2025 Best Online Christian Counseling Degrees
Our ranking of the best online Christian counseling degree programs features accredited colleges with the largest number of program graduates, helping you identify trusted paths for faith-based counseling careers.
Key Takeaways:
- World Mission University ranks #1 overall with the most graduates from its online Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling & Coaching.
- Charlotte Christian College has the lowest student-to-faculty ratio (3:1).
- At Lee University, 94% of students endorse the school based on our surveys.
Visit our methodology to find out more. We also spoke with Dayana Romero, a registered psychotherapist with degrees in both Christian and secular counseling, who emphasized that students should carefully distinguish between biblical and clinically oriented programs. Her key advice: “Make sure this is truly what you want to do... Your own faith journey should be settled and strong,” to best support others in a Christian counseling context.
2025 Best Online Christian Counseling Degrees
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Mission University | 19 | $8,400 | N/A | N/A | |
| Oral Roberts University | 17 | $13,500 | N/A | 82% | |
| Nazarene Bible College | 17 | $12,540 | $43,767 | N/A | |
| Calvary University | 11 | $13,680 | N/A | 100% | |
| Campbellsville University | 10 | $12,720 | N/A | 71% | |
| Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | 6 | $12,000 | N/A | 79% | |
| Lee University | 6 | $14,400 | $43,323 | 92% | |
| Manna University | 6 | $6,900 | N/A | N/A | |
| Johnson University | 2 | $11,250 | N/A | 100% | |
| Charlotte Christian College | 1 | $10,970 | N/A | N/A |
Analyzing Our List of Popular Online Christian Counseling Degrees: What Do Student Trends Reveal?
If you're seeking an online Christian counseling degree, it’s worth asking: Where are students actually enrolling — and staying? In this analysis, we highlight the 10 most popular online Christian counseling programs, ordered by graduate count. We chose this method for our lists because we believe in a field rooted in trust, care, and faith-based guidance, large graduate cohorts often point to a program’s proven support structure and impact.
Among our findings: seven of the ten schools serve fewer than 500 online students total, yet have built standout programs in counseling through close mentorship, ministry-centered coursework, and strong retention.
World Mission University (#1) leads the pack with 56 Christian counseling graduates, while others like Charlotte Christian College (#10) offer highly intimate cohorts with just one graduate last year. Importantly, our data — supplemented by over 75,000 verified student reviews — helps bring real student satisfaction and experience-tested trustworthiness into your equation when choosing the best Christian counseling program for you.
Together, let’s explore what makes each of these programs stand out.
Why Popularity Matters in Christian Counseling Programs
Christian counseling is often a deeply personal and vocationally driven field. In this context, program popularity by graduate volume signals trust, spiritual alignment, and educational effectiveness.
Large or consistent graduating cohorts suggest the school is delivering what students need: theological integrity, pastoral relevance, and academic support.
Take World Mission University (WMU), for example. With the highest graduate count and a 100% retention rate, it demonstrates not only strong enrollment but near-perfect student satisfaction. On the flip side, schools like Charlotte Christian College serve fewer students but boast an incredibly low 3:1 student-faculty ratio, pointing to unmatched personalized guidance.
Christian Counseling Programs With Strong Online Communities and Support
World Mission University (#1)
WMU's online counseling & coaching degree is highly flexible, meaning that only 42 of 126 credits must be completed at WMU. It also includes rare student support features like a senior thesis, multicultural counseling, and arts psychotherapy. This program serves as a guided journey into transformational ministry.
Oral Roberts University (#2)
ORU's “Whole Person” philosophy integrates mind, body, and spirit, an ideal foundation for Christian caregiving. With a global learning community spanning 140+ nations (!), it still pulls of an 84% recommendation rate from its student body. Unique classes in Caregiver Identity and Crisis Intervention give students tools for real-world ministry.
Lee University (#7)
Lee’s ministry leadership degree with a counseling emphasis is structured for depth. The school boasts a 94% recommendation rate, a low 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and a strong theological core that includes systematic theology and pastoral counseling. A required capstone and foreign language study add layers of leadership and cultural awareness not seen elsewhere.
Programs That Prioritize Theological Depth and Ministry Readiness
Nazarene Bible College (#3)
With only six students per faculty member, NBC ensures personalized support even as it produces a sizable number of counseling graduates. Its hybrid model includes two required in-person intensives, providing the rare chance to bond face-to-face while studying online. It also aligns closely with Church of the Nazarene ordination paths.
Calvary University (#4)
Calvary’s counseling program is unapologetically rooted in Scripture, eschewing broader psychological models for a strictly biblical framework. It offers a 5-year dual degree track (bachelor's + master’s), helping students pursue licensure efficiently. A 100% employment rate for graduates and a strong focus on national exam prep makes this a solid pick for students serious about vocational ministry.
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (#6)
MBTS emphasizes biblical sufficiency and the role of a local church. Unique offerings like a counseling practicum, courses on addiction and emotions, and critiques of secular psychology set this curriculum apart. With 70% of students here following through until they earn their degrees, MBTS clearly has positive completion outcomes.
Smaller Programs With a Distinctive Mission Focus
Manna University (#8)
Take Manna University, where the Christian counseling program is designed for students who want to perform non-clinical and biblically-based service. Students engage in a Leadership in Action requirement, ensuring practical ministry application is built directly into the curriculum. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, Manna U cultivates intimate mentorship and prepares graduates for settings where spiritual guidance often outweighs state licensure.
Johnson University (#9)
At Johnson University, every student completes a double major in Bible & Theology alongside their primary discipline, including pastoral care and counseling. This dual focus gives the theological depth some are looking for alongside the development of practical counseling skills. Role-playing exercises and practicum placements bring applied learning to the forefront.
Charlotte Christian College (#10)
Charlotte Christian offers a more intimate academic experience. Despite graduating just one student in the program last year, CCC's 3:1 faculty ratio places it among the most personalized environments. Its curriculum delves into urban ministry, covering related aspects like counseling for trauma, addiction issues, and multicultural dynamics that play out in underserved communities. Also, concentrations like Church Planting or Cross-Cultural Studies can help you explore a niche you're interested in.
Reflections on What These Degrees Tell Us About Christian Counseling Today
In a purpose-driven field like Christian counseling, popularity (especially based on the actual number of successful Christian counseling graduates), when paired with positive student support, can be a sign of program quality. However, while the number of graduates was our organizing metric, deeper insights begin to surface when you dig into the data, such as the widespread emphasis on theological integrity, practical ministry readiness, and the dedication to personal faculty engagement throughout our menu of options..
From large-scale bachelor's programs, like those at World Mission and Oral Roberts, which boast accessibility with global reach, to tightly knit, mission-specific programs, like Charlotte Christian, our list showcases the diversity of academic pathways available to students aspiring to be Christian counselors. (We also want to note that many of these programs are from some of the best online Christian schools, which explains the depth and clear sense of mission.)
What’s also evident is that student satisfaction and community engagement just as much as popularity, if not more. Schools with standout recommendation rates (like Lee University at 94%) and low student-to-faculty ratios (like Charlotte Christian’s 3:1 or NBC’s 6:1) are ones you should keep an eye on. In terms of vocational clarity, these factors influence persistence, growth, and direction.
Ultimately, this list isn't just about where students are going, it's about why they stay. Whether you're drawn to programs rooted in biblical sufficiency, cultural competence, pastoral ministry, or non-clinical care, there are plenty of popular degrees that reflect a wide range of theological convictions and ministry goals to choose from.
You may also be planning on pursuing a master's at some point, and if that's the case, we have an entire page dedicated to the most affordable online master's degrees in Christian counseling as well as a list of the best Christian counseling master's programs that include secular and religious options.
Next, we speak to an expert in the field who has been in your shoes trying to decide the best path forward. She talks about about what you should look for in a Christian counseling degree, and how to discern the right spiritual fit for your calling.
Expert Perspective: Navigating Between Faith and Clinical Practice in Christian Counseling
When choosing a Christian counseling degree, students face a critical turning point decision. Should I pursue a biblically focused program that comes with spiritual guidance? Or should I take the clinically-oriented path that leads to licensure and professional practice?
Dayana Romero — a Registered Psychotherapist with training in both Christian counseling and secular psychology — offers a rare, dual-lens perspective. Their insights help aspiring counselors understand the implications of accreditation, licensure, and personal readiness. For anyone considering an online Christian counseling degree, their guidance can be helpful when making an informed, purposeful choice.
Registered Psychotherapist
"I have a BA in Christian counseling and Master in Counseling psychology (secular).
Accreditation and licensure eligibility are critically important, especially when distinguishing between biblical counseling programs and clinically oriented Christian counseling degrees.
Clinically Oriented Christian Counseling Degrees: If a student intends to pursue state licensure (e.g., as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), the program must be accredited by a recognized body (like CACREP in the U.S. or its equivalent in Canada, such as the CRPO). Without proper accreditation, graduates will not be eligible to sit for licensure exams or practice independently as licensed counselors. This is non-negotiable for professional clinical practice.
Biblical Counseling Programs (Non-Clinical): These programs often focus purely on discipleship, spiritual formation, and applying biblical principles to life problems, without aiming for state licensure.
The choice hinges entirely on career goals. If the goal is to be a licensed therapist, clinical accreditation is paramount. If the goal is to serve in a non-licensed, faith-based support role, then the type of accreditation (or lack thereof for very informal programs) is different but still important for academic rigor and recognition within the Christian community.
One key piece of advice I'd give to someone starting an online Christian counseling degree is this: Make sure this is truly what you want to do. You want to provide Christian counseling for people and not conversion of the faith.
Moreover, you are not trying to figure out your own faith while counseling others. It's essential to have a clear understanding of your role as a counselor, focusing on support and guidance within a Christian framework, rather than evangelism. Your own faith journey should be settled and strong, allowing you to offer stable and objective support to your clients.
Your mental health should also be stable in order to avoid a crisis of faith or mental health issues from vicarious trauma."
FAQs About the Best Online Christian Counseling Degrees
What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor's Degree in Christian Counseling?
Undergraduates in Christian counseling generally learn psychology, ethics, theology, and social sciences from the perspective of a particular faith tradition. Faculty design bachelor's curricula to teach counseling practices that are informed by Christian values so graduates can help treat clients with behavioral, relationship, and substance-use challenges.
As a faith-based discipline, students can only find Christian counseling programs at private religious schools, which limits the number of available online degrees. Most of these online programs feature asynchronous courses, meaning that students log in at convenient times to complete coursework, watch recorded lectures, interact with classmates, and submit assignments.
What Are the Requirements for a Christian Counseling Degree?
To graduate, most Christian counseling students must complete 120-130 credit hours, which usually takes at least four years of full-time study. Most programs culminate in a capstone course requiring students to tie together what they've learned throughout their classes. In addition, some degrees feature an internship, allowing students to put their counseling skills to practical use.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Online Christian Counseling Bachelor's Programs?
Admission requirements for Christian counseling programs vary depending on the school or university. In most cases, online and in-person programs at the undergraduate level expect students to meet the following prerequisites:
- High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum 2.5 GPA
- SAT or ACT scores in the 50th percentile, although some schools are making this optional
- Letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, and religious leaders describing the student's skills and abilities
- One or more personal essays that demonstrate the student's interest in a Christian counseling degree
What are Common Courses in a Christian Counseling Program?
A Christian counseling degree fuses theology with psychology, so professors seek to increase students' proficiency with biblical principles, mental health diagnosis, empathy, and communication. Some Christian counseling programs offer concentrations, such as marriage and family counseling or substance use counseling, which can also be pursued as bachelor's programs at some schools. Similar programs are also available in the form of psychology degrees, philosophy degrees, theology degrees, or religious studies studies. Alternatively, students could pair their Christian counseling degree with one of these specializations as minors.
Below, we've listed several common courses to give prospective students a taste of what they might encounter during their Christian counseling studies:
- Counseling with Christianity: This course often comes early in a degree sequence because it's intended to provide the rationale for Christian counseling. Students may learn how to interpret scripture for practical lessons, actively listen, and advise clients by exercising a Christian worldview.
- Abnormal Psychology: Students seek to understand the spectrum of human psychology in this course so they can recognize and treat a range of mental illnesses. Lessons generally cover common mental illnesses and associated behavior, crisis intervention, treatment options, and the Bible's perspective on abnormal psychology.
- Addiction Counseling: This course generally covers the biochemical underpinnings of substance abuse and addiction. Professors may lecture on the neurophysiological effects of various substances, the etiology of addiction, and the function of compassion in treatment. (We also list the best online substance use counseling degrees you may want to check out.)
- Human Sexuality: Professors typically examine sexuality from biological, psychological, and biblical perspectives. Topics might include cultural and social norms, gender, sexual identity, and morality, all filtered through a religious lens.
- Marriage and Family Counseling: This course is designed to cover biblical perspectives on spiritual formation and relationship dynamics within families. Lessons often emphasize counseling techniques for conflict identification and resolution between spouses, parents, children, and siblings. (For those interested, there's also marriage and family counseling bachelor's degrees.)
How To Choose the Best Online Christian Counseling Program?
One of the most important things to look for when selecting any college program is accreditation, which means that an independent agency attests to the quality of the school's instruction, faculty, and services. Many Christian colleges opt for accreditation through the . Accreditation qualifies a college to accept federal financial aid. However, regionally accredited schools usually only accept transfer credits from colleges with the same type of accreditation. Students who plan to enroll in graduate studies should keep this in mind.
Individual degree programs in some disciplines can also earn accreditation. However, no agencies accredit bachelor's degrees in Christian counseling. The (CACREP) accredits graduate-level degrees in several types of counseling but not Christian counseling programs or bachelor's programs of any kind. Students who want to be licensed professional counselors must attend a CACREP-accredited graduate program. However, they should be aware that admissions officers at these schools may not recognize academic credits earned during an undergraduate degree in Christian counseling, even if they come from an accredited school.
For students considering distance education, it may be important to determine whether an online counseling program offers learners sufficient resources. This may include regular check-ins with faculty and advisors, tutoring and library services, and 24/7 support to resolve any technical issues. Given that counseling programs often involve an in-person internship or practicum experience, students may also want to check whether an online program helps them identify and apply for programs at healthcare facilities to gain the required hours of clinical experience.
What Can You Do With a Christian Counseling Degree and Do You Need a License to Practice?
Graduates with a bachelor's degree in Christian counseling often seek roles at faith-based organizations, including churches, non-profits, and private firms. But some employers might prefer to hire counseling applicants who are licensed by the (NACC), which requires a graduate degree in the subject. Bachelor's graduates may still be able to secure non-counseling roles for these same faith-based employers.
Below, we examine some of the career paths that alumni might take.
Church counselors meet with individual parishioners or groups to hear their concerns about mental health, behavior, relationships, or substance use and help them make positive life changes. Employers expect counselors to offer solutions within the church's Christian moral framework.
Life coaches develop behavior-modification plans for clients who want to change their habits. Most life coaches are self-employed and either develop a roster of clients or consult with one or more parochial rehabilitation or residential care organizations. The offers life coach certifications for professionals in this field.
Non-profit organization counselors provide services for domestic or international charities with a Christian mission. They may specialize in treating different populations — for example, trauma counseling after disasters or addiction counseling for clients who can't afford for-profit services.
Reliable salary and job outlook information is scarce for these jobs because the only collects information on licensed professional counselors.
In general, there are no set requirements to become a Christian counselor. As a religious discipline, the field isn't regulated by any government bodies, so individual employers can decide which qualifications they prefer.
The NACC offers licenses for Christian counselors who hold at least a master's degree, and this credential may improve a professional's employment prospects. Other organizations that offer Christian counseling certifications don't require candidates to hold a college degree, so their quality control may be less stringent.
Is a Christian Counseling Degree a Good Fit for Me?
A Christian counseling degree is a good fit for individuals who are genuinely interested in using evidence-based strategies to help people improve their lives. Such individuals may have a for vulnerable persons and those facing difficult life circumstances or might find that they are able to support others by listening to their concerns and helping them find solutions. Additionally, a counseling degree may be a good option for students who possess talents in communication and collaboration, as well as those who are adept at building effective professional relationships.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Christian Counseling Degree?
Colleges design most bachelor's programs to last four years with full-time enrollment status. They may offer part-time options to online students, which may allow them to take fewer classes at a time, but it may take longer to complete. In practice, only of those who earned a bachelor’s degree take more than four years to finish their program.
What Degree Do I Need to Be a Christian Counselor?
Because Christian counseling is unregulated, you can potentially start this role with only a bachelor's degree. You can also pursue a master's or doctoral program in this discipline, which would allow you to gain NACC certification.
Student Reviews of Online Christian Counseling Programs
Liberty University is the most rewarding college I have attended. They keep you motivated by encouragement and prayer. The course work is challenging yet intriguing. The instructors are eager to put forth extra effort to each student who asks for it. Every week begins with a motivational message and has your coursework lined up for you. The resources are easy to use and thoroughly put together. The staff at the help desk are polite. The academic advisors contact you every term to see how you are... Read More
Review Date: 8/19/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Liberty University offers an amazing online program for all disciplines. I originally started in the Psychology program and then transferred to the Christian Counseling degree program. Every textbook for those classes are books that I will keep forever. Each instructor is easily accessible via email or Blackboard. I love that you can call Academic Advising all hours of the day and get a live voice. Graduation was fantastic and so memorable. #LUGrad
Review Date: 8/9/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The courses at Liberty a very informative and relevant to the degree programs however, the real benefit lays with the instructors who are excellent and are usually experts in their fields of instruction. The instructors are available even after the course work is completed. Liberty is one of the largest Christian focused colleges in the U.S. and is relatively veteran-friendly. The costs for veterans as an undergraduate are only $250 per credit hour and for Graduate and Doctoral only $275 per credit... Read More
Review Date: 12/28/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Since I have started attending my classes, I have had nothing but wonderful experiences. The curriculum has been challenging, and it has broadened my view of scripture, as I am a religion major. My professors reply to my e-mails promptly, if I have any questions for them pertaining to assignments. Also, Liberty University has regional accreditation, which means their degrees are accepted by all higher level educational institutions (if one chooses to transfer to another university), per federal law.... Read More
I do not understand why people complain about Liberty’s Christian based curriculum. Liberty University is a Christian University. Therefore, their curriculum is going to be based on their Christian beliefs. If you disagree with their curriculum, you should not attend a Christian institution. As far as their theological view is concerned, I believe they teach sound doctrine. I could not be happier with the application of their theological methodology.
One of the greatest things about Liberty University, outside of the above mentioned qualities, is that they offer trimesters. This means I can accrue credits at an expedient rate. I should be able to obtain my bachelor’s degree in under three years. This is not feasible at most universities, based upon their traditional semesters. Based on everything I have mentioned, I would rate Liberty University as a top-notch university. As for others with bad experiences at this particular institution, I have to question why they attended Liberty in the first place, if they felt it was such a bad institution. Personally, I could not see myself attending a better university for my bachelor’s degree.
Lastly, Liberty University is an extremely veteran friendly institution. They have reduced the cost of my tuition, as I am a veteran. Many universities do not offer the same benefits for veterans. They really do care about the men and women who have served.
Review Date: 12/17/2012
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I'm at a very strict, liberal arts Christian college that sets you up for success with education their highest priority. They maintain a Christian atmosphere, but very strict to help you manage time and create an environment that is conducive for you!
Review Date: 6/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Oral Roberts University is a great university to learn and grow. The faculty are approachable and care a great deal about their students. The student body is exceptional with many future world leaders. My area of concentration was intellectually challenging and rewarding. I learned to think independently and felt comfortable challenging all types of thought using excepted research practices.
Review Date: 7/9/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Clarks Summit University is an excellent school for what its intent is aimed towards. If one desires to be a pastor or a Chrisitan school teacher than this University would be an excellent choice. Otherwise, I would recommend that someone consider a state school for what they intend to major in. Though I made some amazing friends there I would not pay as much as I did just to make friends. After college, I had little to no help finding a job in my field of study. Plus, the school is so small there... Read More
Review Date: 3/10/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I loved attending Taylor University Fort Wayne. My professors were professionals in their field who were dedicated to helping students reach their potential and achieve their goals. There was a wonderful sense of camaraderie on campus, and most students were actively involved in giving back to the community. The classes I took were insightful and prepared me for ministry work.
Review Date: 8/4/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes