Need a student loan? Easily find and compare lenders.

NEW 2025 Best Colleges Rankings!

NEW 2025 Hidden Gem Colleges!

Search for a different college major

Home
>
Browse All Majors
>
Theology And Religious Vocations
>
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
>
Pastoral Studies/Counseling

Pastoral Studies/Counseling

Select Type of Degree:

Select State:


#1 #1 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Life Pacific University San Dimas, CA At Life Pacific University, the most popular majors students pursue are Pastoral Studies/Counseling, Behavioral Sciences, Business Administration and Management, and General. In fact, Life Pacific University awards 33 degrees annually to graduating Pastoral Studies/Counseling students....view more Acceptance Rate 94% Annual Degrees Awarded 33 SAT Score 930–1,110 Est. Net Price * $23,311 Median Starting Salary $51,346
#2 #2 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Moody Bible Institute Chicago, IL Each year, Moody Bible Institute awards about 91 degrees to students majoring in Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other, the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 98% Annual Degrees Awarded 36 SAT Score 980–1,180 Est. Net Price * $23,950 Median Starting Salary $49,707
#3 #3 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Baptist Bible College Springfield, MO At Baptist Bible College, the three most popular college majors students study are Pastoral Studies/Counseling, Bible/Biblical Studies, and Elementary Education and Teaching. In fact, Baptist Bible College awards 11 degrees every year to Pastoral Studies/Counseling majors....view more Acceptance Rate -- Annual Degrees Awarded 11 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $21,138 Median Starting Salary $52,993
#4 #4 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Ozark Christian College Joplin, MO Each year, Ozark Christian College grants around 37 degrees to those majoring in Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other, which is the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Bible/Biblical Studies, Youth Ministry, and Pastoral Studies/Counseling....view more Acceptance Rate 98% Annual Degrees Awarded 11 SAT Score 990–1,190 Est. Net Price * $17,968 Median Starting Salary $52,021
#5 #5 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Lee University Cleveland, TN Annually, Lee University grants around 86 degrees to those studying Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, the school’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Psychology, General, Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, Business Administration and Management, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 72% Annual Degrees Awarded 43 SAT Score 1,040–1,240 Est. Net Price * $20,222 Median Starting Salary $50,927
#6 #6 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Calvary University Kansas City, MO At Calvary University, the most popular majors students pursue are Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, Business Administration and Management, General, and Pastoral Studies/Counseling....view more Acceptance Rate 71% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 SAT Score 900–1,160 Est. Net Price * $12,860 Median Starting Salary $49,313
#7 #7 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Marion, IN At Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Elementary Education and Teaching, Psychology, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 82% Annual Degrees Awarded 16 SAT Score 980–1,210 Est. Net Price * $23,364 Median Starting Salary $48,636
#8 #8 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. North Central University Minneapolis, MN Each year, North Central University grants about 15 degrees to those majoring in Business Administration and Management, General, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Elementary Education and Teaching, Bible/Biblical Studies, and Social Work....view more Acceptance Rate 91% Annual Degrees Awarded 11 SAT Score 970–1,180 Est. Net Price * $23,694 Median Starting Salary $53,236
#9 #9 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Liberty University Lynchburg, VA At Liberty University, the three most popular college majors students study are Business Administration and Management, General, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, Psychology, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 99% Annual Degrees Awarded 20 SAT Score 1,060–1,290 Est. Net Price * $29,692 Median Starting Salary $47,885
#10 #10 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Oral Roberts University Tulsa, OK At Oral Roberts University, the most popular majors students pursue are Divinity/Ministry, Psychology, General, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. In fact, Oral Roberts University awards 53 degrees every year to Divinity/Ministry majors....view more Acceptance Rate 99% Annual Degrees Awarded 12 SAT Score 1,110–1,270 Est. Net Price * $24,347 Median Starting Salary $49,719
#11 #11 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. The King's University Southlake, TX At The King's University, the most popular majors students pursue are Pastoral Studies/Counseling, Theology and Religious Vocations, Other, and Theology/Theological Studies. In fact, The King's University grants 8 degrees per year to Pastoral Studies/Counseling majors....view more Acceptance Rate 100% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 870–1,130 Est. Net Price * $23,878 Median Starting Salary $50,472
#12 #12 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Johnson University Knoxville, TN Every year, Johnson University awards around 38 degrees to students studying Divinity/Ministry, the institution’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Business Administration and Management, General, Psychology, General, History, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 54% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 980–1,160 Est. Net Price * $20,713 Median Starting Salary $51,966
#13 #13 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Lancaster Bible College Capital Seminary & Graduate School Lancaster, PA At Lancaster Bible College Capital Seminary & Graduate School, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Bible/Biblical Studies, Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other, and Elementary Education and Teaching....view more Acceptance Rate 95% Annual Degrees Awarded 9 SAT Score 1,080–1,260 Est. Net Price * $22,872 Median Starting Salary $51,728
#14 #14 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Maranatha Baptist University Watertown, WI Every year, Maranatha Baptist University awards around 21 degrees to those studying Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General, the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 71% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 SAT Score 1,010–1,270 Est. Net Price * $26,001 Median Starting Salary $51,275
#15 #15 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. The Master's University and Seminary Santa Clarita, CA At The Master's University and Seminary, the three most popular college majors students study are Business Administration and Management, General, Theology/Theological Studies, Marketing, and Other....view more Acceptance Rate 76% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 1,020–1,260 Est. Net Price * $33,463 Median Starting Salary $52,882
#16 #16 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Dallas Christian College Dallas, TX At Dallas Christian College, the three most popular college majors students study are Psychology, General, Business/Commerce, General, and Bible/Biblical Studies. In fact, Dallas Christian College grants 11 degrees every year to graduating Psychology, General students....view more Acceptance Rate 84% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 750–1,110 Est. Net Price * $22,463 Median Starting Salary $51,757
#17 #17 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Taylor University Upland, IN Each year, Taylor University awards about 37 degrees to students studying Elementary Education and Teaching, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Business Administration and Management, General, Cinematography and Film/Video Production, Psychology, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 76% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,100–1,360 Est. Net Price * $25,698 Median Starting Salary $54,017
#18 #18 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Arlington Baptist University Arlington, TX At Arlington Baptist University, the most popular majors students pursue are General Studies, Pastoral Studies/Counseling, Business/Commerce, and General. In fact, Arlington Baptist University awards 10 degrees per year to graduating General Studies students....view more Acceptance Rate -- Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $26,503 Median Starting Salary $53,430
#19 #19 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio, TX Every year, the University of the Incarnate Word awards about 118 degrees to those majoring in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 93% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score 910–1,150 Est. Net Price * $21,246 Median Starting Salary $48,924
#20 #20 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Southern Nazarene University Bethany, OK Every year, Southern Nazarene University grants about 76 degrees to those studying Business Administration and Management, General, the school’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Organizational Behavior Studies, General Studies, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse....view more Acceptance Rate -- Annual Degrees Awarded 5 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $19,825 Median Starting Salary $50,493
#21 #21 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Crown College Saint Bonifacius, MN Annually, Crown College awards about 17 degrees to those studying Religious Education, the institution’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Business Administration and Management, General, Counseling Psychology, and International/Global Studies....view more Acceptance Rate 63% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 970–1,150 Est. Net Price * $27,196 Median Starting Salary $52,927
#22 #22 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Oklahoma Baptist University Shawnee, OK Annually, Oklahoma Baptist University grants around 38 degrees to students studying Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Elementary Education and Teaching, Physical Therapy/Therapist, and Exercise Physiology....view more Acceptance Rate 56% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,040–1,290 Est. Net Price * $25,099 Median Starting Salary $51,451
#23 #23 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Belton, TX Every year, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor awards about 165 degrees to students studying Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, the institution’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Clinical Psychology, Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other, and General Studies....view more Acceptance Rate 95% Annual Degrees Awarded 5 SAT Score 990–1,220 Est. Net Price * $29,904 Median Starting Salary $50,903
#24 #24 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Welch College Gallatin, TN At Welch College, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Business Administration and Management, General, Bible/Biblical Studies, and Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology....view more Acceptance Rate -- Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $19,214 Median Starting Salary $52,125
#25 #25 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Spring Arbor University Spring Arbor, MI Every year, Spring Arbor University grants around 63 degrees to those majoring in Social Work, the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Nursing Administration, Business Administration and Management, General, and Operations Management and Supervision....view more Acceptance Rate 38% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 940–1,170 Est. Net Price * $21,720 Median Starting Salary $51,365
#26 #26 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Southwestern Assemblies of God University Waxahachie, TX Annually, Southwestern Assemblies of God University awards around 59 degrees to those majoring in Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other, which is the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 84% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 930–1,110 Est. Net Price * $19,834 Median Starting Salary $50,559
#27 #27 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. University of Valley Forge Phoenixville, PA At the University of Valley Forge, the most popular majors students pursue are Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, Divinity/Ministry, and Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology....view more Acceptance Rate 78% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 840–1,100 Est. Net Price * $27,854 Median Starting Salary $51,250
#28 #28 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Spurgeon College Kansas City, MO At Spurgeon College, the most popular majors students pursue are Bible/Biblical Studies, Divinity/Ministry, and Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology. In fact, Spurgeon College awards 36 degrees per year to Bible/Biblical Studies majors....view more Acceptance Rate 94% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,040–1,190 Est. Net Price * $25,380 Median Starting Salary $50,472
#29 #29 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Emmanuel University Franklin Springs, GA Each year, Emmanuel University grants around 43 degrees to those majoring in Business Administration and Management, General, the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 53% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 970–1,170 Est. Net Price * $19,006 Median Starting Salary $52,147
#30 #30 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. World Mission University Los Angeles, CA At World Mission University, the most popular majors students pursue are Pastoral Studies/Counseling, Nursing Science, and Bible/Biblical Studies. In fact, World Mission University grants 15 degrees annually to graduating Pastoral Studies/Counseling students....view more Acceptance Rate 80% Annual Degrees Awarded 15 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $16,598 Median Starting Salary $50,472
#31 #31 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Universidad Teologica del Caribe Trujillo Alto, PR Every year, Universidad Teologica del Caribe grants about 34 degrees to students majoring in Theology/Theological Studies, the school’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Pastoral Studies/Counseling, Bible/Biblical Studies, and Religious Education....view more Acceptance Rate -- Annual Degrees Awarded 16 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $11,987 Median Starting Salary $50,472
#32 #32 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. RCCGNA Seminary Greenville, TX Acceptance Rate 92% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $0 Median Starting Salary $0
#33 #33 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Family of Faith Christian University Shawnee, OK At Family of Faith Christian University, only one major is offered: Pastoral Studies/Counseling....view more Acceptance Rate 100% Annual Degrees Awarded 5 SAT Score 650–730 Est. Net Price * $11,252 Median Starting Salary $50,472
#34 #34 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Pacific Rim Christian University Honolulu, HI At Pacific Rim Christian University, the most popular majors students study are Pastoral Studies/Counseling, Theology/Theological Studies, and Christian Studies. In fact, Pacific Rim Christian University grants 6 degrees every year to Pastoral Studies/Counseling majors....view more Acceptance Rate 60% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $22,668 Median Starting Salary $50,472
#35 #35 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Universidad Pentecostal Mizpa Rio Piedras, PR Annually, Universidad Pentecostal Mizpa awards around 6 degrees to students studying Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other, the school’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Pastoral Studies/Counseling, Bible/Biblical Studies, and Religious Education....view more Acceptance Rate -- Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $5,607 Median Starting Salary $47,232
#36 #36 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Boise Bible College Boise, ID Annually, Boise Bible College grants around 3 degrees to those majoring in Pastoral Studies/Counseling, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Religious/Sacred Music, Theological and Ministerial Studies, and Other....view more Acceptance Rate 96% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 920–1,200 Est. Net Price * $14,639 Median Starting Salary $52,462
#37 #37 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Manna University Fayetteville, NC Every year, Manna University grants about 7 degrees to those majoring in Divinity/Ministry, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Pastoral Studies/Counseling, Christian Studies, and Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology....view more Acceptance Rate 100% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $16,384 Median Starting Salary $50,472
#38 #38 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Central Christian College of the Bible Moberly, MO Every year, Central Christian College of the Bible grants about 8 degrees to students majoring in Theology and Religious Vocations, Other, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Divinity/Ministry, Pastoral Studies/Counseling, and Religious Education....view more Acceptance Rate 21% Annual Degrees Awarded 5 SAT Score 890–1,070 Est. Net Price * $13,695 Median Starting Salary $51,169
#39 #39 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Union Bible College Westfield, IN At Union Bible College, the most popular majors students pursue are Bible/Biblical Studies, Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, and Pastoral Studies/Counseling. In fact, Union Bible College grants 3 degrees annually to graduating Bible/Biblical Studies students....view more Acceptance Rate 87% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $8,872 Median Starting Salary $53,411
#40 #40 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary Charlotte, NC At Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary, only three majors are offered: Bible/Biblical Studies, Urban Ministry, and Pastoral Studies/Counseling....view more Acceptance Rate -- Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $0 Median Starting Salary $50,472
#41 #41 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S. Kansas Christian College Overland Park, KS At Kansas Christian College, the most popular majors students study are Organizational Leadership, Bible/Biblical Studies, Business Administration and Management, and General. In fact, Kansas Christian College grants 9 degrees every year to Organizational Leadership majors....view more Acceptance Rate -- Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score -- Est. Net Price * $15,996 Median Starting Salary $50,472
*The estimated net prices above are College Raptor’s estimate. Please contact the college financial aid office for actual net cost figures.

About Pastoral Studies/Counseling

A program that focuses on the theory and principles of pastoral care and prepares ordained clergy to provide non-clinical pastoral counseling to individuals and groups. Includes instruction in pastoral leadership, counseling psychology; crisis intervention; individual and group procedures; theological and spiritual counseling; pastoral care; and applications to specific types of ministry.

California grants the most Bachelors degrees in Pastoral Studies/Counseling of all US states with 56 degrees being granted last year. Students wanting to major in Pastoral Studies/Counseling can expect about 42% percent of their classmates to be women and 58% percent of their classmates to be male. Most students graduating in this field earn a Masters degree. The average starting salary for a graduate with a bachelor's degree in Pastoral Studies/Counseling is $32,900.

Popularity of Pastoral Studies/Counseling Degrees in the U.S.

This heat map represents the states that have the highest percent of Pastoral Studies/Counseling degrees compared to all other degrees awarded in that state.

Less Popular

More Popular

Careers

Some top careers related to Pastoral Studies/Counseling, include Clergy and Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other, both of which have many employment opportunities. Yet there are jobs that pay more, like Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary. the most in-demand position for Pastoral Studies/Counseling majors is Directors, Religious Activities and Education.

Top Paying Careers

These are the highest paying careers for Pastoral Studies/Counseling majors.

Most In-Demand Careers

These are the careers in highest demand for Pastoral Studies/Counseling majors.

Student Demographics

Total Students

353

Female Students

149 (42%)

Male Students

204 (57%)

Resources for:

Articles

Resources for:

Pastoral Studies/Counseling

#1 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

94%

33

930–1,110

$23,311

$51,346

#2 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

98%

36

980–1,180

$23,950

$49,707

#3 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

--

11

--

$21,138

$52,993

#4 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

98%

11

990–1,190

$17,968

$52,021

#5 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

72%

43

1,040–1,240

$20,222

$50,927

#6 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

71%

7

900–1,160

$12,860

$49,313

#7 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

82%

16

980–1,210

$23,364

$48,636

#8 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

91%

11

970–1,180

$23,694

$53,236

#9 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

99%

20

1,060–1,290

$29,692

$47,885

#10 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

99%

12

1,110–1,270

$24,347

$49,719

#11 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

100%

8

870–1,130

$23,878

$50,472

#12 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

54%

8

980–1,160

$20,713

$51,966

#13 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.

95%

9

1,080–1,260

$22,872

$51,728

#14 Best College for Pastoral Studies/Counseling in the U.S.