Liberty University: Earn Your Christian Counseling or Pastoral Counseling Degree Online

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 600,000 people in the US are working in counseling positions, and this number is expected to grow faster than that of most other occupations. If you enjoy talking to people and helping them solve personal, family, career, and educational problems, this may be the career for you.

Liberty University Online is one college that will help you earn either a PhD in Pastoral Counseling or a Master of Arts in Professional (Christian) Counseling. The master’s degree program is a 60 hour program that is based on biblical principles. It also gives you an introductory education in religion, preparing you to expand your studies with the Ph.D. if you so desire.

A third option at Liberty University Online is to enroll in the Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling program. This variation prepares you for professional Christian ministry within a local church while also giving you the skills you need to counsel individuals who need your services.

If pastoral ministries are not your aim, you can find plenty of opportunity as a Christian counselor in the secular arena. In fact, 40% of those in counseling positions are actually employed by the Federal Government. Salaries vary widely and are dependent both on the level of education and the geographic area in which you work.

Liberty University Online is the world’s largest evangelical university with more than 40,000 students world wide. The educational programs all emphasize highly ethical standards and behavior. Your education will be flexible—available at all hours of the day or night, and you will find the tuition is some of the lowest of online programs. In fact, the college has announced a tuition freeze for the 2009 fall semester, and, for those who register for summer courses, it is even possible to win a free class. Most of the courses are 8 weeks long, instead of the usual 16, which gives you the option of completing your education faster. Plus, you will have a personal advisor who will help keep you on track and motivated toward the completion of your degree.

Liberty University is particularly friendly to military personnel, offering classes, reduced fees, family discounts, book vouchers and tuition assistance caps. The military support office is available to help with veterans’ benefits, VA rehabilitation, Reservists’ Education Assistance and more.