Explore how faith and counseling come together to support those in need. The M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling at FHU equips you to serve others with compassion, wisdom, and practical skills rooted in Scripture.
Graduate Studies:
College of Biblical Studies
Director of Graduate Theology:
Dr. Richard A. Brumback
Ph.D.
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Ryan Fraser
Ph.D.
The M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Freed-Hardeman University equips you to offer compassionate, informed support to those in need. With courses rooted in biblical principles and practical counseling methods, this program helps you care for others with greater confidence and clarity. Whether you’re serving in ministry, chaplaincy, or another role, FHU’s flexible online format and experienced faculty make it possible to grow your skills while continuing your current work.
Freed-Hardeman’s M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling uniquely blends biblical insight with practical training to prepare students for real-world ministry and pastoral care. Designed for ministers, chaplains, and church leaders, the program offers a flexible online format led by experienced faculty who understand both theology and counseling. With a strong emphasis on spiritual formation and relational skills, students learn to walk alongside others with wisdom, compassion, and confidence.
At Freed-Hardeman University, students enrolled in our M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling program can anticipate a comprehensive journey that gives them the necessary psychological and spiritual tools a minister needs to provide care and counseling to others within a ministry context.
| BIB | One (1) New Testament Text Course | 3 |
| BIB | One (1) Old Testament Text Course | 3 |
| BIB 525 | Communication in Ministry OR | 3 |
| BIB 555 | Contemporary Ethics | (3) |
| BIB 535 | Family Ministry | 3 |
| BIB 536 | Pastoral Counseling | 3 |
| BIB 545 | Spiritual Leadership | 3 |
| BIB 575 | Suffering and the Human Condition | 3 |
| BIB 565 | Internship | 6 |
| COU 505 | Life-Cycle Development OR | 3 |
| COU 535 | Ethical Issues in Counseling OR | (3) |
| COU 560 | Counseling Diverse Populations | (3) |
| COU 510 | Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy | 3 |
| COU 514 | Psychopathology I | 3 |
| COU 525 | Marriage and Family Counseling | 3 |
| COU 565 | Addictions Counseling OR | 3 |
| COU 570 | Crisis Counseling OR | (3) |
| COU 599D | Premarital Counseling | (3) |
| COU 599E | Grief Counseling | 3 |
| Next Start Dates: | January 21
(Apply by January 7) |
To be considered for admission into the M.A. Pastoral Care and Counseling program at FHU, please submit the following:
Simply put, you will be better equipped to serve in your role as a minister. The advanced knowledge you will receive combined with the mentorship provided by the faculty will transform you in ways you never thought possible!
A master’s degree in pastoral care and counseling can certainly make you more attractive to churches seeking to hire. However, the true impact is in the difference you can make with the knowledge and skills you receive from the program. The M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling program will make you a more effective minister, enabling you to lead others along their spiritual journeys and help them navigate difficult life circumstances.
The 48 credit hour Master’s in Pastoral Care and Counseling can be completed in as little as two years. However, you can pace yourself as you choose. You can finish quicker as a full-time student (9+ credit hours per semester) or you can slow it down and take 6 or less credit hours per semester.
We know pursuing a graduate degree can come with a significant cost investment. So, in an attempt to help you further your education without breaking the bank, we offer competitive scholarships to many of our students. If you’re interested, complete the online application as well as the scholarship application. Afterwards, the Director of the Graduate School of Theology will be in touch regarding your potential for a scholarship award.
