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.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) – Pastoral Counseling
Minister to Others with an M.Div. in Pastoral Counseling
Pastors and ministry leaders often find themselves in a counseling role, helping believers work through complex issues such as sexuality, grief, and marital struggles. You can ensure you are prepared to guide your congregation through these and other concerns with Liberty University’s Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Pastoral Counseling degree. Liberty’s M.Div. degree offers you a flexible and affordable education that will give you a foundation in biblical counseling and pastoral care to help you communicate biblical truth in a way that speaks to the heart of the issue.
Liberty University’s Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling degree is offered 100% online, and the tuition for this program has not increased in 9 years, making Liberty’s degree a realistic option for busy ministry professionals. You can continue your present ministry while furthering your ministry skills through the M.Div. in Pastoral Counseling program and more effectively disciple others in your current ministry as you learn and apply counseling principles.
What Will You Study in Our M.Div. in Pastoral Counseling?
- Study foundational doctrines for Christian counselors
- Examine multicultural issues in pastoral care and counseling
- Learn a research-informed biblical standard for healthy sexuality
- Study unique issues in counseling such as end-of-life care
Because the pastoral counseling M.Div. is part of the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, you will be equipped with a foundation in core Master of Divinity courses like hermeneutics, discipleship ministries, and systematic theology. Your pastoral counseling area of study adds classes specialized in giving you an understanding of specific counseling issues likely to be encountered in ministry. In your specialization, you will be able to customize your pastoral counseling courses to best suit your specific ministry needs.
Our professors have real-world experience in ministry and are dedicated to helping you grow into a more effective servant of Christ throughout your M.Div. degree program courses. They facilitate interactive online learning environments to give you the opportunity to ask questions and connect with other online students.
Potential Careers for M.Div. in Pastoral Counseling Graduates
- Church counselor (non-licensed)
- Family pastor
- Senior pastor
Benefits of Pursuing Liberty University’s M.Div. in Pastoral Counseling
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.
- Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity has been accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Your divinity degree has been approved by ATS and has met rigorous accreditation standards, so you can feel confident that your degree is both academically excellent and well-respected among churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.
- Your ministry matters – so when you take 9-15 credit hours per semester in your divinity program, you’ll pay a discounted block rate of $2,750. It’s our way of supporting all you do to serve others.
- 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.
- You can complete the Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling degree program in as little as 2 years!
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 graduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
- Discounted divinity block rate: $2,475 per semester – only $165/credit at 9-15 credit hours*
- 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)
*Credits taken below 9 and above 15 credit hours for the online Master of Divinity are charged at the part-time rate.
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
ATS Commission on Accrediting
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.