Best Master's in Christian Counseling Programs

There's no specific degree requirement for the pursuit of a Christian counseling master's degree, but an undergraduate degree in the social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, or even theology, are common options that can give students robust foundational knowledge. A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology allows students to study the human mind in-depth and understand the basis of human behavior, as well as the reasons for behavioral abnormalities. A Bachelor of Arts in Sociology also teaches students about human behavior, but it studies it from the perspective of groups and society as a whole, not just on the individual level the way a psychology degree does. A Bachelor of Arts in Theology not only teaches students about the Bible but how to apply theology to life and culture, as well as pursue ministry.

The admissions requirements for Christian counseling master's degree programs differ a bit from traditional counseling programs. Applicants will still need to meet the basic entry requirements/have all of the necessary materials, such as:

• A bachelor's degree
• Official college transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Professional resume
• A minimum 3.0 GPA

Some additional requirements that are not required at every school, but may be required at some schools, can include an interview with counseling faculty, a psychological test or series of questions, references from church pastors or other ministry staff members, and demonstration of sound, moral character. While anyone is welcome to apply, typical applicants can include those who have experience in faith-based work, such as missionaries, pastoral counselors, youth ministers, and other church ministry staff, to name a few. Those who have undergraduate degrees in counseling, sociology, education, and psychology are also common applicants.

The first step to choosing a Christian counseling graduate program is to use the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator Tool. This tool allows you to search for programs by location, tuition, institution type, and programs offered, among other things. Once you have schools in mind, it's helpful to think about your career goals and resulting academic needs. For example, if your goal is to provide one-on-one counseling and diagnose behavioral health issues, you will need to find a program with classes that prepare you for licensure. If you're looking to gain practical experience in counseling, then you will need to find a program with internship opportunities. Or, if you want to work with a specific population, such as substance abusers, then you will need to find a program that has courses in addiction studies.

If you're curious about what you'll learn in a program, many program pages list course descriptions. For more detailed information, you can contact a program advisor. Their information is usually on the college's website, if not directly on the program page. Lastly, many programs showcase alumni testimonials so you can see how the program benefitted someone who graduated from it. You can additionally contact an alumni member for more specific information.

When choosing a Christian counseling program, it's important to be sure that it is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Accreditation not only ensures that you are receiving a quality education that meets specific standards, but it can also be a requirement for obtaining counseling licensure in some states. Counseling programs receive specialized accreditation, meaning that a specific program is accredited independent of the school the program is at. The most common and recognized accrediting agency for counseling is the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

When a counseling program has not received specialized accreditation, it doesn't always mean that it's a bad program. Non-licensure programs, in particular, may not always have this. As long as the school is accredited as a whole, then you can be sure your Christian counseling education is still upholding standards. When a school is accredited as a whole, it's called institutional accreditation. One accrediting agency that grants this type of accreditation is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The courses in Christian counseling master's degree programs combine theology, biblical study, and counseling techniques to prepare students to become counseling professionals who apply faith-based principles to guide their clients. The curriculum is usually divided between the three topics above, and counseling-specific electives are also usually included, as well. In some programs, a clinical practicum is included in the counseling-specific curriculum. Theological and biblical courses are typically labeled as core courses, while counseling courses are labeled as major courses. The availability and categorization of these courses vary by school.

Christian Counseling Foundational Courses

Christian counseling foundational courses usually include courses in theology and various topics related to the Bible. These courses may be more or less intensive, depending on the program. For example, some schools will require one course on the Old Testament and one course on the New Testament, while other schools will have several courses dedicated to studying certain books of the Bible. In some cases, students may only take one or two courses on the history of Christianity and the foundations of spiritual life instead of directly studying the Bible. Other courses, usually in theology, can include theology studies/surveys, pastoral ethics, ministry mentorship, and systematic theology, to name a few.

The second part of the foundational curriculum is the counseling courses. Students learn common counseling techniques and how to integrate them with their biblical knowledge. A few of these courses can include counseling theories, introduction to Christian counseling, human development, abnormal psychology, marriage and family counseling, and crisis and addiction counseling.

Christian Counseling Specialist & Elective Courses

Many Christian counseling master's programs allow students to choose electives. This lets them specialize their education and gain knowledge and skills in specific areas that may aid in their particular career pursuits. For example, an elective in addiction counseling can help a student pursue a career as a Christian counselor who works with people who have substance abuse issues. Or, the electives can give students more knowledge about certain topics or populations in general, which can also help. A few of these courses can include crisis and trauma counseling, human sexuality, family counseling, couples counseling, and group therapy techniques.

Licensure & Certification in Christian Counseling

Traditional counselors, typically called 'secular counselors' by the Christian counseling community, must obtain state licensure in order to give counseling services to clients. However, Christian counselors are, in most cases, exempt from this law because they are considered clergy members who are performing religious duties in connection with a denomination. But Christian counselors can still pursue traditional licensure and certification if they wish. Additionally, there are Christian counseling certification programs that Christian counselors can pursue in order to demonstrate their skills and expertise the same way traditional board certification works.

First, for traditional licensure, each state has its own board that has requirements that counselors must meet. This includes the right education, experience, and the passing of one or more exams. The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) has the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), which are common in many states. The NBCC also handles certification and has certifications such as the National Certified Counselor credential, which also requires an exam and a proper degree.

Christian counseling certification can be obtained through several programs, but one, in particular, is the Spiritual Christian Counseling Certification, offered by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals (AIHCP). Similar to traditional state licensure and board certification, this credential ensures Christian counselors have met standards of excellence and have demonstrated their skills and expertise. A few requirements for this certification include:

• Completion of at least 330 hours of a Christian counseling education program
• Complete the continuing education program by the AIHCP
• Must have a background, whether professional or educational, in fields such as nursing, counseling, health care chaplain ministry, general ministry, crisis counseling, or a health care provider, among others.

An internship, practicum, or work experience isn't always required in Christian counseling master's programs. Usually, if a program prepares you for licensure, there is a practicum requirement, but some non-licensure programs also require this. Toward the end of the program, students take one or more (usually three) courses that are labeled as a practicum or internship. These are taken toward the end of the program so students can apply the knowledge they've gained to practical situations. Under the guidance of a professional, students gain Christian counseling experience. Even if you are not pursuing traditional licensure or certification, where a practicum is required, participating in one can be very beneficial, as it can help you practice the skills you've learned before taking a job position.

Interested master's program graduates can pursue a Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling. These programs last at least 3 years and require around 2 years of coursework before students can start writing a doctoral dissertation, which requires them to conduct original research on a topic related to Christian counseling, its theories, or the intersection of theology and psychology. Students take courses in biblical counseling, theology, research, treatment of mental disorders, and theory. Students may also complete a field experience, similar to a practicum in a master's program. Graduates of these programs can pursue academic writing and research, top positions in ministries and mental health service facilities, or teaching at the college level.

There is a lot you can do with a Christian counseling degree, and the options are expanded if you have traditional licensure and certification. Careers for aspiring counselors can include marriage and family therapy, school and career counseling, substance abuse or rehabilitation counseling, and mental health counseling, among others. Christian counselors can work in several environments, including churches, group homes, schools, hospitals, pregnancy centers, and in mission work.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Christian Counseling

The job outlook for those with a master's degree in Christian counseling varies because Christian counselors represent a specific job title within a wider area of counseling careers. Additionally, the availability of so many types of those counseling careers makes pinpointing the job outlook more difficult. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has some helpful information on marriage and family therapists and substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, whose job duties and services closely align with those of Christian counselors.

Marriage and family therapists have a job outlook of 22% from 2019-2029 due to increasing demand for these types of professionals. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors have a job outlook of 25% from 2019-2029. For comparison, the BLS also states that all types of counselors, as well as social workers and community and social service specialists, have a combined job outlook of 14% from 2019-2029.

How to Become a Christian Counselor

Christian counselors perform many of the same duties as counselors who handle mental health, addiction, and behavioral disorders, but the difference between the two is that Christian counselors perform their job in a religious environment, such as a church or as part of a religious organization, and a license is not always required (some places may require Christian counselors to have a traditional state license to practice, but it varies by employer). An integral part of their practice is applying faith-based principles to treating their clients. These professionals can treat individuals, couples, and families, and may help treat a number of issues, such as depression, grief, eating disorders, substance abuse, and anxiety.

Christian counselors need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in counseling or another mental health field, but a master's degree is commonly preferred or required, especially if the employer requires a traditional counseling license. Some employers may hire counseling interns for the position, so not as much education or experience is always a requirement. Christian counselors who don't have a license can earn certification in Christian counseling. An example of this is the Spiritual Christian Counseling Certification from AIHCP. Candidates must complete a training program by the organization, pass an exam, and have educational or work experience in at least one area relating to health care, mental health, or ministry. According to PayScale.com, the median annual salary for Christian counselors is $39,305 as of 2021.

How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and family therapists help clients deal with problems regarding the relationships in their lives, whether it be friends, family, or romantic partners. A common approach to their treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy, which is goal-oriented in nature and helps clients understand and deal with harmful feelings, beliefs, and thoughts. A large part of this approach is learning to replace those negative ideas with positive ones. Most marriage and family therapists work in private practice and can have individuals, couples, and families as their clients. Much of their treatment is family-centered and evaluates the roles of family and development in a client's life. They may help their clients with a number of issues such as stress, substance abuse, and low self-esteem.

Marriage and family therapists need a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, psychology, or a related mental health field. Graduates of Christian counseling master's programs can become marriage and family therapists as long as they earn a state license, which requires post-degree supervised clinical experience, the passing of an exam, and continuing education. Licensure also usually requires graduation from an accredited program. A common accrediting agency that does grant accreditation to some Christian counseling programs is the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. According to the BLS, these professionals have a median annual wage of $51,340 as of 2020.

There are several ways to pay for college that aren't out-of-pocket costs. One of the most recognized of these ways is through federal student aid. You can obtain federal student aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form; this form uses your financial information to determine how much aid you're eligible for. A few criteria for receiving federal aid include enrollment in an accredited postsecondary institution, good academic standing, and legal citizenship or non-citizen status.

Other ways to pay for college include scholarships, which are open to many types of students and may be easier to apply for/obtain. Each scholarship has its own application requirements. Aspiring Christian counselors can find some useful scholarships that are related to their major or faith.

The Generosity Trust offers the Dora Maclellan Brown Ministry Scholarship to students from Chattanooga who are pursuing graduate studies at a seminary, Bible college, or similar school, in areas such as biblical counseling and pastoral ministry.

There are also scholarships available through the school you attend. Dallas Theological Seminary has a scholarship fund for incoming Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling students.