Unlike traditional counseling, Christian counseling focuses on individuals' spiritual needs and growth. These counselors use a Bible-based perspective when helping clients. They spend much of their workday leading individual and small-group discussions, asking questions, and providing advice. Christian counselors work to improve clients' long-term mental health.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mental health counselors earn a median salary of $42,840 per year. Aspiring Christian counselors can begin by earning an online Christian counseling degree. Online counseling programs are often more accessible and affordable than on-campus options.
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Christian Counseling Frequently Asked Questions by Students
What jobs can you get with a Christian counseling degree?
Christian counselors can work for church-based counseling organizations. They can also start a private practice, work in women's shelters, or assist clients remotely.
Can you be a Christian counselor without a license?
Christian counselors who work for churches or faith-based organizations do not need a license. However, counselors need a state-issued license to open a private practice.
What's the difference between a therapist and a counselor?
Therapists and counselors generally work with different types of patients. Both therapists and counselors work with clients with conditions such as depression and anxiety. However, psychologists and psychiatrists also work with clients who have more severe problems.
How much do counselors make a year?
According to BLS data, mental health counselors earn a median annual salary of $42,840. Factors influencing salary potential include licensure, education, and experience.
Why Get a Degree in Christian Counseling?
Many individuals pursue a degree in Christian counseling to increase their earning potential. Graduates often benefit from opportunities to achieve personal fulfillment and apply their faith in the workplace.
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According to the BLS, master's degree-holders earn a median weekly salary about $250 higher than that of professionals with a bachelor's degree.
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Earning a Christian counseling degree online requires time and dedication. Graduates often feel pride in the accomplishment.
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Start a Faith-Based Career
Graduates of online Christian counseling degrees often secure positions in churches, faith-based counseling centers, and private practices.
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Traditional and Christian counselors strive to help clients overcome mental health problems, such as uncontrolled anger, grief, substance abuse, and addiction.
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While earning an online Christian counseling degree, students often network with peers, forging lifelong professional contacts in the Christian and counseling communities.
Courses in Christian Counseling School
Master's programs in the field typically prepare students to obtain a state-issued license. Professionals working for faith-based organizations can also earn the degree to improve their counseling skills. Curricula typically emphasize ethical considerations, crisis intervention techniques, and topics related to family dynamics. Degree-seekers typically demonstrate mastery of concepts during an internship experience.
The sample curriculum below highlights five courses students commonly take while earning a master's degree in Christian counseling. Course names and requirements vary by school, so students should contact an admissions or career counselor for details about their prospective program.
Theories and Models of Counseling
Christian counselors need a strong understanding of counseling history and best practices. This course introduces students to psychoanalytic, behavioral, and person-centered counseling. Learners evaluate each theory's usefulness in Christian counseling settings. The class also covers important figures such as Sigmund Freud and B.F. Skinner.Principles of Psychopharmacology
Although licensed counselors with a master's degree cannot prescribe medication, they must know how various drugs affect individuals with psychological problems. Students in this class examine the behavioral and physiological effects of numerous medications. Learners also prepare to identify signs of drug abuse and intoxication.Abuse, Crisis, and Trauma Counseling
Christian counselors often help patients who have suffered from abuse or trauma. Counselors apply specialized knowledge and strategies to help these clients. Degree-seekers in this course learn about various forms of domestic violence, such as spousal abuse, and prepare to identify signs of abuse in clients. Coursework also covers how child abuse impacts developing minds.Counseled by God
In this course, learners pursuing their Christian counseling degree online analyze biblical principles regarding spiritual fulfillment, temptation, and depression's root causes. Students review relevant Bible passages and spiritual texts. Course requirements may include journal entries, tests, and a final paper.Counseling the Adolescent and Their Families
Adolescents face unique psychological challenges, such as societal expectations and mental development during puberty. These challenges may cause friction within families. This course explores issues that adolescents commonly face and how positive family dynamics can encourage healthy mindsets. Learners typically complete tests and a research paper.
Scholarships for Christian Counseling Students
Private scholarship opportunities, such as those below, can help online Christian counseling degree-seekers avoid long-term student debt. Each of the following scholarship programs accepts applications in 2021. Typical application requirements include a satisfactory high school or college GPA, recommendation letters, and an essay.
Scholarships for Christian Counseling Students
| Scholarship |
Amount |
Who Can Apply |
American Music Therapy Association Scholarships |
Varies |
These scholarships support undergraduate and graduate students with a faculty recommendation. Applicants must submit a personal narrative, recommendation letters, and official transcripts. |
Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarships |
Varies |
Asian Pacific women residing in select central California counties can apply for these awards. The scholarship committee prefers applicants with a high GPA, leadership potential, and status as a first-generation college student. |
NBCC Foundation Military Scholarship |
Up to $8,000 |
This scholarship from the National Board for Certified Counselors supports active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses. Candidates must be enrolled in an accredited master's in counseling program. The application window opens in May. |
Online Christian Counseling Degrees
#1 Online Christian Counseling Schools 2021
Lee University
- Cleveland, TN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The undergraduate programs at Lee University help professionals move into new careers or advance in their current field. In an online Christian counseling program, students complete coursework in a flexible learning environment. Applicants can expect admission rates of 82%.
With transfer credits, online learners can finish the bachelor of arts in ministry leadership degree in 18-36 months. Online learners pay the in-state tuition rate of $18,120 for bachelor’s degrees.
The amount of aid students receive on average is currently unknown. According to the institution, 98% of students receive financial aid and 66% take out loans.
The school delivers some of the most affordable online bachelor's programs in the nation. Student support services help learners succeed academically. Learners can take advantage of peer and professional tutoring from the institution. Lee University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an independent accrediting agency.
Percent Online Enrollment
14%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Christian Counseling Schools 2021
Johnson University
- Knoxville, TN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Johnson University offers undergraduate programs that prepare students for new job opportunities and career advancement. Students complete online Christian counseling coursework in a flexible learning environment. Hopeful students can expect admission rates of 53%.
Johnson University Fast Facts:
Students Awarded Financial Aid: 97%
Transfer Credits Permitted: No
Rate of Undergraduate Admission: 53%
Learners can choose from multiple start terms. Students can expect a 53% admission rate. Students submit school transcripts for admission. Prospective students can use college admissions tests to strengthen their application. The school holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, a regional accrediting body.
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Online Christian Counseling Schools 2021
World Mission University
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Los Angeles, California, World Mission University offers multiple online programs, including a top-ranked degree in Christian counseling. At the private institution, students choose from in-person and online courses. The bachelor of arts in Christian counseling prepares professionals for entry-level Christian counseling careers.
The distance learning format benefits working professionals and other busy students. During online Christian counseling classes, students strengthen their communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Faculty advisors recommend a custom degree plan to meet each student's interests and career goals. The school's online student services include experiential learning opportunities, academic advising, and career counseling.
Students may qualify for scholarships, grants, and loans, including federal programs like the Pell Grant.
World Mission University Fast Facts:
Online Student Enrollment: 265
Online Bachelor's Programs: 2
Online Master's Programs: 3
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Association for Bibical Higher Educaiton
#4 Online Christian Counseling Schools 2021
The King's University
- Southlake, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The King's University is a leader in online learning. Students study core topics and receive specialized training in biblical counseling.
The King's University Fast Facts:
Undergrad Tuition: $11,280/year in-state, $11,280/year out-of-state
Percentage of Learners Receiving Financial Aid: 89%
Percentage of Learners Awarded Student Loans: 56%
Admission requires school transcripts. Students can access support services, such as tutoring online and in person. The institution's website provides details about how to earn credit for hands-on learning experiences. The school is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, a national accrediting body.
Percent Online Enrollment
61%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools
#5 Online Christian Counseling Schools 2021
Oral Roberts University
- Tulsa, OK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A degree from Oral Roberts University leads to new career opportunities and increased responsibilities. An online Christian caregiving and counseling program provides students with a flexible learning environment. Specialized major classes explore field-specific topics to prepare learners for careers or graduate studies.
The school’s generous transfer policy facilitates faster degree completion. Online learners pay the in-state tuition rate of $28,998 for bachelor’s degrees.
Admission requires students to submit school transcripts. The institution delivers in-person and virtual student support services, such as tutoring and career counseling.
Oral Roberts University’s website provides details about how to pursue different options. The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
