Are you called to help others through faith-based emotional and spiritual guidance? Earning an online pastoral counseling degree can prepare you to serve individuals, families, and communities with both biblical insight and counseling skills. With flexible, accredited programs available, pursuing your ministry or counseling career online is more accessible than ever.
In this guide, discover the 25 online pastoral counseling degree programs—each offering unique strengths in curriculum, affordability, and Christian worldview.
What Is an Online Pastoral Counseling Degree?
An online pastoral counseling degree blends Christian theology with principles of counseling psychology. Students learn to address mental health issues, spiritual concerns, and relational struggles through a biblical lens. These degrees are ideal for aspiring church counselors, lay ministers, chaplains, and mental health professionals who value a faith-integrated approach.
How to Choose the Right Program
When comparing programs, consider:
- Accreditation (especially from institutions like ABHE or regional bodies)
- Denominational alignment (if it matters for ministry credentials)
- Licensing preparation (if you intend to pursue LPC or MFT paths)
- Degree level (Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s)
- Flexibility (fully online, hybrid, or asynchronous)
The 25 Best Online Pastoral Counseling Degree Programs
Here’s a curated list of the top programs offering online degrees in pastoral counseling, based on academic reputation, affordability, flexibility, and Christian commitment.
1. Regent University – BA & MA in Pastoral Counseling
Christ-centered programs with CACREP-aligned graduate options for licensure.
2. Moody Bible Institute – BA in Biblical Studies with Counseling Focus
Highly respected theological training paired with biblical counseling.
3. Colorado Christian University – BS in Applied Psychology: Biblical Counseling
Accredited Christian institution with fully online learning and faith-driven support.
4. Houston Christian University – BA in Christian Counseling
Integrates psychology and theology for future church or community counselors.
5. Amridge University – BS & MS in Pastoral Counseling
Online-only school with a strong commitment to Christian ministry.
6. Faulkner University – BS in Counseling Psychology: Christian Emphasis
Faith-based curriculum and flexible online delivery.
7. Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary – BA & MA in Biblical Counseling
Independent, online Christian school with decades of pastoral training.
8. Calvary University – BA in Biblical Counseling
Affordable, flexible Christian education with solid theology grounding.
9. Ohio Christian University – BA in Psychology: Christian Counseling
Combines biblical values with psychological insight.
10. Grace Christian University – BA in Human Services with Counseling Minor
Rooted in evangelical theology with online student support.
11. Southwestern Assemblies of God University – BA in Church Leadership: Counseling
Pentecostal-based counseling training for ministry leaders.
12. Campbellsville University – BA & MA in Christian Studies with Counseling Emphasis
Regionally accredited with Baptist roots and fully online access.
13. Luther Rice College & Seminary – BA & MA in Biblical Counseling
Conservative theology and practical counseling preparation.
14. Toccoa Falls College – BA in Counseling Psychology: Pastoral Emphasis
Biblically grounded with affordable online delivery.
15. Clarks Summit University – BS in Counseling
Biblical worldview with professional counseling foundations.
16. Bob Jones University – BA in Biblical Counseling (Online Option)
Conservative, academically rigorous biblical counseling education.
17. Grand Canyon University – BA in Christian Counseling
Faith-integrated psychology curriculum with graduate options.
18. LeTourneau University – BA in Human Services with Counseling Minor
Christ-centered with a strong emphasis on servant leadership.
19. Crown College – BA in Psychology: Counseling/Clinical Emphasis
Online options with Christian faculty and biblical principles.
20. Mid-America Christian University – BS in Christian Ministries: Counseling
Online flexibility with pastoral leadership training.
21. Johnson University – BA in Pastoral Care and Counseling
Online and affordable, with a strong Church of Christ affiliation.
22. Hobe Sound Bible College – BA in Counseling
Wesleyan-Holiness theology with online degree paths.
23. Carolina University – BA in Counseling and Biblical Studies
Flexible programs rooted in conservative Christian education.
24. Indiana Wesleyan University – BS in Christian Counseling
Biblically grounded with professional relevance for ministry and beyond.
25. Liberty University – BS & MA in Pastoral Counseling (Fully Online)
Offers specializations like marriage and family, addiction recovery, and life coaching.
What Can You Do With a Pastoral Counseling Degree?
Graduates often pursue roles as:
- Church counselors
- Marriage and family advisors
- Chaplains
- Faith-based nonprofit counselors
- Graduate school candidates for LPC/MFT licensure
Some programs also qualify graduates to pursue state licensure when followed by a CACREP-aligned master’s degree.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to combine your passion for helping others with your Christian faith, an online pastoral counseling degree is a powerful next step. These 25 best online programs offer the flexibility, faith integration, and academic rigor to help you grow into your calling—without putting your life on pause.
