🎓 Online Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling +

This program integrates psychological principles with spiritual care and is aligned with ethical and professional standards. It is suitable for individuals pursuing careers in church-based counseling, chaplaincy, or spiritually integrated therapy settings.


Institution: GEA University (Florida)

Delivery Mode: 100% Online

Credit Hours: 48

Duration: 2 years (full-time) or up to 4 years (part-time)

Target Audience: Ministry leaders, chaplains, lay counselors, future Licensed Pastoral Counselors (non-LMHC track)

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling at GEA University of San Marco prepares ministry leaders, lay counselors, and chaplains to provide spiritually integrated counseling. This program bridges biblical principles and psychological theory to equip students for service in churches, nonprofits, and institutional chaplaincy settings.

Curriculum Structure


Core Courses (30 Credits)

  • PCN 6101: Foundations of Pastoral Counseling
  • PCN 6102: Theology of Suffering and Healing
  • PCN 6103: Counseling Skills for Ministry Settings
  • PCN 6104: Human Development & Spiritual Formation
  • PCN 6105: Psychopathology and Spiritual Discernment
  • PCN 6106: Marriage and Family in Ministry
  • PCN 6107: Ethical and Legal Issues in Pastoral Counseling
  • PCN 6108: Grief, Death, and Crisis Ministry
  • PCN 6109: Group Counseling and Discipleship
  • PCN 6110: Integration of Psychology and Theology

Electives (12 Credits) – Choose 4

  • PCN 6201: Trauma and Spiritual Recovery
  • PCN 6202: Addictions in Faith Communities
  • PCN 6203: Spiritual Direction and Mentorship
  • PCN 6204: Counseling Military and First Responder Families
  • PCN 6205: Gender and Sexuality in Pastoral Contexts
  • PCN 6206: Biblical Counseling Methods
  • PCN 6207: Global Mental Health and Missions

Ministry Practice (6 Credits)

  • PCN 7011: Practicum in Pastoral Counseling (100 hours)
  • PCN 7012: Supervised Internship in Ministry (300 hours)

Capstone (0–3 Credits)

  • Option 1: Capstone Portfolio and Applied Case Study
  • Option 2: Master’s Thesis (for academic/research track)

Learning Features

  • Faith-integrated digital classroom
  • Weekly faculty mentorship sessions (Zoom)
  • Virtual counseling simulations
  • Downloadable case libraries and APA + theological resources

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree (theology, psychology, or related field preferred)
  • GPA: 2.75 minimum
  • Statement of faith & ministry vision
  • Two letters of recommendation (one pastoral)
  • Interview (Zoom)

Certification Pathways (Non-Licensed)

This program supports voluntary certification through:

  • Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counselors (BCPPC)
  • American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC)
  • Florida Chaplain Association

To receive more information on how to enroll in this program, please complete the form below.

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🧩 Program Structure

🟦 Core Courses (30 credits)

Course CodeCourse Title
PCN 6101Foundations of Pastoral Counseling
PCN 6102Theology of Suffering and Healing
PCN 6103Counseling Skills for Ministry Settings
PCN 6104Human Development & Spiritual Formation
PCN 6105Psychopathology and Spiritual Discernment
PCN 6106Marriage and Family in Ministry
PCN 6107Ethical and Legal Issues in Pastoral Counseling
PCN 6108Grief, Death, and Crisis Ministry
PCN 6109Group Counseling and Discipleship
PCN 6110Integration of Psychology and Theology

🟨 Spiritual & Clinical Electives (12 credits)

(Choose any 4 courses)

  • PCN 6201 | Trauma and Spiritual Recovery
  • PCN 6202 | Addictions in Faith Communities
  • PCN 6203 | Spiritual Direction and Mentorship
  • PCN 6204 | Counseling Military and First Responder Families
  • PCN 6205 | Gender and Sexuality in Pastoral Contexts
  • PCN 6206 | Biblical Counseling Methods
  • PCN 6207 | Global Mental Health and Missions

🟩 Supervised Ministry Practice (6 credits)

ComponentDescription
PCN 7011Pastoral Counseling Practicum (100 hours)
PCN 7012Ministry-Based Internship (300 hours in church, nonprofit, or chaplaincy setting)

🟧 Capstone Project (Optional Thesis Track) (0–3 credits)

  • Capstone Option: Applied Case Study + Ministry Portfolio
  • Thesis Option: Research-based thesis on pastoral counseling or spiritual integration topic

✅ Outcomes & Competencies

Graduates will be equipped to:

  • Provide biblically and psychologically sound counseling within ministry contexts
  • Integrate theology with counseling practice
  • Address mental health concerns with spiritual sensitivity
  • Serve in churches, nonprofit counseling centers, or institutional chaplaincy roles

📌 Licensure & Certification (Florida)

Note: This program does not lead to LMHC licensure but can support certification with:

  • Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counselors (BCPPC)
  • American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC)
  • Florida Chaplain Association (for chaplaincy roles)

🧑‍💻 Online Learning Features

  • Faith-integrated learning platform
  • Video lectures, guided reading, case simulations
  • Weekly live sessions with faculty or ministry mentors
  • Access to pastoral care case libraries and theological archives

📥 Admissions Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree (preferably in theology, psychology, or human services)
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Statement of faith and ministry vision
  • 2 recommendation letters (including from a pastor or supervisor)
  • Interview with faculty panel (Zoom)

Certification Pathways (Non-Licensed)

This program supports voluntary certification through:

  • Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counselors (BCPPC)
  • American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC)
  • Florida Chaplain Association