M.A. in Pastoral Counseling

Through this master’s in pastoral counseling degree, you can:

• Learn how to address legal, ethical, and liability issues.
• Evaluate treatment issues and gain guidance for referral and collaboration.
• Integrate biblically based strategies for effective emotional and spiritual healing.
• Specialize in a focused area of ministry — from addictions and trauma to conflict resolution and criminal justice.
• Pursue additional certifications or specializations in your concentration.

Career Opportunities

• Pastoral Care
• Family Service Centers
• Christian Schools
• Church Counseling Centers
• Coaching

All concentrations share a common core of 18 credit hours. Students then complete 12 credit hours of concentration-specific coursework to reach 30 total credit hours.

Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.

2026-27 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Am I required to attend full time or may I go at my own pace?

Students may select from one of three progressions that allows them to take classes at a pace that works best for their own personal and professional schedules.

What is Pastoral Counseling?

Pastoral counseling blends psychological principles with Christian faith and scripture to equip pastors, ministry leaders, nonprofit workers, and others in ministry-adjacent roles with biblically centered counseling tools that support the people they serve.

How many hours do you recommend a master’s student work per week?

Due to the number of hours you will be spending in and out of class studying, we suggest you work no more than 20 hours per week. There are a number of part-time graduate assistant positions available every semester at the university that allow for flexible schedules.

I didn’t major in psychology at the undergraduate level, what do I need to do to make up for this?

We do not require applicants to have majored in psychology at the undergraduate level. We do feel, however, that it is beneficial for applicants to have at least nine credit hours of psychology-related coursework. If you did not major or at least minor in psychology at the undergraduate level, you may want to consider taking additional undergraduate courses. Again, this is not a prerequisite for admission. Recommended courses include: Intro to Psychology, Research Methods/ Statistics, Personality Theory, Human Development, Abnormal Psychology, Psychological Test & Measurements, Social Psychology and Physiological Psychology.

How many applicants do you have each year and how many applicants are admitted?

Each year we admit and enroll about 60 students into the online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, 40 into the Community Counseling program and 20 in the Human Services Counseling program. Last year we received over 300 applications.

What is the average age of students entering master’s programs in counseling?

Community Counseling program: 29

Clinical Mental Health Counseling program: 34

Human Services Counseling program: 40

What is the path for licensure for graduates from your program?

Licensure is different in each state. However, the general standard for licensure is completion of a M.A. in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; School Guidance Counseling; or Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling. Two years of supervision (post-degree) and a state licensure exam is what most states require to become licensed as a professional counselor or its equivalent. School guidance counseling licensure or certification is determined by the Board of Education in most states. (Usually an M.A. in Counseling in School Guidance is sufficient.) Students should examine the requirements for licensure in the state or states they would like to practice in the future.

• M.A. in Christian Discipleship
• M.A. in Human Services – Biblical Counseling
• M.A. in Human Services – Christian Counseling
• M.A. in Human Services – Conflict & Mediation Ministry
• M.A. in Human Services – Criminal Justice & Ministry
• M.A. in Human Services – Human Services Counseling
• M.Div. in Theology & Ministry – Chaplain Ministry