Christian Counseling Degrees Online
On this page, with links to others, we want to address the most common questions from Above & Beyond’s potential students about distance learning or earning a Christian Counseling degree online.
Table of Contents
How to Get a Christian Counseling Degree
There are basically 4 options for interested students to secure a Christian Counseling Degree. The degree level available is based upon the student’s prior education level.
Generally, students with a High School diploma/GED (or equivalent for international students) are able to pursue a Bachelors degree.
Students with a prior Bachelor’s Degree are in a position to pursue a Masters Degree in Christian Counseling. Some schools may be somewhat more selective, but those who hold an accredited Bachelors degree in any discipline would gualify.
Similarly, those with a Masters Degree would be able to gain a Doctoral/PhD Degree.
How to Get Your Christian Counseling Degree Online in Less Than 2 Years
Most of our potential students come to us with a vision and passion to complete God’s call on their lives.
They know He has directed them towards gaining competence and a credential in Christian counseling and they want to know how long it will take.
If time is of the essence for you, then a self-paced, distance learning program may be your best option.
Why?
Should You Get Your Christian Counseling Degree Through an Online Program?
You’ve done the research and are attracted by the cost comparison and flexibility available with online programs.
What other factors should be considered to help you decide if an online program may be best for you?
Let’s consider the negative aspects of online study programs first.
- Because the timetable is flexible, those who struggle with self-discipline may have a hard time maintaining a study schedule.
- Those who require social interaction with others may be intimidated by the loneliness of the venture. Unless you proactively involve someone else, no one is there to coach, push and encourage you along.
- Availability of teacher help will not be instantaneous. Depending on the availability of your clinical supervisor/teacher, it may take days to get a question answered.
- Personal supervision will not likely be face-to-face but will take place via video meetings, phone calls, or email (most likely).
Christian Counseling Degree or License - How to Decide?
Let’s begin by clarifying an important point: we do not mean state-licensing!
Study courses that lead to state licensing are generally not part of Christian Counseling Degree curriculums, which are seminary based and not academic in nature.
State licenses are typically required for individuals who want to operate in mental health areas that include disciplines (but not limited to) as:
- mental health counselor
- social worker
- marriage and family therapist
- psychologist
Those who complete these requirements are able to use the word “Licensed” in their title. For example, “Licensed Mental Health Counselor”.
How Important is Accreditation for a Christian Counseling Degree Program?
Potential students frequently ask, “Is your program accredited?”
I’ve concluded that few understand the meaning or importance of accreditation, but they are happier if they receive an affirmative response. Car buyers will ask about the engine size or the miles per gallon rating of the car they are looking at, but have little means of objectively quantifying the importance of the answer.
Accreditation is a process of validation in which colleges, universities and other institutions of higher learning are evaluated. The standards for accreditation are set by a peer review board whose members include faculty from various accredited colleges and universities.
What a Bachelors Counseling Degree Program Looks Like
If you research the curriculum for programs at different seminaries, you will find a wide range of courses available for the field of study.
The typical credit hour requirement is 120, but that is not rigid. Some programs allow students credit for courses from other schools and documented life experiences.
Very few institutions offer a pure “Bachelors in Christian Counseling” degree because credit hour requirement generally requires that other general and prerequisite course be included. Most Bachelors students have High School Diplomas/GED only so many insitutions require this broader range of courses.
Generally, they can be grouped into five main areas. Typical courses in each area might include (but not include all of) the following:
What a Masters Counseling Degree Program Looks Like
Masters in Christian Counseling degree programs require a prior Bachelors Degree from an accredited institution before acceptance into a Masters Program.
If you research the curriculum for programs at different seminaries, you will find a wide range of courses available for the field of study.
The typical credit hour requirement is 60. Some programs allow students credit for appropriate courses from other schools
Some will offer specialty degrees. For instance, Master of Arts in Clinical Christian Counseling – Mental Health, or Master of Arts in Marriage and Family
Generally, they can be grouped into five main areas. Typical courses in each area might include (but not include all of) the following:
What does a Doctoral / PhD Christian Counseling Degree Program Look Like?
PhD / Doctoral programs require a prior Masters Degree from an accredited institution before acceptance. Some institutions require that the Masters degree be in Christian Counseling, or a closely related field
There are several different degree designations, including but not limited to:
- PhD in Pastoral Counseling
- PhD in Clinical Christian Counseling
- PhD in Clinical Pastoral Counseling
- Doctor of Christian Counseling
- Doctor of Pastoral Counseling
If you research the curriculum for programs at different seminaries, you will find a wide range of courses available for the field of study.
How to Turn Your Christian Counseling Degree Into a Thriving Practice
You earn a Christian Counseling degree. You have a license. Now what?
You may be able to join a church staff or an established counseling center. But, what if you want to strike out on your own? What are the keys to attracting clients and building a successful business. (The NCCA recommends, and we agree, that one should minimally hold a Masters degree before establishing their own center/ministry).
Yes, counseling is a ministry to God’s people but you need to have an entrepreneurial and business mindset to be successful. Many Christians believe that somehow the Lord is going to do the legwork and bring clients to them. They view their role as primarily praying and waiting for doors to open.
You are a trained professional, have invested in your own education and are ready for clients. Be prepared to address those who will want to berate you for charging for your services. You need not be ashamed, but you need an answer.