a list of what to look for when researching Christian counseling programs:
Admissions requirements: Listed on the program's website, admission requirements can tell you whether your GPA and/or test scores meet the minimum standards for program acceptance. You can also find out if you need additional prerequisite coursework before applying.
Curriculum: Explore the list of program coursework to ensure it aligns with your interests and your chosen specialization area.
Instructional format: Online learning may follow hybrid (in-person and online), synchronous (scheduled online classes), asynchronous (recorded lectures available 24/7) models, or a combination of these formats. Make sure the course delivery method works for your learning style.
Accreditation: Accredited schools and programs undergo regular review to ensure they meet national standards of academic quality and prepare students for licensure and career success.
Graduation rates: Schools may list this information on their websites, or you can find it on College Scorecard. Graduation rates can be another indicator of academic quality and student support and satisfaction.
Program cost/affordability: Make sure you can manage the costs of tuition and fees and/or qualify for financial aid. Determine whether the school offers grants, scholarships, and teaching, and research assistantships to offset costs. Another factor to consider is whether you will pay reduced or in-state tuition as an online student.
Courses in Christian Counseling School
Master's programs in the field typically prepare students to obtain a state-issued license. Professionals working for faith-based organizations can also earn the degree to improve their counseling skills. Curricula typically emphasize ethical considerations, crisis intervention techniques, and topics related to family dynamics. Degree-seekers typically demonstrate mastery of concepts during an internship experience.
The sample curriculum below highlights five courses students commonly take while earning a master's degree in Christian counseling. Course names and requirements vary by school, so students should contact an admissions or career counselor for details about their prospective program.
Theories and Models of Counseling
Christian counselors need a strong understanding of counseling history and best practices. This course introduces students to psychoanalytic, behavioral, and person-centered counseling. Learners evaluate each theory's usefulness in Christian counseling settings. The class also covers important figures, such as Sigmund Freud and B.F. Skinner.
Principles of Psychopharmacology
Although licensed counselors with a master's degree cannot prescribe medication, they must know how various drugs affect individuals with psychological problems. Students in this class examine the behavioral and physiological effects of numerous medications. Learners also prepare to identify signs of drug abuse and intoxication.
Abuse, Crisis, and Trauma Counseling
Christian counselors often help patients who have suffered from abuse or trauma. Counselors apply specialized knowledge and strategies to help these clients. Degree-seekers in this course learn about various forms of domestic violence, such as spousal abuse, and prepare to identify signs of abuse in clients. Coursework also covers how child abuse impacts developing minds.
Counseled by God
In this course, learners pursuing their Christian counseling degree online analyze biblical principles regarding spiritual fulfillment, temptation, and depression's root causes. Students review relevant Bible passages and spiritual texts. Course requirements may include journal entries, tests, and a final paper.
Counseling the Adolescent and Their Families
Adolescents face unique psychological challenges, such as societal expectations and mental development during puberty. These challenges may cause friction within families. This course explores issues that adolescents commonly face and how positive family dynamics can encourage healthy mindsets. Learners typically complete tests and a research paper.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christian Counseling Degrees
Earning certification through an organization like the National Christian Counselors Association (NCCA), which offers online training to prepare candidates for certification, allows you to become a Christian counselor without a degree.
