Find your degree of interest from one of our many programs of study offered 100% online.
Liberty University's online programs offer you the flexibility to study at your own pace, from your home or office, while retaining a level of structure that will help you stay on track toward achieving your educational goals. You'll receive a quality education - that is both flexible and affordable - from an accredited institution.
Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Community Care and Counseling – Pastoral Care and Counseling
Develop a Biblical Approach to Counseling with Liberty’s Ed.S. in Community Care and Counseling – Pastoral Care and Counseling
With Liberty’s online Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Community Care and Counseling – Pastoral Care and Counseling, you can learn how to foster spiritual, mental, and emotional health in your community. Throughout the program, you’ll explore practical methods for combining biblical principles with effective counseling techniques. That way, you can help people find lasting peace and healing in Christ as they work through life’s challenges.
At Liberty, you’ll benefit from our 100% online courses, institutional accreditation, and experienced faculty. By pursuing your Ed.S. in pastoral care and counseling, you can develop the skills needed to work as an educator, administrator, researcher, supervisor, or consultant in the helping professions. Our program offers a blend of biblical truth, theory, research, and application – allowing you to address critical issues in your community with wisdom and humility.
What Will You Study in Liberty University’s Ed.S. in Community Care – Pastoral Counseling Program?
- Advanced group counseling and applied counseling theories
- Ethical issues related to pastoral counseling
- Overview and structure of the community mental health system
- Strategies for promoting your personal growth as a pastoral counselor
- Teaching and learning strategies for use in a human services educational context
In this program, you’ll explore counseling, intervention, and treatment strategies through the lens of a biblical worldview. That way, you can develop a holistic approach to counseling that accounts for the emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial aspects of humanity. You will also study essential research methods and learn how to offer Christian counseling to a variety of clients – from individuals and families to engaged and married couples. With guidance from our expert faculty, you can learn how to address key issues and trends facing pastoral and community counselors today.
Potential Careers for Ed.S. in Pastoral Care and Counseling Graduates
- Christian counselor
- Non-licensed counselor
- Pastoral counselor
- Researcher
- University professor
Please note: Some professions may require licensure. The Ed.S. in Community Care and Counseling is a non-licensure program.
Benefits of Pursuing Your Ed.S. in Pastoral Care and Counseling with Liberty University
As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
- Upon completion of your Ed.S. degree, you can potentially transfer in up to 27 credit hours toward our Ed.D. in Community Care and Counseling – Pastoral Care and Counseling.
Military Benefits
Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. Liberty’s military benefits are available to:
- Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/retirees
- Spouses of service members and veterans/retirees
- Current Department of Defense employees
We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for Ed.S. courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
Credit Hours

Class Type
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Jun 23, 2025
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Maximize Your Time
- 100% online programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level.*
- Earn credit for prior learning.
- Transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree.
- Transfer in up to 50% of a master’s degree.
* excludes licensure, certification, and some doctoral programs
Your goals on your time
We are committed to helping you achieve your goals and complete your degree as quickly as possible. One of our admissions counselors is ready to assist you with starting the process.
Contact Us: (800) 424-9595
Why Choose Liberty University?
Prepare for a Career
Go from merely surviving in your current job to thriving in the career of your dreams.
Enjoy Flexible Courses
Complete assignments at your own pace, at a time convenient to you within each week.
Access Academic Support
Access our electronic and print resources through the Jerry Falwell Library, writing resources, study aids, and IT support.
Grow in Your Faith
Each of our programs is grounded in biblical principles, and our professors consider teaching to be more than a job – it’s their calling.

Liberty’s online courses give you the ability to choose when and where you study.
Financing Options
Financial Aid
87% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid.
Tuition Discounts
Available for military service members, including active duty, reserve, veterans, and their spouses, as well as emergency response personnel.
Corporate Tuition Assistance
Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay for your classes.
Other Payment Options are Available
Contact one of our admissions counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595.

An Accredited Private Education Made for You
As a nonprofit university, we have been pioneering distance education since 1985 and offer a unique and proven approach to online education.
Along with our advanced accreditations, we also have been recognized by the following organizations for our excellence in education.










Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well.