For those brave enough to become counselors they understand that it takes patience, empathy, and hard work.
The same is true when striving to become a Christian Counselor, whether it’s Christian Counseling for Addiction, Marriage, and Family, or Pastoral Counseling. Not only do specialists want to help individuals emotionally and physically but they want to aid individuals spiritually and open their hearts unto Christ.
If you’ve ever been interested in doing life-changing work that uplifts individuals every day then becoming a Christian Counselor may suit you.
Below we’ve compiled a list of the most affordable colleges to attend for an Online Masters in Christian Counseling.
These universities are all unique in their own way but the one thing they have in common is that they’re all dedicated to serving Christ, and uplifting their students spiritually. When earning your online christian counseling master’s degree at one of these schools, you’ll be impressed by the amount of time and knowledge the faculty put into your success.
You’ll get hands-on experience as well as research opportunities. Students graduating from these christian education programs have felt confident earning their licensure and beginning their faith-driven career.
Methodology
All schools considered for these rankings
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online master’s in Christian counseling degree (with no more than two weeks of required in-person work)
- Were collected from official accrediting agency websites.
Schools are ranked solely by the average net price as released in the most recent IPEDs database collected in July of 2023.
2024 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Master’s in Christian Counseling
| Rank | School | Average Net Price |
| #1 | Trevecca Nazarene University | $13,848 |
| #2 | Holy Apostles | $16,060 |
| #3 | Regent University Online | $17,120 |
| #4 | Bob Jones University | $17,680 |
| #5 | Houston Baptist University | $18,745 |
| #6 | Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | $19,548 |
| #7 | Maranatha Baptist University | $20,035 |
| #8 | Faulkner University | $20,371 |
| #9 | Southwestern Assemblies of God University | $22,440 |
| #10 | Ohio Christian University | $22,451 |
| #11 | Missouri Baptist University | $22,928 |
| #12 | Crown College | $25,582 |
| #13 | Dallas Baptist University | $26,929 |
| #14 | Liberty University | $28,561 |
10 Best Affordable Colleges for Online Master’s in Christian Counseling
1. Trevecca Nazarene University
Average Net Price: $13,848
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Here are some key details about Trevecca Nazarene University’s online Master of Arts in Christian Counseling:
- 60 credit hour program that can be completed fully online
- Integrates Christian theology and spirituality with counseling best practices
- Core courses include:
- Foundations of Mental Health Counseling
- Ethical and Legal Issues
- Theories of Counseling
- Marriage & Family Counseling
- Christian Counseling Methods
- Includes supervised practicum and internship hours
- Strong emphasis on biblical integration and Christian counseling skills
- Faculty have faith integration and clinical counseling experience
- Graduates eligible to pursue Licensed Professional Counselor licensure with additional clinical hours
- Affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene denomination
- Prepares for counseling careers in churches, Christian agencies, private practice, etc.
- Admission requires bachelor’s degree, essay, references, interview
- Located in Nashville, TN
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
2. Holy Apostles
Average Net Price: $16,060
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: NECHE
Here are some key details about the Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling program at Holy Apostles College & Seminary:
- There are concentrations available in topics like trauma, addiction, grief, and gerontology for students who want to specialize.
- The program has a distinct Catholic perspective but is open to students of all Christian denominations.
- In addition to the main campuses, there are satellite locations in Florida and Indiana where some courses can be taken.
- The curriculum covers various counseling theories and modalities including cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, emotionally-focused, and art therapy approaches.
- Students have the option to complete a thesis or capstone project at the end of the program.
- Holy Apostles partners with Catholic Social Services and other organizations to provide internship opportunities.
- Career paths for graduates include roles like church counselors, clinical mental health counselors, marriage & family therapists, pastoral counselors, and counseling ministry leaders.
- Holy Apostles also offers a related 60-credit Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies for those interested in broader pastoral ministry training.
- Alumni praise the intimate class sizes, compassionate faculty, and deep integration of psychology, theology, and spirituality in the program.
3. Regent University online
Average Net Price: $17,120
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Here are some key details about Regent University’s online Master of Arts in Christian Counseling:
- It is a 60-credit program that can be completed fully online in 2-4 years.
- The curriculum integrates Christian theology and spirituality with counseling theory and skills.
- Core courses cover topics like human development, ethical and legal issues, marriage & family therapy, group counseling, trauma, addiction, and biblical counseling approaches.
- Students complete supervised practicum and internship hours to gain clinical experience.
- The program has a strong emphasis on biblical integration and Christian counseling techniques.
- Students have access to counseling labs and video recording technology for skills development.
- Faculty are experienced practitioners in areas like addiction, trauma, grief, and marriage counseling.
- Graduates can pursue licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors after further clinical hours.
- The program is designed to prepare students for counseling roles in churches, clinics, private practice, and other settings.
- Regent offers optional intensives in topics like sexual therapy, crisis response, and inner healing.
- Admission requires a bachelor’s degree, essay, references, and interview.
- Regent University is located in Virginia Beach, VA and accredited regionally and by the ATS.
4. Bob Jones University
Average Net Price: $17,680
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Here are some key details about Bob Jones University’s online Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling:
- 33-41 credit hour online program in biblical counseling
- Total credits depends on student’s prior coursework and experience
- Integrates Christian theology, psychology, counseling skills, and practical ministry
- Core courses include Counseling Theory, Marriage & Family Counseling, Counseling Techniques, Biblical Basis of Counseling, and Ethics
- Includes supervised practicum
- Emphasizes biblical perspective on counseling
- Prepares for counseling roles in churches, schools, missions, Christian organizations
- Faculty experienced in biblical studies, theology and clinical practice
- Graduates may qualify for certification through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors
- Located in Greenville, SC and accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools
- Admission requires bachelor’s degree, faith statement, recommendations, interview
- Scholarships and financial aid opportunities available
5. Houston Baptist University
Average Net Price: $18,745
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Here are some key details about Houston Baptist University’s online Master of Arts in Christian Counseling:
- 60 credit hour program offered fully online
- Integrates Christian theology and psychology to train students in counseling skills
- Courses include Counseling Theories, Counseling Techniques, Christian Integration, Ethics, Group Counseling, Assessment, and Marriage & Family Therapy.
- 500-hour supervised clinical practicum allows students to put skills into practice
- Emphasizes integration of biblical principles and Christian faith in counseling
- Prepares students for counseling in churches, agencies, private practice settings
- Faculty have academic and clinical experience in Christian counseling
- Located in Houston, TX and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Admission requires a bachelor’s degree, essay, recommendations, and interview
- Scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available
6. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Average Net Price: $19,548
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Here are some key details about Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s online Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling:
- 60 credit hour program offered fully online
- Integrates biblical theology and counseling principles
- Courses include Introduction to Biblical Counseling, Marriage & Family Counseling, Counseling Methodology, Human Personality, and Ethics in Counseling.
- 500-hour supervised counseling practicum
- Emphasizes counseling from a biblical perspective rather than secular psychology
- Prepares students for counseling ministry in churches, para-church ministries, and Christian schools
- Faculty have backgrounds in biblical studies and practical theology
- Part of the Southern Baptist Convention and located in Kansas City, MO
- Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and Higher Learning Commission
- Admission requires bachelor’s degree, statement of faith, recommendations
- Estimated tuition cost of $350 per credit hour
- Scholarships and financial aid opportunities available
7. Maranatha Baptist University
Average Net Price: $20,035
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Here are some key details about Maranatha Baptist University’s online Master of Arts in Counseling degrees:
- Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM) – 33 credit online program with a counseling concentration available. Includes courses in counseling theory, ethics, and counseling techniques, with a biblical integration focus.
- Master of Education in School Counseling (M.Ed.) – 32 credit online program focused on training biblical counselors to serve in Christian school settings. Includes coursework and field experiences tailored for school counselors.
- Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (MABC) – 33 credit residential program located on the Maranatha Baptist University campus in Watertown, WI. Emphasizes development of biblical counseling skills with internship opportunities.
Some key details about Maranatha Baptist University:
- Private Christian liberal arts university affiliated with Baptist General Conference
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Located in Watertown, WI with over 1,500 enrolled students
- Committed to biblical inerrancy and integration of faith and learning
8. Faulkner University
Average Net Price: $20,371
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Here are some key details about Faulkner University’s online Master of Science in Counseling:
- 61 credit hour program offered fully online
- CACREP-accredited with specialization options in clinical mental health counseling or marriage, couple, and family counseling
- Integrates Christian principles and prepares students to utilize faith-based counseling techniques
- Core courses include Counseling Theories, Human Growth and Development, Counseling Skills, Group Counseling, Psychopathology, and Ethics.
- Required supervised practicum and internship experiences in counseling settings
- Designed to lead to eligibility for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor
- Faculty have academic, clinical, and faith integration expertise
- Located in Montgomery, AL and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Admission requires bachelor’s degree, essay, recommendations, and interview
- Estimated tuition cost is $425 per credit hour
- Scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities available
9. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Average Net Price: $22,440
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Here are some key details about Southwestern Assemblies of God University’s online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling:
- 60 credit hour program offered fully online
- CACREP-accredited program integrating faith and clinical counseling
- Courses include Counseling Theories, Human Development, Counseling Techniques, Group Counseling, Psychopathology, Ethics, and more
- Required 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship focused on clinical skills
- Prepares students for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors
- Focus on counseling, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment from a Christian perspective
- Faculty have academic credentials and clinical experience
- Located in Waxahachie, TX and affiliated with the Assemblies of God denomination
- Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Admission requires bachelor’s degree, essay, recommendations, interview
- Scholarships and financial aid opportunities available
10. Ohio Christian University
Average Net Price: $22,451
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Here are some key details about Ohio Christian University’s online Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling:
- 60 credit hour program offered fully online
- Designed to integrate Christian principles with clinical counseling training
- Courses include Counseling Theory, Human Growth & Development, Psychopathology, Counseling Techniques, Group Counseling, Ethics, Assessment.
- Includes required practicum and internship experiences in counseling settings
- Prepares students for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors
- Emphasizes counseling from a Christian worldview perspective
- Faculty have academic credentials and clinical experience
- Located in Circleville, OH and affiliated with the Churches of Christ in Christian Union
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Admission requires bachelor’s degree, essay, recommendations, interview
- Scholarships and financial aid opportunities available
Christian Counseling Statistics
Christian counseling is a vital aspect of mental health and spiritual well-being in the United States. In 2023, the field of Christian counseling has seen significant growth, with over 155 Christian counselors actively practicing across the nation. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the demographics and statistics of Christian counselors, including gender, race, age, education, and more.
Christian Counselor Gender Statistics:
- 63.6% of Christian counselors are women, while 36.4% are men.
- The gender pay gap in this field is relatively small, with women earning 97 cents for every dollar earned by men.
- Over the years, the gender distribution in Christian counseling has evolved. In 2010, 52.88% were women, and 47.12% were men. By 2021, the percentages shifted to 63.64% women and 36.36% men.
Christian Counselor Demographics by Race:
- The majority of Christian counselors are White, accounting for 67.0%.
- Hispanic or Latino Christian counselors make up 14.2% of the workforce.
- Black or African American Christian counselors constitute 10.6% of the demographic.
- Other racial and ethnic groups include Unknown (3.8%), Asian (3.7%), and American Indian and Alaska Native (0.7%).
- Over time, the racial and ethnic diversity of Christian counselors has been changing, with some fluctuations in percentages.
Christian Counselor Wage Gap by Race:
- Hispanic or Latino Christian counselors have the highest average salary among ethnicities.
- Black or African American Christian counselors have the lowest average salary, earning $28,662 annually.
Average Age of Christian Counselors:
- The average age of Christian counselors is approximately 42 years.
- Most Christian counselors fall into the 40+ age group, accounting for 55% of the population. 31% are aged 30-40, and 14% are between 20-30 years old.
Christian Counselor Educational Attainment:
- 50% of Christian counselors hold a bachelor’s degree as their highest educational qualification.
- 23% possess a master’s degree, while 16% have an associate degree.
- 5% of Christian counselors have a doctorate, and 6% hold other degrees.
Christian Counselor Employment Statistics:
- Christian counselors are employed across various company sizes, with 43% working in companies with 50-100 employees, and 17% in companies with fewer than 50 employees.
- The most common industries for Christian counselors include non-profits (22%), health care (22%), and education (20%).
Christian Counselor Turnover and Employment Statistics:
- The unemployment rate for Christian counselors has fluctuated over the years, with the lowest rate being 1.74% in 2019.
- On average, Christian counselors stay in their positions for 1-2 years, but 27% have been in their roles for 11 or more years.
Christian Counselor LGBT Ratio:
- There is limited data available on the LGBT ratio among Christian counselors.
- Comparatively, other professions like Mental Health Specialists and Phone Counselors have higher percentages of LGBT individuals.
Foreign Languages Spoken by Christian Counselors:
- German, Dutch, and Spanish are the most commonly spoken foreign languages among Christian counselors, each at 33.3%.