Best Online Bachelor’s in Christian Counseling Programs of 2023

Students seeking an online Bachelor's degree in Counseling from Regent University benefit from coursework rooted in Christianity. The curriculum consists of coursework based on the perspective that each person is a unique individual and should be treated as such. Course offerings include case management, group facilitation, marriage and family, counseling skills, and assessments. Many students go on to future careers in management, counseling, or social work, but some may choose to pursue further education to continue developing their skills. Although Regent University does not offer a Bachelor's in Christian Counseling, the major is open to students pursuing their Master's degree.

Prospective students must first apply to Regent University through an online application. A student receives an admissions questionnaire once the application is processed. The questionnaire must be returned to the University for the application to be considered complete. Students should expect to submit all relevant transcripts at a later date.

Indiana Wesleyan University offers a unique Bachelor's in Christian Counseling with a focus on Pastoral Counseling and Care. Students in this program learn to care for others in a meaningful way with a Christ-centered approach. With a curriculum geared towards providing ministry and care skills simultaneously, students are well-suited for future careers in pastoral care, Christian schools, or clergy. To make its graduates competitive hires, Indiana Wesleyan University offers students the option to pair this degree program with a major in Pastoral Ministries or a minor in Psychology. Students may also earn an additional certificate in Human Trafficking Studies.

First-year students must have a minimum GPA of 2.6, and transfer students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and submit all relevant transcripts to qualify for admission in good standing. Applicants must also agree to follow the University's community guidelines and behavioral expectations.

Grounded in the Christian faith, Southwestern Assemblies of God University provides students with a comprehensive degree program designed to help others overcome life's challenges. The Bachelor's in Counseling is a pre-professional program that offers courses in addictive behavior, recovery, behavioral science, and theories of personality, among others. Students benefit from their low student-to-faculty ratio with plenty of opportunities for one-on-one membership and full access to support services, including a Career Center and Counseling Center.

Prospective students must complete an online application and submit all relevant transcripts to be considered for admission. Additional application requirements include evidence of a born-again spiritual experience and a Christian character reference.

South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary offers two concentrations for students pursuing their Bachelor's in Christian Counseling, Clinical Counseling, or Marriage and Family Counseling. Both tracks feature highly-developed curriculums that enable students to pursue future careers in pastoral care or mental health counseling, with courses specifically designed to implement positive change in the lives of others. At $295 per credit hour, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary is relatively affordable compared to similar programs.

Prospective students are encouraged to meet with an admissions counselor before applying to review the application process in detail and learn about any necessary supplemental materials.

Students earning a Bachelor's in Christian Caregiving & Counseling at Oral Roberts University benefit from an online education that is flexible and efficient. Students can enroll year-round to begin coursework and are encouraged to work alongside Success Coaches at each step to foster a supportive learning environment. The program offers courses in accelerated 7-week sessions and can be completed in as little as 3.5 years with full-time enrollment.

To complete degree requirements, students enroll in courses such as Pastoral Approaches to Counseling, Crisis Intervention, and Christian Leadership. Graduates often pursue careers as pastors, teachers, lay counselors, chaplains, or missionaries.

Prospective students are encouraged to connect with an admissions counselor before submitting their application.

Liberty University offers a fully online Bible Degree in Christian Counseling rooted in both theology and counseling principles. Students first gain a foundational knowledge of the Bible through classes like Biblical Theology and Practical Teaching of Scripture and then learn to guide others through difficult times in classes, specifically about counseling theory.

Liberty University offers a variety of benefits to military students, including a tuition discount of $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses and potential college credit for military training. Veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder qualify for an additional discount.

Applicants must submit the online application and all relevant transcripts and have a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be considered for admission.

Students attending Houston Baptist University can choose a concentration in Christian Counseling while earning their Bachelor's in Psychology online. While the curriculum is rigorous, many students benefit from this pairing as it teaches a foundational knowledge of psychological theories and principles through a Christian worldview. Students pursuing this concentration improve their critical thinking and analytical skills through courses like Theories of Counseling, Methods and Strategies of Christian Counseling, and Integration of Psychology and Theology, among others.

To apply, prospective students must submit all relevant transcripts and an online application. After completing the online application, an admissions counselor will reach out if any additional material is needed before beginning coursework.

Pillar College offers an online Bachelor's in Psychology and Counseling with four concentration options: Family and Marriage Counseling, Crisis Counseling, Life Coaching, and Mental Health First Aid. Although they do not offer a Christian Counseling program, each curriculum is taught with a Christ-centered approach. Students learn to use Biblical and theological frameworks to help others with their struggles and use Christianity to encourage others in their spiritual journey. This is a great option for students seeking a Bachelor's degree in Counseling with specialty options while remaining faith-based.

First-year and transfer applicants must have a 2.0 GPA or higher on all previous coursework to be considered for admission. Upon admission, all students are required to sit for an English Placement Exam to ensure optimal placement in the program.

Students pursuing an online Bachelor's in Counseling degree at Grace College can choose from three different specialization options, Comprehensive Counseling, Addictions Counseling, or Child and Family Counseling, to complete degree requirements. The foundational curriculum at Grace College allows students to learn counseling theories alongside Christian principles, so students are well-prepped for future careers in Individual or Group Counseling. After graduation, students often pursue graduate school to continue working towards certification as a counselor.

In their final year, students gain real-world experience by completing an internship. Past internships have been completed at counseling and mental health centers, local school districts, and homeless shelters.

To apply, first-year and transfer students must complete their free online application and submit all relevant transcripts.

Nazarene Bible College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry degree with a major in Counseling for Christian Ministries. This program is ideal for students who want to pursue a career in counseling within the context of helping professions like pastoral ministries or parachurch organizations. NBC offers two structures through which students can earn this degree. The AdVantage structure is designed for adult learners who already have some college credits, while the Traditional structure is built for incoming students with no prior college experience. Students in the Traditional curriculum have the option to add a minor in an area like Pastoral Ministries, Leadership and Ethics, or Christian Educational Ministries.