Christian counseling degree programs

Coursework includes foundations of Christian thought, marriage and family counseling, personality theories, crisis intervention, survey of biblical literature, and interpreting the Gospel.

People who have a bachelor's degree in Christian counseling may go on to work as youth leaders, assistant pastors, pastoral care staff, agency-affiliated mental health counselors or substance abuse counselors, or social and community services managers. An online master's program in Christian counseling may be a good choice for individuals hoping to work as licensed counselors in a Christian setting. Applicants to an online master's program must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.

Most Christian universities will also require two letters of recommendation from professionals and personal references as well as a letter of intent written by the applicant describing academic and professional goals. It is also important for applicants to research their state's professional licensure requirements before enrolling in a program as each state has different regulations regarding professional practice.

Students can graduate with their master's in Christian counseling in two to four years by completing credit hours of study online. Online master's programs in Christian counseling focus on the basic themes and content of the bible and teach students to cultivate spiritual maturity within their practices.

Students can expect to participate in courses such as core counseling concepts, the Bible and theology, multicultural counseling, human growth and development, group counseling, and a practicum. A supervised internship will also be required. An online doctoral degree in Christian counseling is a good option for people interested in clinical counseling work in addition to research and teaching at the college level.

Applicants to an online doctoral program in Christian counseling must hold a bachelor's in counseling or an equivalent from an accredited college, university, or seminary; typically a master's degree is earned during the doctoral program. Students must usually submit transcripts from undergraduate degree programs and may also need to complete an admissions essay and present two letters of recommendation.

During their three to four years of study, doctoral students will also be required to complete an original dissertation or a thesis in order to graduate. There are many different options for aspiring professionals who hold a doctorate in Christian counseling. Opportunities include teaching at the master's level, opening a private practice, as well as becoming a supervisor, consultant or administrator within a practice. Aspiring Christian counseling professionals who are looking for online graduate level training but do not want to fully commit to earning a master's degree may be interested in an online graduate certificate program.

Applicants are required to possess an undergraduate degree in a related field. The purpose of a certificate degree in Christian counseling is to equip each student with counseling skills through a condensed period of study. Earning a certificate degree in Christian counseling can aid pastors, counselors, and other Christian professionals in their career development. Certificate programs can be found at faith-based universities and seminaries.

It should also be noted that if a graduate is interested in furthering their education in the future, their credits earned from their accredited certificate degree might be eligible for transfer into a master's program.

Those interested in becoming members of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education ACPE are required to also be licensed mental health professionals. Thus, state licensure may be an important consideration for those pursuing an online Christian counseling degree, due to the fact that state requirements vary when it comes to obtaining and using a counseling license in professional practice.

More information about state licensure for counselors can be found here ; however, it is important to note that most states do not allow licensed counselors to promote their personal religious beliefs. Regional accreditation agencies review degree-granting non-profit institutions of higher education. Accrediting agencies ensure that the school is offering the highest level of quality education to its students.

ACPE accreditation assures students that a program will prepare them to fill roles as clergy or lay leaders. Christians who are called to empower and lead others in meeting their goals through Life Coaching. Pastors who want to learn how to counsel members of their church and their community and be connected to others who are doing the same. Christians who want to be better equipped to minister to those who need counsel.

Professional Christian counselors who want to become A. Christians who want a tool with effectiveness to use in Christ Centered consulting in the area of life they know most about e. Degree Programs. Training Program Earn your Ph.

Training Program Earn your 2nd Ph. They will teach you to use your faith to promote emotional and mental health. We pair critical psychology classes with specialized Christian counseling courses to provide you with the theoretical and applicational knowledge you need to serve your clients effectively. Our psychology classes cover a variety of topics that will help you succeed as a counselor, including:. With this foundation, you can be more prepared to address many human concerns and issues from a scientific and a biblical perspective.

Additionally, this program provides you with practical skills in the form of an optional internship, so you can receive hands-on training in counseling prior to graduation. You can also personalize your degree with some of the available counseling elective courses. The schedule was flexible, and the online library resources were awesome. Apply Now Request Info.

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