* Master's Degree: This is the most common degree for Christian counselors. A Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) or a Master of Divinity (MDiv) with a concentration in counseling typically takes 1-2 years of full-time study, or longer if studied part-time.
* Doctoral Degree: A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in counseling will take significantly longer, usually 3-7 years or more, depending on the program's requirements and the student's pace. This is generally for those pursuing advanced research or teaching positions.
* Certificate Programs: Some institutions offer shorter certificate programs in specific areas of Christian counseling. These can range from a few months to a year or more. These are usually supplementary to a master's degree or for those seeking specialized training.
It's important to note that many programs require supervised clinical experience (internship) as part of the degree requirements. The length of this internship varies by program but can significantly add to the overall time commitment. Therefore, the total time to become a practicing Christian counselor can be longer than the academic program length alone.