Top Online Christian Counseling Degrees for 2026

For students who want to connect counseling with their Christian faith, online degree programs can offer a flexible path toward clinical, ministry, pastoral, or community-based work. These programs vary widely, so choosing the right one means looking beyond the school’s religious affiliation.

The best fit will depend on your career goals, preferred approach to faith integration, licensure plans, budget, and need for flexibility. This guide explores what Christian counseling programs can offer, how they differ, and what to consider as you compare online options for 2026.

What Is Christian Counseling?

Christian counseling generally refers to counseling education or practice that incorporates Christian beliefs, values, or perspectives. However, the term does not describe one standardized approach. Some programs focus heavily on biblical or pastoral counseling, while others provide a more traditional counseling curriculum within a Christian institution or through a faith-based lens.

The way faith is integrated can also vary. In some programs, students may study scripture, theology, prayer, or spiritual formation alongside counseling methods. In others, faith may shape the school’s mission, ethical framework, faculty perspective, or approach to client care without substantially changing the core clinical curriculum.

Christian counseling programs may prepare students for different goals, including ministry-based counseling, pastoral care, community support roles, or licensed clinical practice. Because these pathways are not interchangeable, prospective students should review each program’s curriculum, accreditation, supervised experience requirements, and stated career outcomes carefully.

Top Online Christian Counseling Degree Programs for 2026

The programs below represent a range of approaches to Christian counseling education. Some emphasize biblical or pastoral counseling, while others offer conventional counseling preparation within a Christian academic environment. Because program goals differ, prospective students should compare each degree’s curriculum, accreditation, faith integration, tuition, specialty options, and potential connection to professional licensure before applying.

Institution	Colorado Christian University
Program	Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Program Overview	This 60-credit program is offered fully online or in a hybrid format, with three required in-person residencies in Colorado. Courses are generally taken two at a time in seven-week blocks, and students may finish in as little as 30 months. The curriculum integrates Faith Informed Clinical Identity and Practice, combining Christian faith with counseling theory and clinical training. Optional emphases are available in Marriage and Family Therapy and Substance Use Disorders.
Accreditation	The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Graduates are academically prepared to take the National Counselor Examination.
Tuition	For Summer 2026 through Spring 2027, tuition is listed at $698 per credit hour. Students also pay resource fees of $51 per credit hour for technology and $20 per credit hour for textbooks and course materials, along with applicable course and residency fees.
About the School	Colorado Christian University is a private Christian university based in Lakewood, Colorado. Its educational approach emphasizes Christ-centered learning and the integration of faith with academic and professional preparation.

Institution	Columbia International University
Program	Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling
Program Overview	This 60-credit program prepares students to counsel individuals, couples, and families through coursework in counseling theories, assessment, diagnosis, research, ethics, multicultural counseling, and trauma-informed care. Students complete supervised clinical experiences in community agencies or private practices. Courses may be taken on campus or online, and students can change formats each semester. The curriculum combines professional and clinical preparation with personal and spiritual development, emphasizing emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being within a Christ-centered learning environment.
Accreditation	The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The university also lists accreditation through the Association for Biblical Higher Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition	Tuition is listed at $625 per credit hour.
About the School	Columbia International University is a private Christian university in Columbia, South Carolina. The program is housed in its Seminary & School of Counseling.

Institution	Divine Mercy University
Program	Master of Science in Counseling
Program Overview	This 66-credit online program includes a 100-hour practicum, a 600-hour internship, and three required extended-weekend residencies. Coursework uses asynchronous and synchronous instruction, including virtual face-to-face interaction and video-based review of clinical skills. The program integrates a Catholic-Christian understanding of the person with professional counseling preparation and emphasizes ethical practice, human dignity, community leadership, and social justice advocacy.
Accreditation	The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs through October 31, 2031. Divine Mercy University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition	Tuition for 2026–2027 is listed at $998 per credit. Based on a typical 24-credit first-year sequence, estimated direct expenses are $26,422, including tuition and listed fees. The university notes that tuition typically increases by about 3% per credit each fall.
About the School	Divine Mercy University is a Catholic graduate institution based in Sterling, Virginia. Its academic approach combines professional education with a Catholic-Christian understanding of the person.

Institution	Geneva College
Program	Master of Arts in Counseling
Program Overview	This 60-credit program can be completed in approximately two to four years on a full- or part-time basis. Delivery options include online study with low-residency requirements, on-campus study, and hybrid formats. Students may choose concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling; or Professional School Counseling, which is offered online only. Coursework covers areas including counseling theory, assessment, ethics, research, multicultural awareness, career development, group work, and helping relationships. The curriculum approaches counseling from a Christian perspective and is designed to integrate faith with professional practice while considering social, spiritual, psychological, and physical well-being.
Accreditation	All three concentrations are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs under the 2016 standards through November 15, 2026.
Tuition	Tuition is listed at $699 per credit hour.
About the School	Geneva College is a private Christian college in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Its academic programs emphasize the integration of Christian faith and learning.

Institution	Grand Canyon University
Program	Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Christian Counseling
Program Overview	This 74-credit program is offered online and in evening formats, with online courses typically lasting eight weeks. Coursework addresses counseling theory, assessment, diagnosis, ethics, trauma, family counseling, multicultural counseling, psychopathology, and treatment planning. Students also complete a counseling practicum and supervised internships. The Christian counseling emphasis integrates Scripture, Christian worldview principles, spiritual formation, and counseling theory, with attention to compassion, dignity, ethical practice, and clients’ spiritual well-being.
Accreditation	Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
Tuition	Tuition for both online and evening study is listed at $610 per credit for 2026–2027.
About the School	Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university based in Phoenix, Arizona. The program is offered through its College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Institution	Huntington University
Program	Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Program Overview	This 60-credit program is delivered predominantly online through seven-week courses that combine self-directed study with synchronous evening sessions. Students also attend one three-day intensive on Huntington University’s Indiana campus. The curriculum includes 700 hours of supervised clinical experience: a 100-hour practicum and 600 hours of internship training. The program provides Christ-centered counselor preparation, emphasizing clinical skills, critical thinking, cultural engagement, personal development, and the integration of students’ faith and relationship with Christ into their emerging professional identity.
Accreditation	The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs through October 31, 2033.
Tuition	Tuition for the 2026–2027 academic year is listed at $575 per credit hour. A semester technology fee of $110 and a $120 graduation fee also apply.
About the School	Huntington University is a Christian university headquartered in Huntington, Indiana, approximately 25 minutes from Fort Wayne. Its main campus covers 160 acres, and the university also operates locations in Fort Wayne and Peoria, Arizona.

Institution	Indiana Wesleyan University
Program	Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Program Overview	This 60-credit licensure-track program can be completed online or onsite at the Indy North Regional Education Center, with an estimated completion time of 24 to 38 months. Clinical training begins in the first semester and continues through onsite practicums and community-based internships, with live supervision and recorded sessions used to support skill development. The curriculum prepares students to assess and treat individuals, groups, families, and organizations while addressing multicultural competence, development, diagnosis, treatment planning, and professional identity. Faith, learning, and professional practice are integrated throughout the program, and students are taught to incorporate faith- and spirituality-based principles into case conceptualization and counseling interventions.
Accreditation	The program lists accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Indiana Wesleyan University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition	Tuition is listed at $610 per credit hour. Additional resource and service fees may apply, while the tuition rate remains unchanged for students who stay continuously enrolled in the same program.
About the School	Indiana Wesleyan University is a private Christian university based in Marion, Indiana. Its academic approach emphasizes Christ-centered education and the integration of biblical faith with professional preparation.

Institution	Liberty University
Program	Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Program Overview	This 60-credit licensure-track program is offered online with two required intensives. Students complete coursework in areas such as counseling theory, ethics and legal issues, multicultural counseling, psychopathology, assessment, and group counseling, along with a practicum and a two-semester internship. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, faculty mentorship, and preparation for work with individuals, families, and groups. As part of Liberty’s Christian educational model, the program presents counseling as a calling and frames professional preparation around service, hope, and holistic wellness.
Accreditation	The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
Tuition	For the 2026–2027 academic year, tuition is listed at $600 per credit for full-time graduate students and $665 per credit for part-time graduate students. A military graduate rate of $310 per credit is also listed for eligible students.
About the School	Liberty University is a private Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia. It offers a large portfolio of residential and online programs across undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.

Institution	Messiah University
Program	Master of Arts in Counseling
Program Overview	This 60-credit online program can be completed in two, three, or four years. Courses run in eight-week terms, with optional one-week in-person intensives offered in January and July. Students may choose tracks in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling; or School Counseling. The program emphasizes ethical practice, evidence-based counseling, faculty mentorship, personal and professional growth, and preparation for licensure or certification. Faith, knowledge, and practice are integrated throughout the curriculum, with an emphasis on Christian hospitality, compassion, service, leadership, and reconciliation.
Accreditation	All three counseling tracks are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Messiah University is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition	For 2026–2027, tuition is listed at $820 per credit hour, or $49,200 for the full 60-credit program. Messiah describes this as no-fee tuition, meaning it does not add separate university charges for labs, courses, services, or technology, though external expenses may still apply.
About the School	Messiah University is a private Christian university in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Its educational mission emphasizes intellectual development, deepening Christian faith, and service-oriented action.

Institution	Regent University
Program	Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Program Overview	This 60-plus-credit program is offered on campus or online with two required weeklong residencies in Virginia Beach. Coursework covers contemporary counseling models, diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mental health disorders, crisis and trauma interventions, human growth and development, group work, research, and ethics. Students also complete supervised clinical experiences in community agency and school settings. The curriculum is designed to integrate science and faith, incorporating biblical principles and Christian values into professional counselor preparation.
Accreditation	The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
Tuition	Tuition is listed at $750 per credit for on-campus study and $730 per credit for online study. Online students are also charged a $750 university services fee per semester; on-campus fees are $900 in fall and spring and $750 in summer.
About the School	Regent University is a private Christian university in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It offers online and on-campus programs and emphasizes the integration of faith, professional preparation, leadership, and service.

Why Earn an Online Degree in Christian Counseling?

Flexibility and Accessibility

One of the most significant advantages of pursuing an online degree in Christian counseling is the flexibility it offers. Online programs cater to a diverse range of students, including working professionals, parents, and those with ministry commitments. The ability to access coursework and lectures from anywhere at any time allows students to tailor their education around their personal schedules.

Balancing Commitments

Online learning is particularly beneficial for those who wish to maintain their current employment or ministry work while studying. This balance of professional, personal, and educational life is crucial in fields like counseling, where real-world experience complements academic learning.

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

Key Aspects of Online Christian Counseling Degrees

Coursework and Curriculum

Coursework varies by degree type and program focus. Some online Christian counseling programs emphasize biblical studies, pastoral care, or ministry-based counseling, while others follow a more traditional psychology or clinical counseling curriculum within a Christian institution.

Depending on the program, students may study topics such as:

• Counseling theories and techniques
• Human development and psychology
• Marriage and family counseling
• Ethics and legal issues in counseling
• Biblical or theological foundations
• Spiritual formation or pastoral care
• Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning
• Multicultural counseling

Integration of Faith and Counseling

Faith integration can take different forms across programs. Some degrees include dedicated courses in biblical counseling, theology, prayer, or spiritual counseling. Others incorporate Christian values through the institution’s mission, ethical framework, faculty perspective, or discussion of spirituality in client care.

Prospective students should review the curriculum carefully to determine how prominently faith appears in the program and whether the degree aligns with their intended career path.

Is a Christian Counseling Degree Licensure Eligible?

A Christian counseling degree may support professional licensure, but not every program is designed to meet licensure requirements. Eligibility depends on the degree level, curriculum, clinical training, program accreditation, and regulations in the state where the graduate intends to practice.

Programs in clinical mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or a related licensed field may provide the academic and supervised clinical preparation needed to pursue licensure. The fact that a program is offered by a Christian school or incorporates faith into its curriculum does not necessarily prevent it from being licensure eligible.

However, degrees focused primarily on biblical counseling, pastoral counseling, ministry, or spiritual care may prepare graduates for church- and ministry-based roles rather than state-regulated clinical practice. These programs may not include the clinical coursework, practicum, internship, or accreditation required for licensure as a professional counselor.

Counselor licensure is administered at the state level and generally requires an approved graduate education, supervised experience, and a qualifying examination. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, and some states impose specific program-accreditation standards.

Before enrolling, prospective students should:

• Confirm which license the program is intended to prepare graduates for.
• Verify that the curriculum meets the educational requirements of the appropriate state licensing board.
• Review the program’s institutional and specialized accreditation.
• Check whether the degree includes an approved practicum or internship.
• Ask how the program supports students completing clinical placements in their state.
• Determine whether additional coursework or supervised experience may be required after graduation.

Students should obtain written guidance from the program and verify it independently with the licensing board in the state where they plan to work. A school’s statement that a degree “may lead to licensure” is not a guarantee that it meets every state’s requirements.

Accreditation of Online Christian Counseling Schools and Programs

Institutional and Programmatic Accreditation

Accreditation is an important consideration when comparing online Christian counseling degrees. However, students should distinguish between institutional accreditation and programmatic accreditation.

Institutional accreditation applies to a college or university as a whole. It can affect matters such as eligibility for federal financial aid, credit transfer, graduate school admission, and employer recognition. Students can verify an institution’s status through the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database.

Programmatic accreditation evaluates a specific professional program rather than the entire institution. For example, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits eligible master’s and doctoral counseling programs, while the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education accredits marriage and family therapy programs.

Students who want to compare additional information about accredited faith-based counseling degrees can explore CACREP-accredited Christian counseling programs.

Why Accreditation Matters

Programmatic accreditation may be particularly important for students seeking clinical licensure. Graduation from an appropriately accredited program can simplify the educational review process in many states, and some jurisdictions specifically require graduates to have completed an accredited program. However, accreditation alone does not guarantee licensure. Students must still meet all applicable state requirements, which may include supervised experience, examinations, background checks, and additional coursework.

Biblical, pastoral, and ministry-focused counseling degrees may hold institutional accreditation without holding specialized clinical counseling accreditation. That does not necessarily indicate poor academic quality, but it may mean the degree is intended for nonclinical ministry roles rather than professional counselor licensure.

Verifying Accreditation

Prospective students should confirm:

• The accreditation status of the institution
• Whether the specific counseling program holds programmatic accreditation
• Whether the accrediting organization is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation
• Whether the program satisfies the educational requirements of the licensing board in the state where they plan to practice

Students should verify these details through official accreditation directories and state licensing boards rather than relying solely on marketing language from a school.

Career Options and Job Outlook for Online Christian Counseling Degrees

Career Opportunities

Career options depend heavily on the degree’s curriculum and whether it prepares graduates for state licensure. Potential paths may include:

• Licensed professional counselor: Provides mental health counseling to individuals, couples, families, or groups. This path generally requires a qualifying master’s degree, supervised clinical experience, an examination, and state licensure.
• Marriage and family therapist: Diagnoses and treats mental and emotional conditions within the context of couples, families, and relationships. Marriage and family therapists must be licensed in every state.
• Substance abuse or behavioral disorder counselor: Helps clients address addiction and other behavioral concerns. Education and licensure requirements vary by position and state.
• Pastoral or ministry counselor: Offers faith-based guidance through churches, ministries, or religious organizations. These roles may not require clinical licensure, although the counselor’s permissible services and professional title may be limited by state law.
• Community or church-based support professional: Coordinates programs, provides nonclinical support, or connects individuals and families with counseling and social services.

A degree focused on biblical, pastoral, or ministry counseling does not necessarily prepare graduates to work as licensed mental health professionals. Students interested in clinical practice should confirm that a program meets the educational requirements for their intended license.

Work Environment

Depending on their education, credentials, and role, graduates may work in settings such as:

• Mental health and substance use treatment centers
• Community service agencies
• Hospitals and other healthcare organizations
• Private practices
• Churches and religious organizations
• Residential treatment facilities
• Nonprofit organizations

Most substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work full time, although part-time employment is common. Marriage and family therapists also commonly work full time, with some working evenings or weekends to accommodate clients.

Education and Training

Education and credential requirements vary by occupation:

• Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, although requirements differ by employer and state.
• Mental health counselors typically need a master’s degree and an internship. Counselors in private practice must be licensed, and other positions may also require state licensure.
• Marriage and family therapists typically need a master’s degree and must be licensed in every state.
• Pastoral and ministry counselors may follow different educational and credentialing pathways, particularly when they provide spiritual guidance rather than regulated clinical services.

Students should review state licensing rules before selecting a program because a school’s Christian affiliation does not determine whether its counseling degree is licensure eligible.

Salary and Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish separate salary or employment projections for Christian counselors. The most relevant occupational categories include substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, as well as marriage and family therapists.

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

• Median annual wage, May 2024: $59,190
• Projected employment growth, 2024–2034: 17%
• Average annual openings: Approximately 48,300

Employment in this combined occupational category is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. The annual-opening estimate includes both newly created positions and openings resulting from workers leaving the occupation.

Marriage and Family Therapists

• Median annual wage, May 2024: $63,780
• Projected employment growth, 2024–2034: 13%
• Average annual openings: Approximately 7,700

Employment of marriage and family therapists is also projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.

Actual earnings vary by occupation, location, experience, credentials, employer, and work setting. Completing a Christian counseling degree alone does not guarantee eligibility for either occupational category; graduates must also satisfy the applicable education and licensing requirements.

Selecting the Right Online Christian Counseling Program

Choosing the right online Christian counseling program requires careful comparison because programs can differ substantially in academic focus, faith integration, licensure preparation, cost, and career outcomes.

Compare Program Focus and Curriculum

Program Type: Determine whether the degree is designed for clinical counseling, pastoral care, biblical counseling, ministry, psychology, or another related field.

Curriculum Content: Review the required courses to see how the program combines counseling education with theology, biblical studies, spiritual formation, or a Christian institutional perspective.

Licensure Preparation: Students seeking clinical practice should confirm whether the program includes the coursework, practicum, internship, and supervised training required for their intended license.

Faculty Credentials: Research the academic backgrounds, professional licenses, ministry experience, and areas of expertise of the faculty.

Assess Faith Integration

Programs vary in how explicitly they incorporate Christianity into counseling education. Faith integration may appear through dedicated theology or biblical counseling courses, classroom discussions, faculty perspectives, institutional values, or spiritual formation requirements.

Students should consider whether the program’s approach aligns with their beliefs, professional goals, and preferred counseling model.

Evaluate Flexibility and Student Support

Course Format: Compare asynchronous, scheduled online, hybrid, and residency requirements to determine which format fits your schedule.

Clinical Placement Support: Licensure-track students should ask how the program helps online learners secure approved practicum and internship sites in their local area.

Student Services: Look for access to academic advising, career services, technical assistance, tutoring, library resources, and disability support.

Review Costs and Financial Aid

Tuition and Fees: Compare total program costs rather than tuition rates alone. Additional expenses may include technology fees, books, residencies, background checks, liability insurance, travel, and clinical placement costs.

Financial Aid: Review eligibility for federal aid, institutional scholarships, employer benefits, military education benefits, and outside scholarships.

Verify Accreditation and State Requirements

Institutional Accreditation: Confirm that the college or university holds recognized institutional accreditation.

Programmatic Accreditation: For clinical programs, determine whether the specific degree holds relevant specialized accreditation.

State Licensure Requirements: Verify directly with the appropriate state licensing board that the program meets the educational requirements for the state where you plan to practice. Accreditation can be important, but it does not automatically guarantee licensure eligibility in every jurisdiction.

Examine Outcomes and Reputation

Graduate Outcomes: Look for information about graduation rates, licensing examination results, employment outcomes, and the types of roles graduates pursue.

Student and Alumni Experience: Alumni feedback can provide useful context about faculty support, online course quality, clinical placement assistance, and career preparation.

Program Reputation: Consider the program’s standing among employers, licensing boards, churches, ministries, and professional counseling organizations relevant to your intended career.

Admission Requirements and Process for Online Christian Counseling Programs

Admission requirements for online Christian counseling degrees vary by institution, degree level, and program focus.

Detailed Admission Criteria

Educational Background: Bachelor’s programs typically require a high school diploma or equivalent. Master’s programs generally require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, though the undergraduate major does not always need to be in psychology, counseling, theology, or a related field.

Minimum GPA Requirements: Many programs set a minimum undergraduate GPA, often around 3.0, although requirements vary.

Relevant Coursework: Some programs may require or recommend previous coursework in psychology, counseling, statistics, theology, or related subjects. Applicants without this background may need to complete prerequisite courses.

Application Essentials

Application Form: Complete the program’s application and provide all requested information.

Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from previously attended schools.

Letters of Recommendation: Some programs request letters from academic, professional, or ministry references who can speak to the applicant’s preparation and suitability.

Personal Statement: Applicants may be asked to explain their interest in Christian counseling, professional goals, faith background, or reasons for choosing the program.

Resume or CV: Some schools require a resume or CV outlining educational, professional, volunteer, clinical, or ministry experience.

Additional Requirements

Interview: An in-person or virtual interview may be part of the admission process.

Standardized Tests: GRE scores are not universally required, but some institutions may request them.

Faith-Based Requirements: Depending on the school, applicants may need to submit a statement of faith, provide a pastoral reference, or affirm the institution’s religious commitments.

Background Checks: Programs involving clinical placements may require criminal background checks, health records, immunizations, or other documentation before fieldwork begins.

Application Timeline

Applicants should begin preparing well before the deadline, especially when transcripts, recommendations, essays, and prerequisite reviews are required. Because deadlines and cohort start dates vary, prospective students should confirm each program’s application calendar and allow enough time to complete all supporting materials.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Online Christian Counseling Degrees

Financial aid options may include federal and state grants, institutional scholarships, private scholarships, employer assistance, military education benefits, and student loans.

To be considered for federal aid, students generally must attend an eligible institution and program and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Prospective students should also compare total program costs, including fees, books, residencies, and clinical placement expenses.

Apply early, review all deadlines carefully, and explore scholarships offered by schools, churches, professional organizations, and community groups.

Professional Organizations and Resources

Professional organizations can provide networking, continuing education, publications, conferences, and career resources. Relevant groups include:

• American Association of Christian Counselors: Serves licensed professionals, pastors, ministry leaders, and lay caregivers interested in Christian approaches to counseling and care.
• Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling: A division of the American Counseling Association focused on ethical and competent attention to spiritual and religious issues in professional counseling.
• National Christian Counselors Association: Offers training and faith-based credentials for Christian counselors. Its credential is not a state-issued mental health license, so students should verify what services they may legally provide in their jurisdiction.

Students may also find useful resources through state licensing boards, counseling associations, program alumni networks, webinars, and continuing education events.

Membership, certification, or ministry credentials from a professional or faith-based organization do not replace state licensure when a role involves regulated clinical counseling.

Online Christian Counseling Degrees FAQ

What Salary Can You Earn With an Online Christian Counseling Degree?

Salary depends on the graduate’s occupation, credentials, experience, location, and work setting. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track Christian counselors as a separate occupation.

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earned a median annual wage of $59,190 in May 2024. Marriage and family therapists earned a median annual wage of $63,780. These occupations generally require specific education and licensure beyond simply earning a Christian counseling degree.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Christian Counseling Degree?

A bachelor’s degree typically takes about four years of full-time study. A master’s program often takes two to three years, although accelerated, part-time, and clinical placement requirements can affect completion time. Doctoral programs generally require several additional years.

Is an Online Christian Counseling Degree Respected?

An online degree may be viewed similarly to an in-person degree when it comes from an appropriately accredited institution and provides relevant preparation for the student’s intended career.

Students should evaluate the school’s institutional accreditation, the program’s specialized accreditation when applicable, its curriculum, faculty, clinical training, and graduate outcomes. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of accredited institutions and programs.

What Career Opportunities Are Available With This Degree?

Potential career paths may include licensed professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, substance use counseling, pastoral care, ministry counseling, community support, and church-based service roles.

Available options depend on the degree level, curriculum, clinical training, and state credentialing requirements. Biblical or pastoral counseling degrees may not qualify graduates for licensed clinical practice.

Are Internships Required for Online Christian Counseling Programs?

Requirements vary by program. Licensure-track counseling and marriage and family therapy degrees commonly include supervised practicums, internships, or other field experiences.

Students in online programs may complete these requirements at approved sites near where they live. Ministry-focused or nonclinical programs may use different fieldwork requirements or may not require an internship.

Can You Become a Licensed Counselor With an Online Christian Counseling Degree?

Possibly, but not every Christian counseling degree is designed for licensure. A qualifying program generally must include graduate-level counseling coursework and supervised clinical training that meet the requirements of the state where the student plans to practice.

CACREP reports that graduates of its accredited programs meet the educational requirements for counselor licensing in most states, although additional requirements still apply. Students should verify eligibility directly with their state licensing board before enrolling.

What Accreditation Should a Christian Counseling Program Have?

Students should first verify the institution’s accreditation. Those pursuing professional counselor licensure should also determine whether the specific program holds relevant programmatic accreditation, such as accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

Marriage and family therapy programs may hold accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. Accreditation expectations vary by profession and state, and accreditation alone does not guarantee licensure.

How Do Online Christian Counseling Programs Integrate Faith?

Faith integration differs across schools. Some programs include biblical counseling, theology, pastoral care, prayer, or spiritual formation courses. Others offer a conventional counseling curriculum within a Christian institution and incorporate faith through classroom discussion, ethics, faculty perspectives, or the school’s mission.

Students should review individual course requirements rather than assume all Christian counseling programs use the same model.

Are Scholarships Available for Online Christian Counseling Students?

Scholarships may be available through colleges, churches, denominations, foundations, community organizations, and professional associations. Students may also qualify for federal or state aid, employer assistance, military education benefits, or institutional grants.

Eligibility depends on the student, school, and program, so applicants should complete the FAFSA and review each institution’s financial aid requirements.

Embrace Your Calling Through Online Christian Counseling Education

Online Christian counseling programs can support a range of academic, professional, and ministry goals. Some prepare students for clinical counseling careers, while others focus on pastoral care, biblical counseling, spiritual formation, or related service roles.

The right program depends on how a student hopes to integrate faith with counseling, whether licensure is part of the plan, and what type of work they intend to pursue. By comparing curriculum, accreditation, clinical training, cost, and faith integration, prospective students can choose a path that aligns with both their career goals and their sense of calling.