Aspiring Christian counselors usually must have a master's degree in Christian or pastoral counseling in addition to several years of supervised counseling experience. Master's degree programs usually include 48 to 60 credit hours and allow students to combine modern psychological counseling approaches with Christian principles. Students also usually must complete a research thesis. Some Christian counselor training program students choose to focus on one of several areas in the field such as childhood counseling, mental health or substance abuse. To get into a master's degree program, students usually need a bachelor's degree in theology, human services, psychology, social work or a related field.
Doctoral programs in pastoral counseling prepare Christian counselors for teaching, supervisory or research-based positions. These programs usually include 30 to 60 credit hours and combine research studies with clinical psychological and counseling experience, according to Pillsbury College and Seminary in Missouri. Some theological institutions actually offer dual programs for students who are interested in earning both a master's and doctoral degree in pastoral counseling. Through these programs, students learn advanced research methodologies in pastoral counseling. Students might be required to complete a doctoral dissertation based on independent research as well.
Courses in Christian counselor certification training programs cover topics such as Bible interpretation, family systems therapy and Christian values. Students also learn theories of personality and individual and group psychological assessment. Training programs additionally cover ethical and theological issues in counseling, psychological objectivity and research in counseling and psychology.
Christian counselor certification training programs prepare individuals to be licensed by their states as a professional or mental health counselors. Although state licensure requirements vary, most counselors must have a master's degree in counseling and a minimum of two years of clinical counseling experience. They also must pass a state-administered counseling exam and complete continuing education requirements to stay licensed. The National Board for Certified Counselors additionally grants voluntary certification to individuals who pass an exam. Sometimes this certification can be used in place of a state license.
With Christian counselor certification training, individuals can work with church ministries and religious groups to help assess and treat individuals, families and groups. Churches and religious organizations such as the American Association of Christian Counselors and the National Christian Counselors Association additionally hold workshops and seminars designed for Christian counselors. In addition, Christian counselors can enroll in a pastoral counseling graduate certificate program, which usually requires 18 to 30 credits and can be completed in one to two semesters. These programs address advanced topics in Christian counseling.