M.A. in Pastoral Counseling (PACO)

Study Biblical Counseling Training in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia

Pursuing a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Pastoral Counseling at Liberty University can help you explore how pastoral care and counseling can support ministry and spiritual formation. You can study how biblical principles, counseling techniques, and ministry practices relate to church and faith-based settings. Coursework will examine topics such as crisis intervention counseling, human suffering, and marriage and family counseling within a ministry framework.

Liberty University’s pastoral counseling degree program is offered residentially through the Liberty Theological Seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia. Open electives can provide flexibility to explore courses from any field of study that support your vocational interests and ministry goals. Throughout the program, you can examine ethical awareness, cultural competency, and pastoral counseling techniques as well as participate in an optional, supervised internship related to ministry and pastoral care.

Pursue Your Degree with Confidence

• Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, so you can be confident in the quality of education you will receive.
• The Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling is approved by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), a recognized accrediting body for theological education.
• Study within a community committed to Training Champions for Christ, where academic study, spiritual formation, and ministry preparation are integrated into your learning experience.
• Customize your studies through flexible electives that allow you to explore topics in various fields, whether you’re interested in examining more divinity-related subjects or branching out into other areas of study.

What Will You Study?

• Human suffering and pastoral response, including crisis intervention and grief care
• Pastoral counseling foundations, including counseling theories, pastoral care principles, and ministry counseling techniques
• Practical pastoral counseling experience through an optional, supervised internship in a ministry setting
• Spiritual formation and Christian spiritual guidance related to discipleship, faith development, and personal growth

Potential Careers with an M.A. in Pastoral Studies and Care

• Associate pastor
• Church counselor
• Community chaplain
• Faith-based counselor
• Hospice chaplain
• Hospital chaplain
• Missions pastor
• Pastoral care leader
• Pastoral counselor
• Spiritual director
• Youth pastor

Admission Requirements for Our PACO Degree Programs

Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:

• Admission application
• Official transcripts showing a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.0 GPA for admission in good standing
• John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Questionnaire
• Pastoral recommender contact information
• Self-certification form (for students who are in the final term of their bachelor’s degree)
• Current Liberty undergraduate students seeking preliminary acceptance into a graduate program must complete a degree completion application through their myLU account