Graduate School of Ministry

Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling

Format

Online

Credits

Time to Graduation

1-2 Years

Cost per Credit Hour

$685

Caring for Souls

The Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling teaches scripturally-based practical knowledge and skills that prepares those in ministry to assist others in working through life issues. Working with individuals and families, this degree focuses on counseling in a church or faith setting and does not lead to licensure.

Why pursue an M.A. in Pastoral Counseling?

Convenient

Our program is primarily online, perfect for busy working adults. Most courses last eight weeks, creating an optimized and efficient learning environment. Students are assigned an academic advisor who walks alongside them to help every student succeed.

Experienced Faculty

Our program is led by individuals with excellent scholarship and experience in the ministry field at the global scale. Built within each course are discussion posts designed to bolster the online community and expand every student’s network.

Affordable

Graduates of Crown’s Masters in Global Studies program can be confident they are receiving a degree at an affordable price compared to other programs. For more information, visit our financial aid page.

This degree gave me more spiritual depth and skills to journey with others. I wish I had earned this degree 35 years ago when I started out in ministry as a missionary and pastor’s wife.

Julie Zell

Careers

Pastoral Counselor
Grief Counselor
Chaplain

Advanced Degrees

Doctor of Ministry
Doctor of Education
Ph.D. in Addiction Studies

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Bill Kuhn

Dean, School of Theology + Ministry

Dr. Elaine Bednar

Core Faculty Member

Dr. Nick Fox

Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Ministry | Chair of Biblical, Theological, + Ministry Studies

Crown College’s Graduate School of Ministry programs are accredited with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). This prestigious accreditation provides students with the assurance of Crown’s academically excellent and robust theological education.

The Graduate School of Ministry programs are designed to meet the needs of students regardless of their life context, with courses held primarily online and optimized for an effective online learning environment. ATS accreditation provides Crown’s graduate theological programs a structure for continuous improvement and expands opportunities for students to launch into ministry and further education.

Viewbook: Life at Crown

Crown College Lookbook

Preview of Courses

MIN 6215 - Pastoral Counseling Skills

This semester-long course is designed to practice pastoral counseling skills. Attention will be given to spiritual care, Holy Spirit dependence, and counseling skills as a reflection of the strategic pastoral counseling model. In addition to academic study, this course requires 55 hours of direct pastoral counseling/care and 15 hours of supervisor feedback at an approved location. (3 credits).

MIN 5500 - Conflict Resolution & Mediation

This course applies biblical peacemaking principles to church, non-profit, and the marketplace. It provides a balanced, biblical approach to conflict resolution which has been designed to help Christian leaders. Students will earn the Level I Peace Making certification required for C&MA ordination and develop practical skills for effective conflict resolution. Additional advanced training in mediation will be included.

COU 6212 - Marriage and Family Therapy

A broad overview of the structure and dynamics of marriage and family relationships. Assessment and counseling interventions with couples and families will be included. Multiple theories will be explored and evaluated. A Christian worldview of marriage and family relationships will be explored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the M.A. in Pastoral Counseling lead to licensure?

No. The M.A. in Pastoral Counseling does not lead to professional counseling licensure. It’s designed to equip those in ministry to provide scripturally-based care and support within a church or faith setting, not to qualify graduates as licensed clinical counselors or therapists. Students pursuing state licensure should look at Crown’s M.A. in Counseling instead.

What's the difference between the M.A. in Pastoral Counseling and the M.A. in Counseling?

The two programs serve different goals. The M.A. in Pastoral Counseling prepares ministry leaders to offer faith-based counseling and care in church and ministry contexts and does not lead to licensure. The M.A. in Counseling is the licensure-track program for students who want to become professional, licensed counselors. Choosing between them comes down to whether your calling is ministry-based care or clinical, licensed practice.

What can you do with a Master's in Pastoral Counseling?

The degree prepares graduates to serve as pastoral counselors, providing biblically grounded care to individuals and families within churches and faith-based organizations. It’s built for those already in or entering ministry who want stronger counseling skills for life-issue and soul-care work, and it can lead to further graduate study such as Crown’s Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry.

Does the program include hands-on counseling experience?

Yes. The Pastoral Counseling Skills course includes a supervised practical component, requiring 55 hours of direct pastoral counseling and care plus 15 hours of supervisor feedback at an approved location. This gives students real, mentored experience applying counseling skills, not just academic study.

Does the program help prepare students for C&MA ordination?

In part, yes. The Conflict Resolution & Mediation course applies biblical peacemaking principles and allows students to earn the Level I Peace Making certification required for ordination in the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA). Students pursuing ordination should confirm all remaining requirements with their district and Crown’s Graduate School of Ministry.

Can I complete the M.A. in Pastoral Counseling online while working?

Yes. The program is offered primarily online and built for busy working adults, with most courses running in focused eight-week terms. Each student is paired with an academic advisor for support, and coursework includes discussion-based interaction to build community with faculty and peers.

How long does it take to become a pastor?

There’s no single timeline, it depends on your denomination, your church’s expectations, and the educational path you choose. A common route is a bachelor’s degree in Bible, theology, or ministry (about four years), followed by a graduate ministry degree such as a Master of Divinity (often two to three more years). Many denominations also require an ordination or licensing process that can include internships, mentorship, and a candidacy period, while some traditions ordain pastors with less formal education. For those pursuing pastoral ministry, Crown offers graduate degrees such as the Master of Divinity and M.A. in Ministry Leadership.

How do you become a pastoral counselor?

A pastoral counselor provides faith-based counseling and care within a church or ministry setting, which is different from becoming a licensed clinical counselor. The typical path combines a foundation in ministry or theology with focused counseling training, often through a graduate degree like Crown’s M.A. in Pastoral Counseling. The program teaches scripturally-based counseling skills and includes supervised hands-on experience, 55 hours of direct pastoral counseling and care plus 15 hours of supervisor feedback. Note that pastoral counseling does not lead to state licensure; those who want to become licensed professional counselors should pursue a licensure-track program such as Crown’s M.A. in Counseling.

Related Programs

M.A. in Counseling
M.A. in Ministry Leadership
M.A. in Organizational Leadership

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