Best Christian Colleges for a Counseling Degree

Moody Bible Institute is the top Christian college for a counseling degree. As part of the graduate/seminary department, Moody's master of arts in counseling uses a Christian servant-leadership philosophy to shape graduates who serve individuals, couples, and communities. This program gives students a clear understanding of the academic and spiritual basis of counseling.

Moody's master's in counseling program offers concentrations in psychology and clinical mental health. Both concentrations are available at Moody's Michigan campus. The Chicago campus only offers the clinical mental health track.

The counseling psychology option focuses on biblical insight, clinical training, and spiritual integration in counseling. In 12-15 months, this track prepares students for professional licensure. Prospective students must submit a completed online application, an agreement to the doctrinal qualifications, two references, an autobiographical essay, and transcripts.

Courses Include

• Biblical spiritual formation
• Marriage and family dynamics
• Hermeneutics
• Human development
• Substance abuse and addictive behaviors

Unique Features

Cost: $460/credit
Credits Required: 60-64 credits
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

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William Jessup University's master of arts in counseling psychology prepares students to apply for designation as a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) or a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in California. This program's curriculum blends biblical principles with contemporary psychological theory to help students become effective mental health professionals.

This top-rated master's in Christian counseling operates on a cohort model, which fosters networking and relationship-building among students and faculty members. Most students graduate in 26 months. This Christian counseling degree can lead to careers in education counseling, career counseling, marriage and family counseling, or clinical counseling.

Applicants must present a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, an official transcript demonstrating a 3.0 GPA, a resume, two reference letters, and a personal essay.

Courses Include

• Family systems therapy
• Human diversity
• Psychopharmacology
• Human sexuality
• Crisis, trauma, and community mental health

Unique Features

Cost: $660/credit
Credits Required: 63 credits
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

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Loyola offers a master of arts in counseling for ministry. Placed in the Institute of Pastoral Studies, this Christian counseling degree trains pastors to provide ministry-based caregiving to those in need. This degree does not lead to clinical counseling licensure in Illinois. Rather, the curriculum takes a multidisciplinary, peer-learning-group approach ot promote students' spiritual and academic growth.

This master's in Christian counseling program blends contemporary theology and psychological theories to give students a broader perspective when counseling individuals, couples, groups, and children. Part-time students can complete the program in 4-5 years. Potential students must provide official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work, a completed online application, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Courses Include

• Foundations of pastoral care
• Theology of the developing person
• Advanced human relation skills
• Family therapy and personal transformation
• Introduction to spirituality praxis

Unique Features

Cost: $788/credit
Credits Required: 36 credits
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

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From its Department of Christian Ministry, John Brown University offers a bachelor of science in Christian ministry and formation with a concentration in care and counseling. JBU produces counseling graduates who can solve ministry dilemmas with theoretical and biblical solutions. This degree can transform students into biblically oriented leaders in churches, camps, business, and overseas missions.

Graduates of this Christian counseling degree program qualify for master's-level studies and subsequent certification or licensure. Throughout the four-year program, the curriculum focuses on three core areas: intellectual cultivation, spiritual formation, and world impact. Students must complete 30 hours of fieldwork and a senior capstone course in Christian ministry.

Prospective students must submit a high school transcript with a minimum 2.5 GPA or a GED certificate with minimum 1020 SAT or 20 ACT scores.

Courses Include

• Abnormal psychology
• Family communication
•  Ministry to families
• The church in a global context
• Church leadership and service

Unique Features

Cost: $451/credit
Credits Required: 120 credits
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

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William Carey University's master of science in clinical psychology with a concentration in Christian counseling helps maintain the university's position as one of the top Christian counseling colleges.

Located in the psychology and counseling department, this program appeals to students intending to practice in religious settings as professional counselors. Graduates find work in religious counseling centers, private practice, and pastoral care environments.

This master's in Christian counseling offers two tracks: licensure and non-licensure for ordained ministers. The non-licensure track takes much less time to complete, but both options require a practicum and internship. Aspiring students must complete the online application and upload the required documents.

Courses Include

• Psychology of religion
• Dynamics of personality
• Analysis of the individual
• Organization and administration of senior services
• Advanced developmental psychology

Unique Features

Cost: $430/credit
Credits Required: 36-60 credits
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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