Spiritual Counseling Degrees

Programs Currently Accepting Applicants

Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Northwestern University : Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (Complete your COAMFTE-accredited MFT online program in as few as 21 months. No GRE required.)

Walden University : MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from)

Grand Canyon University : Master's Degree in Counseling (As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition.)

Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (Online with required intensives)

Liberty University : MA: Pastoral Counseling (100% online, 8-week courses)

Mid-America Christian University (MACU) : Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (100% Online, No GRE Required)

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) : Online Psychology Degrees (Bachelors and Masters. Flexible. Affordable. And achievable.)

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What is this Area of Counseling?

A diverse area of counseling that focuses on spiritual growth of clients is Spiritual Counseling. Professionals in this specialty field may specialize in specific religious aspects or focus purely on an individual's spiritual beliefs as part of the treatment process.

There are different forms of Spiritual Counseling for upcoming professionals to consider prior to engaging in online degree programs in this field. Some professionals choose to pursue the classic counseling certification, then move forward to certification within their specific theological area.

In some states, students can choose online degree programs specifically in Spiritual Counseling, without having to engage in counseling-specific degree programs. There are only 5 states that currently recognize and license pastoral counselors, making the general counseling route more realistic for most incoming students.

Techniques in Spiritual Counseling typically integrate unique belief systems into understanding thought processes, behaviors, and emotions. Therapists within this field may utilize religious values, entities, or beliefs to change thought patterns and encourage positive emotional growth.

Professionals in this field can work in general counseling settings, religious organizations, or even in private practice with the appropriate licensure within their state. If you are seeking a career that can allow you to help others using techniques relevant to their beliefs, Spiritual Counseling may be the right field for you.

Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program

School and Program Information	Online Program? Entry Requirements	Course Information
Northwestern University Online MA in Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required	Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Full-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available Learn More
Northwestern University Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy COAMFTE Accredited	✔ Online GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required	The COAMFTE-accredited MFT@Northwestern is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. Learn More
Walden University MS in School Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE scores not required	School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. Learn More
Walden University MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE scores not required	Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Learn More
Grand Canyon University Master's Degree in Counseling HLC and NASAC Accredited	✔ Online	Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree emphases include: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Christian Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Trauma. Designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. Learn More
Liberty University MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) CACREP Accredited	✔ Online Online with required intensives	Our CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling degree online can help you become an ethical, well-trained mental health counselor with the knowledge, values, and skills you need to empower others to make positive changes in their lives. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More
Liberty University MA: Pastoral Counseling SACSCOC	✔ Online 100% online, 8-week courses	If you want to help people work through life’s challenges, Liberty University’s non licensure pastoral counseling degree is a great option. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Higher Learning Commission (HLC)	✔ Online 100% Online	Expand your impact with an online counseling degree rooted in faith-based practice. Mid-America Christian University offers the largest Master of Science (MS) in Counseling program in Oklahoma, with emphasis areas in addiction and substance abuse, applied behavioral science, clinical mental health counseling, and marriage and family therapy. Explore the online MS in Counseling at MACU. Learn More
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Online Psychology Degrees Bachelors and Masters NECHE Accredited	✔ Online No application fee or GRE/GMAT scores required	With our unique programs - from child and adolescent development to forensic psychology - you'll be prepared for a wide variety of careers in case management, research, human resources, youth services and social services. Learn More

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

☰ For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs

Spiritual Counseling is a form of counseling that utilizes tools from different types of spiritual denominations. Students on path to this type of career may begin their training with general education in psychology, mental health, and counseling.

Bachelors in Theology or Psychology

The Bachelor's in Psychology, Theology, or specific religious concentrations. The bachelor's is the foundation program for upcoming counselors to build their knowledge of mental health and spirituality, but cannot result in licensure for professional counselors.

Masters in Counseling

Individuals that seek to provide individual or group counseling services must complete master's training in counseling prior to training in a particular specialization. Master's in Counseling programs can lead to licensure in different states, making it the core requirement for upcoming therapists in many different concentration fields.

ACPE Accredited Counseling Programs

There are currently 5 states that allow certification and licensing to pastoral counselors specializing in Spiritual Counseling. ACPE-accredited degree programs and certification options lead to certification as Kentucky Licensed Pastoral Counselors, Maine Licensed Pastoral Counselors, New Hampshire Pastoral Psychotherapists, North Carolina Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselors, and Tennessee Clinical Pastoral Therapists.

In some cases, professionals may also move into doctoral-level degree programs as a means for gaining more expertise in counseling or other specialization. Some Spiritual Counselors may choose to pursue religion-based doctoral programs or those focusing on advanced counseling during their learning experience.

Each of these degree programs can be important to the growth and development of upcoming counselors. As you develop your educational plan for becoming a part of this field, you should choose programs that best align with your future licensure and goals as a mental health professionals.

Are you specifically interested in Christian counseling? Check out our guide on Online Christian Counseling Degrees

Online Master's in Spiritual Counseling Programs

In today's world, online education can be a reliable source for obtaining positions in the field of counseling. Many people rely on online educational programs due to having busy schedules or not enough free time to attend courses on campus.

Online Master's in Counseling programs allow learners to participate in courses from home, work, or any location with an internet connection. Courses within these programs can be in synchronous or asynchronous format, with students allowed to choose based on their personal learning preferences.

Each state has specific expectations for individuals that choose to become licensed as professional counselors in the field. The minimum degree requirement for each state providing licensure is the master's, which must hold accreditation from a reputable accreditation agency.

CACREP Accreditation

The CACREP currently provides a large number of online and reliable Master's in Counseling programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and Rehabilitation Counseling. You are encouraged to explore these offerings as you decide on which program to enroll in.

The online Master's in Counseling can provide you with effective methods for treating patients with various presenting symptoms, assessment tools to use for different groups of clients, and information pertaining to ethics and values in the counseling field.

Online MA in Counseling Program at Northwestern University

Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Northwestern University

Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)

MS in School Counseling Program at Walden University

Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Walden University

Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Master's Degree in Counseling Program at Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)

MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) Program at Liberty University

Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP Accredited)

MA: Pastoral Counseling Program at Liberty University

Liberty University - MA: Pastoral Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)

Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Program at Mid-America Christian University (MACU)

Mid-America Christian University (MACU) - Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accredited)

Online Psychology Degrees Program at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) - Online Psychology Degrees (NECHE Accredited)

Are There Online Spiritual Counseling Programs?

Spiritual Counseling is a unique career area that utilizes specific spiritual viewpoints and methods when working with clients in need. Depending on the type of work you plan to do in the field, there may be separate degree programs ideal for you to engage in.

Online Masters in Counseling

The most common online program for upcoming counseling professionals is the online Master’s in Counseling. This CACREP-accredited route can allow professionals to engage in general counseling practice, as well as practice within their specific treatment area.

Masters in Christian Counseling, Accredited by ACPE

Alternative online programs such as the online Master’s in Christian Counseling is available to upcoming learners that are interested in applying their skills within the church or religious setting. Christian Counseling degree programs receive accreditation from the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE).

Since the online Master’s in Counseling can lead to more career offerings in the field, most students pursuing this career option choose this route. Certification programs in various theological and religious specialties can help counselors gain more insight into how psychotherapy can be applied in the spiritual setting.

Top Spiritual Counseling Programs and Availability

During your path to becoming a Spiritual Counselor, you may need to locate reliable and accredited programs to engage in for your licensure. Technology has allowed for educational programs to evolve into convenient and flexible programs suitable for any education seeking adult.

Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University is a current provider of CACREP-accredited online degree programs. This online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling can be a great option for incoming students looking for a stable foundation for their future.

This program takes around 3 years to complete and meets all of the licensing requirements for counseling degree programs. Students enrolled in this program are required to engage in a clinical experience component after graduation.

Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Another university to consider for your program is the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. This intriguing university offers multiple online and accredited degree programs in this field, most notably the online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Partnered with clinical experience, this reliable degree program can provide you with the knowledge you need to provide mental health services to the general public. Most students in this program can complete it within 2.5-3 years, making it a great option for you to review prior to making your final decision.

Sample Courses for the Masters in Spiritual Counseling

The courses within your online master’s program can help you to create a portfolio of knowledge for use with your clients in the professional setting. Spiritual Counselors that have completed CACREP-accredited degree programs can utilize the same diagnostic tools and general mental health counselors, but may integrate spirituality and religion into the treatment process.

Diagnosis of Mental Health Issues

Diagnosis of Mental Health Issues is a popular course offering in Master’s in Counseling degree programs. This course can outline some of the common mental health disorders as they are published in the DSM, as well as provide insight into common diagnostic techniques and assessments in the field.

Theological Theory

Theological and Psychological Theories of Counseling is another course that may be included within your degree program. This course can integrate biblical and theological methods into standard counseling, as well as challenging learners to therapeutically use scripture during the treatment process.

Social and Cultural Influence

In addition to diagnostic and treatment focused courses, you may also engage in course work like Social and Cultural Influence. Since a person’s environment can play a huge role in spiritual and psychological growth, this course can provide future counselors with insight about social and environmental management for emotional healing.

Additional courses in counseling ethics, research, and human development can also be part of your counseling degree program. Your completion of these courses can lead to extensive knowledge in human social, emotional, and spiritual development.

Path to Working in Spiritual Counseling

When you have identified the field of Spiritual Counseling as your career of choice, you should begin making a plan to meet your end goal. The first step you should pursue is enrolling into a bachelor’s degree program.

There are a few different bachelor’s programs that can prepare you for higher learning in the field of counseling. The Bachelor’s in Psychology, Counseling, or Social Work are common programs that can provide learners with relevant foundation information about mental health and treatment of clients in the field.

The bachelor’s program consists of 4 years of extensive learning in general education and concentration-specific courses. This level of degree is offered in traditional and online learning environments, making it possible for students with varying lifestyles to advance their degree.

After completing the bachelor’s program, some students may move on to graduate-level testing in order to qualify for more prestigious master’s level programs in counseling. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a skill assessment required by some schools for acceptance and is used by students to help exhibit their skills and knowledge.

There are many different Master’s in Counseling programs that do not require completion of the GRE for acceptance. Online and traditional programs in this area that have received accreditation from the CACREP could be great options for you to consider for your future career.

The Master’s in Counseling is a 2 or 3 year program that was designed to train future therapeutic professionals in the ethical assessment, treatment, and continued care of patients in the field. This program can consist of in-person training requirements and is followed by a supervised clinical experience.

Near the end of your program, you can choose a setting in which you gain expertise through working with licensed professionals in your treatment area. For around 2 years, you can provide therapeutic services while under the direct supervision of a licensed counselor.

At the end of your supervision, you submit all documentation pertaining to your education, training, and supervision to your state for licensure consideration. Receiving your license can immediately make you eligible for obtaining open counseling positions in the field.

Top Masters in Counseling Programs

Masters in Counseling
Online Masters in Counseling
No GRE MA in Counseling
Online Master of Arts in Counseling
Schools with an Online Master of Counseling
Accelerated MA in Counseling
Hybrid MA in Counseling
Dual Masters in Counseling Degrees
By Online Counseling Program Specialization:
Online Masters in Behavior Analysis
Online Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online Masters in Counseling Psychology
Online Masters in Mental Health Counseling
Online Master of Rehabilitation Counseling
Online Masters in School Counseling
By Accreditation:
Online CACREP Accredited Masters Programs
Online MPCAC Accredited Programs

Important Organizations to Know

Professional organizations in spirituality and counseling can be excellent resources for new and experienced counselors in the field. Joining these organizations at the learner or professional level can help you to expand your knowledge and understanding of your career field and subject yourself to new experiences and professionals with similar values.

Association for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling

The Association for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling is a professional organization that seeks to join professionals from all ranks of Spiritual Counseling. This organization can provide resources to professional counselors that integrate spiritual and religious techniques for use in the field, as well as provide members with networking and research opportunities.

American Association of Christian Counselors

The American Association of Christian Counselors is another religious counseling organization to consider when transitioning into this career field. Christian Counselors are prominent within the U.S. and provide care to clients that prefer religious motivation during their emotional growth.

This organization can provide professionals with tools for use in the field, including those that utilize religious concepts, prayer, and biblical guidance during the therapeutic process. Members of this organization can be found all across the country.

American Counseling Association

For generalized counseling knowledge, get-togethers, and national conferences, counselors can join the American Counseling Association. The ACA is one of the largest and most well-known organization for counselors in a wide variety of treatment fields.

Current research, new treatments, and unique perspectives into counseling can be a few of the benefits of joining this organization. Counselors that become members of this organization can also get to know other counselors in their field, general area, or with similar interests during their involvement.

Spiritual Counselor Career Options

Spiritual Counselors can help individuals work through different experiences in their personal lives. Mental illness, trauma, grief and loss, and even stress within their personal lives are just a few of the many reasons why individuals reach out to professionals in this field for guidance.

Using various techniques from religion or spiritual belief systems, counselors can utilize psychotherapy, talk therapy, or group therapy to help people identify their source of struggle and take aim against it.

You can pursue a career as a Spiritual Counselor through counseling agencies within your community, through religious organizations, or even in private practice. Receiving your license as a professional counselor can allow you to provide independent counseling services through your own private practice.

In some cases, Spiritual Counselors can be called in during times of mass illness or devastation within a community to help work with citizens as they heal. Some private schools also employ Spiritual Counselors to help work with students in the school system.

Your dedication to learning in this field can lead you into many unique career opportunities depending on the type of career you are seeking for your lifestyle. Using spiritual techniques, you can assist with increasing the quality of life of your clients.

List of Programs

Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Online MA in Counseling

CACREP Accredited

Spiritual Counseling Degrees

What is this Area of Counseling?

Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program