MA in Pastoral Counseling – Pastoral Counseling

Equip yourself for a career that pairs your passion for people with your desire to serve the Lord. Our Master of Arts (MA) in Pastoral Counseling – Pastoral Counseling degree provides the skills, training, and experience to help people understand their situation, prevent further hardship, and begin the healing process.

Becoming a pastoral counselor allows for incredible ministry opportunities. Imagine being entrusted with your congregation’s emotional and spiritual well-being. You will have the chance to minister to countless individuals at a time when they need it most.

Whether you are looking to become a full-time counselor in your church, a non-licensed marriage and family counselor, or even a pastor, this graduate degree will put you on the right track. Our experienced team of professors has spent years in pastoral ministry, so you can trust that your courses will highlight the skill set to start your career journey.

36

Credit Hours

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Next start date: Aug 18, 2025

Degree ATS

ATS Accredited


Fast-Track Your Future in Ministry

At Liberty, you can complete your master’s in pastoral counseling in as little as 1 year, so you can begin serving others sooner. This accelerated path allows you to dive into meaningful ministry with confidence, while still receiving a comprehensive, biblically grounded education that can help prepare you to counsel with wisdom and compassion.

Boost Your Credentials with Specialized Training

As a student, you’ll have the opportunity to earn additional certifications through the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). These include Crisis Response, Life Coaching, and Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS). Each certification adds practical value to your résumé and helps equip you with tools you can use immediately in a wide range of ministry settings.

Experience Mentorship That Truly Matters

With a 6:1 student-to-professor ratio for residential graduate programs, you can benefit from personalized attention and deep faculty investment. Our professors are more than instructors, they’re mentors who care about your spiritual growth and professional development. Many even pray for and with their students, creating a supportive, faith-filled environment where you’ll be encouraged every step of the way.


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

  • Associate pastor
  • Chaplain
  • Church counselor
  • Lay leader
  • Non-licensed counselor
  • Teaching pastor
  • Youth pastor
Pastoral Counseling Master’s Degree
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Our graduate students studying pastoral counseling explore the multicultural, family, and spiritual issues most often faced in a pastoral setting. As a student in this program, you will receive training in solution-based models so you can apply various behavioral approaches and 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 marriage circumstances.

Pastoral Counseling Concentration

By specializing in general pastoral counseling studies, you will examine how to address issues across various demographics, such as children, women, and the elderly. You can also learn how to combine faith with successful counseling practices from both secular and Christian counselors.

Degree Information

Step Into Ministry with Confidence

Wherever God is calling you – whether it’s a local church, counseling ministry, or community outreach – you need the right training to lead well. Earning your MA in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty can help you build a strong foundation in biblical wisdom and counseling strategies, so you can serve others with confidence and care. This degree can help equip you to make a lasting impact in the lives of those you minister to.

Faculty Who’ve Walked the Path

Our professors bring over 140 years of combined experience in pastoral counseling, and they’re passionate about mentoring the next generation of Christian leaders. They’ve served as chaplains, crisis counselors, and ministry professionals, and they’re here to share their expertise with you. When you study at Liberty, you’re not just gaining knowledge; you’re learning from some of the most experienced voices in the field.

Apply What You Learn Through Meaningful Practice

You won’t just talk about ministry, you’ll step into it. As part of your program, you’ll complete a 225-hour internship in a counseling-related setting where you’ll provide individual, relationship, and group therapy. This hands-on experience is a key part of your training, giving you the opportunity to put your studies into practice while being supported and guided by faculty who care deeply about your success.

Be Mentored Every Step of the Way

At Liberty, you’ll be part of a community that believes in walking alongside its students. Your professors won’t just grade your assignments, they’ll be available to guide you, pray with you, and offer support as you grow into your calling. You’ll find a team of mentors who care about your spiritual formation as much as your academic progress, helping you become a compassionate and capable counselor.

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: