If you're passionate about helping people and feel called to be a Christian counselor, you can get the training you need online.
A bachelor's or master's degree in Christian counseling will set you up for a fulfilling career helping others.
If you plan to apply for state licensure, you typically need a master's degree. Otherwise, you can serve people with a bachelor's.
Some of the top Christian universities offer online degree programs so you can earn your degree on your own terms.
Top Online Christian Counseling Training Programs
Read on for more information on the best online bachelor's and master's degree programs in Christian counseling.
1. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University offers an online master's degree in clinical mental health counseling with an emphasis in Christian counseling.
This 100% online degree program provides a path to state licensure as a clinical counselor using a Christ-centered approach.
The accelerated program features eight-week courses with asynchronous learning so you can earn your degree on your schedule.
Tuition starts at $575 per credit hour for the 74-credit hour program. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
2. Houston Christian University
Houston Christian University offers both bachelor's and master's degrees in Christian counseling 100% online.
These programs blend scientific psychology principles with faith-based counseling practices to prepare you to be a Christian counselor.
The bachelor's degree program includes general education requirements that provide you with a strong liberal arts foundation.
Tuition for the bachelor's program starts at $430 per credit hour for the bachelor's program and $600 per credit hour for the master's program.
3. Liberty University
Get a complete education in Christian counseling online from Liberty University, which offers both bachelor's and master's degrees.
The bachelor's degree in Christian counseling features eight-week accelerated courses and can be completed in three and a half years.
Liberty's master's degree in pastoral counseling is also 100% online with eight-week accelerated courses.
Tuition starts at $390 per credit hour for the undergraduate program or $565 per credit hour for the graduate program.
4. Nazarene Bible College
From Nazarene Bible College, you can get a bachelor's degree in counseling for Christian ministries 100% online.
The program can be taken in either the traditional liberal arts format or the Bible and theology format.
While this program does not provide a path to state licensure, it does provide a path to ordination as a minister in the Church of the Nazarene.
Tuition for the program starts at $398 per credit hour. Financial aid and scholarships are available to qualifying students.
5. Oral Roberts University
From Oral Roberts University (ORU), you can get either a bachelor's in Christian caregiving and counseling or a master's in pastoral counseling.
Both of these programs are offered 100% online with asynchronous classes so you can earn your degree on your own terms.
The master's program is designed for working adult learners who have been out of school for at least two years.
Tuition starts at $435 per credit hour for the undergraduate program or $515 per credit hour for the graduate program.
6. Southeastern University
Get your master's degree in pastoral care and counseling 100% online from Southeastern University.
This fully online program is designed for both ministry professionals and lay leaders alike who want to provide faith-based counseling.
The university notes that this master's degree might not fulfill the licensure requirements for every state.
Tuition for the accredited program starts at $495 per credit hour. Financial aid is available if you qualify.
7. Westminster Theological Seminary
Westminster Theological Seminary has a fully online master's degree in Christian counseling that includes a comprehensive study of theology.
If you're interested in a more biblically centered counseling education, this could be the degree for you.
The program consists of 63 credit hours and takes three to five years to complete on average.
Tuition for the program starts at $650 per credit hour. Westminster works to make theological education affordable for every student.
FAQs About Christian Counseling Training Programs
Keep reading to learn the answers to some of the most common questions people ask about online Christian counseling programs.
Can I Become a Christian Counselor Without a Degree?
No, not technically. Your church might allow you to counsel without a degree, but licensed counselors usually need a master's degree.
Even if you're not interested in state licensure, a degree is still the best preparation to enter this field.
Can I Get a Christian Counseling Degree 100% Online?
Absolutely. There are many reputable Christian colleges and universities that offer online Christian counseling degrees.
Most of these degrees are also 100% online and require no campus visits whatsoever to earn your degree.
Are Online Christian Counseling Degrees Respected?
Typically, yes. The main thing is to make sure that your degree comes from an accredited institution.
If you get an online degree from a brick-and-mortar university, your degree won't be any different from one you'd earn on campus.
Find the Right School for Christian Counseling Today
Become a Christian counselor with a bachelor's degree in Christian counseling. State licensed counselors typically also need a master's.
