Liberty University | Master of Divinity - Pastoral Counseling

Religious workers who would like to incorporate short-term counseling services into their careers can begin by earning additional degrees. They can study in programs such as Liberty University Online's Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling. Read on for details and curricular requirements.

Tuition & Aid

Start Dates

Official Program Name:

Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling

School Offering Program:

Liberty University Online

Degree Level:

Master's

Program Prerequisites:

Prospective applicants to the Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling program should be prepared to explore Christian counseling theories as well as current best practices in therapy. Applicants to Liberty University Online's graduate programs must have completed a bachelor's degree program with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Some programs may have additional requirements.

Program Description:

Liberty University Online's Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling program is designed to encompass the study of theology, psychology, and spirituality. It was designed primarily to prepare its students to offer pastoral counseling services. Through their acquired knowledge of practical applications in counseling, program participants will become skilled at providing marital, premarital, and crisis therapy sessions.

Learning Format:

Online

Total Credits Required:

93 credits.

Financial Aid:

Around 89% of Liberty University Online students utilize some form of financial aid, including federal grants and loans. Liberty University also offers financial support to students who qualify.

Tuition, Financial Aid & Start Dates

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Required Courses for a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling:

Please note that degree program and course requirements are subject to change. Before applying, students should contact LU Online to confirm the most accurate program information.

Core Courses

APOL 500: Introduction to Apologetics (3 credits)
CHHI 520: History of Christianity I (3 credits)
CHHI 525: History of Christianity II (3 credits)
CHHI 665: History of Baptists (3 credits)
DSMN 500: Discipleship Ministries (3 credits)
DSMN 520: Spiritual Formation (3 credits)
EVAN 525: Contemporary Evangelism (3 credits)
GLST 500: Global Studies Survey (3 credits)
HOMI 500: Preparation of the Sermon (3 credits)
LEAD 635: Theology of Pastoral Ministry (3 credits)
NBST 515: New Testament Orientation I (3 credits)
NBST 520: New Testament Orientation II (3 credits)
SEMI 500: Introduction to Seminary Studies (3 credits)
THEO 525: Systematic Theology I (3 credits)
THEO 530: Systematic Theology II (3 credits)

Pastoral Counseling Cognate

PACO 500: Introduction to Pastoral Counseling (3 credits)
PACO 506: Integration of Psych. and Theology (3 credits)
PACO 507:Theology and Spirituality in Counseling (3 credits)
PACO 603: Premarital and Marital Counseling (3 credits)
PACO 604: Crisis Counseling and Grief Therapy (3 credits)

Biblical Languages

Choose the New Testament Greek and Old Testament Hebrew Track or the English Bible Track:

N.T. Greek and O.T. Hebrew Track

NGRK 520: Beginning Greek I (3 credits)
NGRK 525: Beginning Greek II (3 credits)
NGRK 620: Greek Syntax (3 credits)
OTCL 520: Beginning Hebrew (3 credits)
OTCL 620: Hebrew Syntax (3 credits)
OTCL 650: Hebrew Exegesis (3 credits)

English Bible Track

NGRK 505: Greek Language Tools (3 credits)
OTCL 505: Hebrew Language Tools (3 credits)
NBST: (3 credits)
NBST: (3 credits)
OBST: (3 credits)
OBST: (3 credits)

Elective Courses

Choose TWO 500 - 600 level electives from the following: APOL, CHHI, CMIN, DSMN, EVAN, GLST, HOMI, LEAD, OBST, OTCL, PACO, NBST, NGRK, THEO, WRSP, and YOUT

Post-Graduation Opportunities

Furthering Your Education:

There are also doctoral program options for Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling graduates who would like an opportunity to prepare for the professional practice of pastoral counseling. Other programs can lead to careers in research or academia. Following are some terminal degree program examples:

Doctor of Ministry
Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Counseling
Ph.D. in Religious and Theological Studies

Potential Career Paths:

Students who complete this Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling program will be equipped with comprehensive knowledge of the Scriptures and the necessary counseling tools to offer effective spiritual and soul care. As such, they can go on to provide counseling services in their current or future roles as:

Pastors
Missionaries
Lay ministry workers
Chaplains
Bible instructors