M.A. in Pastoral Counseling – Pastoral Counseling

What Will You Study in Our Pastoral Counseling Degree?

• Biblical and theological concepts and topics that will ground your ministry in the Word of God
• Essential counseling practice methods and intervention techniques
• Foundational principles of human psychology that will teach you how people think and change

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling – Pastoral Counseling at Liberty University allows you to study biblical principles, psychological theories, and practical counseling strategies that can help you support individuals and families in a variety of settings. Throughout the program, you can explore topics such as crisis intervention, family dynamics, spiritual formation, and multicultural issues in counseling, while also learning how to integrate faith with proven counseling approaches.

You may also be interested in exploring our master’s degrees in addictions counseling, human services counseling, marriage and family therapy, or clinical mental health counseling. 

Potential Career Options with Your Degree in Pastoral Counseling

• Church counselor
• Ministry worker
• Pastor

Highlights of Liberty’s Online M.A. in Pastoral Counseling Degree

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026 – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your online MA in Pastoral Counseling degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• Most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors. As a nonprofit university, Liberty continues to strive to keep costs low for our students!
• Your ministry matters – so when you take 9-15 credit hours per semester in your divinity program, you’ll pay a discounted block rate of $2,850. It’s our way of supporting all you do to serve others.
• Gain hands-on experience in your own community with the online M.A. in Pastoral Counseling program’s internship.

Military Benefits

Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. Liberty’s military benefits are available to:

• Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/retirees
• Spouses of service members and veterans/retirees
• Current Department of Defense employees

We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits: 

• Tuition discounts – $290 per credit hour for graduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder
• Discounted divinity block rate: $2,575 per semester – only $172/credit at 9-15 credit hours*
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

*Credits taken below 9 and above 15 credit hours for the online Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling are charged at the part-time rate.