10 Christian Counseling Courses To Take In 2024
Before I stepped into my current role as a lay-pastor, I worked to earn certification in Christian counseling. That training has made a huge difference in my ability as a pastor. It's equipped me to respond to people’s struggles from a biblical, Christ-centered perspective, and it’s given me the confidence I rely on in ministry today.
- Without that training, I might have been overwhelmed by the complexity of the emotional and spiritual needs people bring.
- I could have felt unsure about applying biblical truth to real-life counseling situations.
- I would have lacked confidence in offering wise, compassionate care.
These challenges are what many pastors face when they don’t have formal counseling training. That’s why I’m sharing this list of accredited Christian counseling courses—ranging from certificates to full degrees—so you can find the same foundation and confidence I’ve been blessed with in my ministry. Each program is designed to help you minister with both grace and expertise.
Best Christian Counseling Courses Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best Christian counseling courses I think are worth your time in 2024:
- Bachelor in Christian Counseling (Wycliffe School of Theology)
- The Basics of Christian Grief Counseling (Christian Chaplaincy and Coaching)
- Board Certified Christian Counseling Program (NACC)
- Foundations of Biblical Counseling (Biblical Counseling Center)
- Associate of Arts in Psychology – Christian Counseling (Liberty University)
- Christian Counseling Certificate Online Program (Grand Canyon University)
- Counseling for Christian Ministries (Nazarene Bible College)
- Bachelor of Arts, Biblical Counseling (The Master’s University)
- Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling (Logos University)
- Advanced Certificate in Christian Counseling Ministry (DBU)
Find more details about each course below.
Overview Of The Best Christian Counseling Courses
1. Bachelor in Christian Counseling (Wycliffe School of Theology)
This course prepares students for ordained ministry or broader societal roles through a solid Biblical foundation. It integrates theory and practice to develop essential skills for effective service in Christian counseling.
- Who It’s For: Students aiming for ministry roles in a local church or broader Christian counseling careers
- Topics Covered:
- Biblical foundations for Christian counseling
- Christian and secular counseling approaches
- Ethics and principles of Christianity
- Counseling techniques and interviewing skills
- Classical personality theories
- Counseling in mental health settings
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 64 hours
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 4-8 hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $1,800
- Take The Course: Wycliffe School of Theology
2. The Basics of Christian Grief Counseling (Christian Chaplaincy and Coaching)
This online course provides foundational training in Christian grief counseling. It offers a Biblical perspective on counseling, making it suitable for those seeking to integrate faith into their approach to grief care. The course can be taken as part of an ordination track or as a standalone option for continuing education in Christian counseling.
- Who It’s For: Church members interested in compassionate care and counseling ministry
- Topics Covered:
- Christian perspectives on grief
- Techniques for supporting the grieving process
- Practical counseling skills
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 25 hours
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $150
- Take The Course: Christian Chaplaincy and Coaching
3. Board Certified Christian Counseling Program (NACC)
This certificate program equips students with the skills to counsel using the word of God, emphasizing the integration of Christian principles in a counseling context. It offers flexibility in learning, allowing students to complete the required coursework at their own pace.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking certification in Christian counseling
- Topics Covered:
- Counseling, psychology, and the Christian
- Christian counseling principles
- Counseling for change
- Building strong marriages and families
- The role of the local church in counseling
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 15 credit hours
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price:
- Registration Fee: $50.00
- Tuition Cost: $600
- Take The Course: NACC
4. Foundations of Biblical Counseling (Biblical Counseling Center)
This course provides a foundational understanding of biblical principles applied to counseling, equipping students to address common life struggles through a Biblical lens. It emphasizes practical skills to help others experience lasting change by applying biblical truths.
- Who It’s For: Individuals and churches looking to grow in biblical counseling
- Topics Covered:
- Introduction to biblical counseling
- Applying biblical principles to life’s struggles
- Counseling approaches rooted in Christ’s teachings
- Techniques for fostering lasting change
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 4 months
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price:
- Standard: $150 (one-time payment)
- Subscription: $37.50
- Take The Course: Liberty University
5. Associate of Arts in Psychology – Christian Counseling (Liberty University)
This course combines foundational psychology principles with Christian counseling techniques, preparing students to integrate their faith into helping others. It is designed to equip students with the necessary skills for entry-level positions in Christian counseling.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking a career in Christian counseling ministry
- Topics Covered:
- Introduction to psychology
- Christian counseling methods
- Human growth and development
- Theories of personality
- Integrating faith with counseling practice
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 8 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 60 credit hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Liberty University
6. Christian Counseling Certificate Online Program (Grand Canyon University)
This course introduces students to counseling theories from a Christ-centered perspective, emphasizing the integration of biblical principles in counseling practice. It serves as a foundation for those considering a master’s degree in counseling or seeking non-licensure positions in Christian counseling.
- Who It’s For: Individuals interested in Christian counseling
- Topics Covered:
- Counseling theories in light of a Christian worldview
- Biblical and theological foundations in counseling
- Ethical issues from a Christian perspective
- Spiritual formation and growth
- Integration of Christ-centered approaches in counseling therapies
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 8 weeks
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $590 per credit
- Take The Course: Grand Canyon University
7. Counseling for Christian Ministries (Nazarene Bible College)
This program focuses on building competence in counseling theory and principles specifically for Christian ministries. It provides a framework for applying these skills in pastoral work, parachurch organizations, and other human management roles.
- Who It’s For: Individuals preparing for counseling roles within Christian ministries
- Topics Covered:
- Counseling principles for individuals and families
- Techniques for managing conflict in organizations
- Human development and abnormal behavior
- Christian perspectives on counseling
- Emotional intelligence in the counseling setting
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 120 hours (total hours required for graduation)
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 3-18 hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Nazarene Bible College
8. Bachelor of Arts, Biblical Counseling (The Master’s University)
This online degree program equips students with the skills to provide biblically-based counseling in ministry and professional settings. It emphasizes the sufficiency of God's Word and prepares students to enter the final phase of ACBC (Association of Certified Biblical Counselors) certification.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking to develop biblical counseling skills for ministry and professional contexts
- Topics Covered:
- Christian ethics
- Marriage and family counseling
- Addiction counseling
- Crisis intervention
- Biblical integration with counseling theories
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 16 months
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 48 credit hours
- Eligibility Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Profession of faith
- College-level writing skills
- Recommendation from a Christian leader
- Price: Approximately $21,600
- Take The Course: The Master’s University
9. Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling (Logos University)
This counseling degree program focuses on developing counseling skills from a Biblical perspective, enhancing effectiveness in ministry roles. It provides a comprehensive understanding of Christian counseling and is designed for ministry use rather than state licensure preparation.
- Who It’s For: Ministry practitioners
- Topics Covered:
- Church History
- New Testament Survey
- Old Testament Survey
- Principles of Bible Study
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 120 credit hours
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Logos University
10. Advanced Certificate in Christian Counseling Ministry (DBU)
This program provides advanced training in Christian counseling, focusing on integrating biblical principles into counseling practices. It is suitable for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian counseling without committing to a full MA (Master of Arts) program.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking advanced Christian counseling training
- Topics Covered:
- Advanced counseling techniques
- Christian counseling ethics
- Integration of faith and counseling practice
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 12 hours
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: Active membership in a Christian church within the last 12 months
- Price: Not specified
- Take The Course: DBU
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