Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling

Overview

Develop Biblical Counseling Skills with a Pastoral Counseling Master’s

If you are looking to take the next step in your academic or career journey and have a desire to initiate church growth and discipleship, a Master of Arts (MA) in Pastoral Counseling degree could be for you! With various specializations available, you can be sure you walk away with a degree that can help properly equip you for your ministry goals.

At Liberty, our mission has always been to Train Champions for Christ. Our pastoral counseling degree is a great way for us to do so. Our curriculum stresses biblical application across all of the courses you take. Whether you are studying human sexuality or how to counsel men and women uniquely, you can gain vital insight into what the Bible teaches in these areas and how to apply that understanding in various situations.

You deserve a master’s degree that helps you surpass your goals. We believe one of our master’s degrees will help you get there. Partner your aspirations with our pastoral counseling degree to take your skills further than ever before. Let us help prepare you with excellence and integrity for the ministry God has placed on your heart.

Next start date: Aug 18, 2025

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

Highlights of Our Master’s in Pastoral Counseling Degree

At Liberty, you can complete your entire master’s degree in only 36 credit hours. This accelerated format allows you to move forward with your career and ministry goals without unnecessary delays.

During your studies, you’ll have opportunities to earn valuable certificates through the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).

You can strengthen your expertise in areas like Crisis Response, Life Coaching, and Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS), adding impressive credentials to your résumé.

Potential Career Opportunities for Pastoral Counseling Graduates

Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:

Chaplain
Church counselor
Lay pastor
Life coach
Marriage and Family Counselor

Ministry worker
Non-licensed counselor
Teaching pastor
Trauma counselor

Courses

What Will You Study
in Our Pastoral Counseling Master’s Degree?

Our master’s in pastoral counseling degree can help provide the foundational knowledge in counseling to be more effective in your current ministry. Dive into the multicultural, family, and spiritual issues you will likely experience as you help people in a pastoral setting.

Our pastoral counseling courses provide training in solution-based models so you can apply certain behavioral approaches paired with appropriate biblical teaching in your work. You will also examine the best ways to promote spiritual growth during crises, as well as in premarital and marital circumstances.

As a counselor, you will have the unique opportunity to help people analyze their situation, prevent avoidable hardship, and even cultivate healing from suffering. Choose a specialization, such as marriage and family or leadership, to add specific courses that will best fit your ministry goals!

Featured MA in Pastoral Counseling Courses

PACO 500 – Introduction to Pastoral Counseling

PACO 604 – Crisis Intervention in Pastoral Counseling

PACO 615 – Marriage and Family Counseling

PACO 617 – Theories and Techniques in Pastoral Counseling

Degree Information

Explore further with the Course Catalog.
This program falls under our Liberty Theological Seminary.

BENEFITS

Why Choose Liberty’s MA in Pastoral Counseling Degree?

Our pastoral counseling master’s degree is designed for students who want to serve in non-clinical counseling roles within church and ministry settings. While this program is not intended for counseling licensure, it provides a strong foundation in psychology that can help you minister to people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Get excited about the opportunity to change lives through a field you’re passionate about. Through your training, you can become a source of hope and healing for individuals, couples, and families within your church and community.

We offer specializations in crisis response and trauma, discipleship and church ministry, leadership, marriage and family, pastoral counseling, and theology. Whether you feel called to walk alongside couples preparing for marriage or to help those facing deep personal struggles, you can find a path that fits your ministry goals.

Advance your career and ministry potential with a pastoral counseling degree built for your success. Our dedicated professors are ready to mentor you personally, offering guidance and wisdom that can impact your life and ministry for years to come.

Tuition & Aid

How Much Does it Cost to Attend Liberty On Campus?

Knowing up-front what you’re paying for and why can go a long way toward making you feel comfortable about your investment. This overview of major college costs can give you an idea of what’s coming so you can create an accurate budget from the start.

All Tuition & Aid

MA in Pastoral Counseling Tuition

Full-time

$2,850

Block rate per semester
Part-time	$410 per credit hour

Specializations

MA in Pastoral Counseling Specializations

Customize your Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling to align with your unique ministry goals. Our specializations allow you to focus your studies on areas like crisis response, marriage and family counseling, leadership, and more. Through your chosen path, you can develop the skills and knowledge to serve others with confidence and compassion.

Specializations

Crisis Response and Trauma

Our MA in Pastoral Counseling – Crisis Response and Trauma degree can help you assess and respond to people experiencing stress, grief, and trauma, so you can better serve in your current ministry position!