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Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling
This program prepares students to research and address the mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual growth needs of people in clinical, academic, organizational, and church or mission settings.
Solid biblical training from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience.
Pastoral Counseling is a specialized form of counseling that integrates psychological understanding with theological insights. Given the rise of mental and emotional stress in today’s society, a program in Pastoral Counseling can equip aspiring ministerial leaders to make a significant impact in their communities, especially when integrated with Manna University’s charismatic distinctives and spiritual goals.
Note: Completion of this degree program does not provide any clinical licensure or certifications.
Outcomes
- Educate (Integrated Counseling and Theological Knowledge): Students will have a comprehensive education in both counseling theories and theological principles, with a particular focus on the role of the Holy Spirit in counseling.Development: Enhance students' relationship with Jesus Christ and deepen their understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in counseling.
- Equip (Counseling Competencies and Social Skills): Students will have graduate-level counseling skills, emphasizing the development of emotional and social intelligence.
- Empower (Ministerial and Community Impact): Students will apply their counseling and theological knowledge in ministerial contexts such as church planting, church development, and chaplaincy.
Time & Cost
Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt.
This program requires 12 courses (or 36 credit hours), which can be completed within 3 years for full-time students. Courses are offered on-campus or online (can be entirely online). Manna U’s low tuition rates enable students to receive solid biblical training from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience and not be hindered financially.
Total Cost: $14,260
2025 - 2026 Graduate Tuition Rate
$350 per credit hour
Fees
- Application Fee: $50
- Technology Fee: $325 per trimester
- Graduation Fee: $225
Scholarships are available for students who do not use military education benefits or federal financial aid.
Courses
Full details can be found in the most recent academic catalog.
Graduate Orientation (0 Credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| MENG 500 | Graduate Student Orientation | 0 |
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling Courses (33 Credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| MBIB 602 | Biblical Ethics for Leadership | 3 |
| MCNS 501 | Issues for Pastoral Counseling | 3 |
| MCNS 504 | Counseling Theory & Practice | 3 |
| MCNS 505 | Counseling Cross-Culturally | 3 |
| MCNS 520 | Sexuality & Addictions Counseling | 3 |
| MCNS 602 | Gerontology & Grief Counseling | 3 |
| MCNS 603 | Counseling Ethics | 3 |
| MCNS 604 | Counseling Techniques & Treatment Strategies | 3 |
| MCNS 605 | Marriage & Family Counseling | 3 |
| MCNS 606 | Trauma & Crisis Counseling | 3 |
| MLEA 601 | Organizational Research & Analysis | 3 |
Graduate Pastoral Counseling Culminating Project (3 Credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| MBIB 620 | Culminating Project | 3 |
Admissions
To become a student at Manna U, follow these two steps:
1. Complete an application, which includes:
- A non-refundable application fee of $50 (linked to application)
- An essay, written by the applicant, of his/her conversion experience (300-600 words), in a format that is typed and double spaced, using 12 pt. font size;
- A Pastoral Reference* from the Pastor of the church that the applicant regularly attends;
- A Personal Reference* from someone who has known you for two years or more and is not related to you.
* Applicants will enter an email address for their selected references and a link to the online reference forms will be sent once the application is submitted.
In addition, Doctoral students require:
- At least three years of ministry experience and must hold an appropriate master’s degree plus no less than 15 credit hours in Bible or Theology from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university.
- Additionally, students will be interviewed by the Chief Academic Officer before acceptance.
2. Order your official high school, G.E.D., or previous college transcripts (minimum 2.0 GPA is preferred for Undergraduate Applicants, and a minimum 2.75 GPA is preferred for Graduate and Doctoral Applicants).
Note: official transcripts are sent directly from one school/college to another. You can arrange to have your transcripts sent electronically to registrar@manna.edu, or a paper copy can be sent to our mailing address:
Manna University
Attn: Registrar’s Office
439 Westwood Shopping Center
PMB 106
Fayetteville, NC 28314
All applicants applying for admission to one of Manna U’s graduate programs must submit official transcripts showing an earned undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent academic achievement approved by Manna U’s Academic Office. Students who plan to use military education benefits must submit transcripts from high school and all colleges attended.
Students who plan to use military education benefits must submit transcripts from high school and all colleges attended.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling does not grant licensure. A Master’s Degree is required to pursue licensure.
Deana's Story
Like most of today’s college students, Deana leads a busy life. Finding time for studies was a challenge on top of family, work, and serving in her local church, but she sensed the need to be more prepared for her calling.
“God is using Manna U to mold me into the strong elite spiritual warrior that is properly prepared for ministry.”
Effective Leaders Bring Lasting Impact
Jesus chose twelve leaders who were from differing backgrounds. Many religious leaders in that time would have overlooked them. Through teaching and training, He prepared them to lead a movement that changed the world. Whatever your call may be, training at Manna U can help you engage in this kind of transformational leadership.
