Best institutions to study Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Any instructional program in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries not listed above.
57 U.S. institutions graduated 594 Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 39.0799, a specialization of Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (CIP 39.07), and leads most directly to the Directors, Religious Activities and Education occupation (BLS SOC 21-2021).
About Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries programs
Any instructional program in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries not listed above.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries program focuses on equipping students with the skills necessary to provide spiritual guidance and support within various community settings. It is designed for individuals interested in pursuing careers in religious education, counseling, and community service, emphasizing the integration of theology and practical counseling techniques.
Students in this program develop essential skills in speaking, active listening, and critical thinking, while gaining knowledge in philosophy, psychology, and therapy. Coursework typically covers topics such as religious education, counseling strategies, and community service practices.
Credentials awarded
What Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree240 graduates / yr · 25 institutions40%
- Bachelor's degree187 graduates / yr · 25 institutions32%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate50 graduates / yr · 7 institutions8.4%
- Doctor's degree - other39 graduates / yr · 5 institutions6.6%
- Associate's degree20 graduates / yr · 4 institutions3.4%
- Award of less than 12 weeks20 graduates / yr · 1 institution3.4%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year16 graduates / yr · 3 institutions2.7%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice8 graduates / yr · 2 institutions1.3%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship8 graduates / yr · 4 institutions1.3%
- Post-master's certificate6 graduates / yr · 2 institutions1.0%
Graduates over time
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 368 |
| 2013 | 398 |
| 2014 | 427 |
| 2015 | 447 |
| 2016 | 471 |
| 2017 | 474 |
| 2018 | 488 |
| 2019 | 473 |
| 2020 | 528 |
| 2021 | 603 |
| 2022 | 830 |
| 2023 | 899 |
| 2024 | 675 |
| 2025 | 594 |
Top 50 institutions for Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ozark Christian College Joplin, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sAssociate's | 76 | 64% | $17,334 | — |
| 2 | The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, KYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoralDoctoral | 56 | 40% | — | — |
| 3 | Nelson University Waxahachie, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 52 | 42% | $19,790 | $30,910 |
| 4 | Dallas Baptist University Dallas, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 37 | 57% | $29,227 | — |
| 5 | Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Wake Forest, NCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert.DoctoralDoctoral | 33 | 58% | $6,608 | — |
| 6 | The Master's University and Seminary Santa Clarita, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 24 | 68% | $30,641 | — |
| 7 | George Fox University Newberg, ORPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 24 | 72% | $26,564 | — |
| 8 | World Mission University Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 24 | 100% | $16,598 | — |
| 9 | New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary New Orleans, LAPrivate not-for-profitAward of less than 12 weeksDoctoralMaster's | 23 | 74% | — | — |
| 10 | Abilene Christian University Abilene, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 23 | 59% | $26,342 | — |
| 11 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 18 | 65% | $28,911 | $34,083 |
| 12 | Winebrenner Theological Seminary Findlay, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 15 | — | — | — |
| 13 | Olivet Nazarene University Bourbonnais, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 10 | 61% | $20,903 | — |
| 14 | Maranatha Baptist University Watertown, WIPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 9 | 64% | $25,239 | — |
| 15 | Garrett - Evangelical Theological Seminary Evanston, ILPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 8 | — | — | — |
| 16 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 8 | — | — | — |
| 17 | Emmaus Bible College Dubuque, IAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 83% | $13,586 | — |
| 18 | Martin Luther College New Ulm, MNPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 72% | $17,946 | — |
| 19 | Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, ARPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 61% | $21,322 | — |
| 20 | Loyola University Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 7 | 73% | $33,454 | — |
| 21 | Louisiana Christian University Pineville, LAPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 44% | $16,971 | — |
| 22 | Indiana Wesleyan University - Marion Marion, INPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 6 | 67% | $21,351 | $19,836 |
| 23 | North Central University Minneapolis, MNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 66% | $23,452 | $27,370 |
| 24 | Westminster Theological Seminary Glenside, PAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 6 | — | — | — |
| 25 | Milligan University Milligan, TNPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 6 | 63% | $19,143 | — |
| 26 | Nazarene Bible College Colorado Springs, COPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | — | — | — |
| 27 | Saint Meinrad School of Theology St. Meinrad, INPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 5 | — | — | — |
| 28 | Campbellsville University Campbellsville, KYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 42% | $18,824 | — |
| 29 | Lenoir - Rhyne University Hickory, NCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 5 | 48% | $23,920 | — |
| 30 | Cairn University - Langhorne Langhorne, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 5 | 60% | $28,320 | — |
| 31 | Columbia International University Columbia, SCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 5 | 47% | $21,361 | — |
| 32 | Lee University Cleveland, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 63% | $18,918 | $35,189 |
| 33 | University of Dallas Irving, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 5 | 73% | $20,960 | — |
| 34 | Universidad Teologica del Caribe Trujillo Alto, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 5 | 39% | $11,987 | — |
| 35 | Lancaster Bible College Lancaster, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 67% | $21,399 | $35,286 |
| 36 | Regent University Virginia Beach, VAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 4 | 57% | $18,677 | $33,407 |
| 37 | Abilene Christian University - Undergraduate Online Addison, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | — | $14,012 | — |
| 38 | Denver Seminary Littleton, COPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 3 | — | — | — |
| 39 | Trinity International University - Illinois Deerfield, ILPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 3 | 46% | $20,539 | — |
| 40 | Malone University Canton, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 45% | $21,492 | — |
| 41 | John Brown University Siloam Springs, ARPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 72% | $20,325 | $27,996 |
| 42 | Moody Bible Institute Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 2 | 62% | $24,848 | $35,426 |
| 43 | Bethel University Mishawaka, INPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 53% | $19,676 | $31,046 |
| 44 | Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary Elkhart, INPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 2 | — | — | — |
| 45 | Oak Hills Christian College Bemidji, MNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 23% | $25,057 | — |
| 46 | Cedarville University Cedarville, OHPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 2 | 73% | $22,701 | — |
| 47 | Kairos University Sioux Falls, SDPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 2 | — | — | — |
| 48 | Universidad Pentecostal Mizpa Rio Piedras, PRPrivate not-for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's | 2 | 15% | $5,607 | — |
| 49 | Family of Faith Christian University Shawnee, OKPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 2 | — | — | — |
| 50 | California Prestige University Santa Fe Springs, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 2 | — | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries field (CIP 39.07) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 23 states & territories
Where Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries graduates come from. Each state links to all Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 21-2021, Directors, Religious Activities and Education, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries program can pursue careers as Directors of Religious Activities and Education, among other roles. With an average growth rate of 2.1% and approximately 13,800 annual job openings, the median wage for these positions is $54,840, typically requiring at least a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 39.0799
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Directors, Religious Activities and Educationprimary SOC 21-2021 | $52,100 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~13,800 | Bachelor's degree |
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other SOC 21-1099 | $56,730 | +4.6% About as fast as average | ~13,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Religious Workers, All Other SOC 21-2099 | $45,280 | +0.6% Little or no change | ~11,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Counselors, All Other SOC 21-1019 | $50,860 | +12.6% Much faster than average | ~7,400 | Master's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Develop or direct study courses or religious education programs within congregations.
- Identify and recruit potential volunteer workers.
- Select appropriate curricula or class structures for educational programs.
- Schedule special events, such as camps, conferences, meetings, seminars, or retreats.
- Counsel individuals regarding interpersonal, health, financial, or religious problems.
- Collaborate with other ministry members to establish goals and objectives for religious education programs or to develop ways to encourage program participation.
Tools and technology used
Other Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries specializations
The 6 other 6-digit CIP codes under Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (CIP 39.07).
- Pastoral Studies/CIP 39.0701
Counseling 1,283 graduates / yr105 institutions - Lay MinistryCIP 39.0705672 graduates / yr50 institutions
- Youth MinistryCIP 39.0702253 graduates / yr60 institutions
- Women's MinistryCIP 39.0704partial data83 graduates / yr7 institutions
- Chaplain/CIP 39.0706
Chaplaincy Studies 61 graduates / yr12 institutions - Urban MinistryCIP 39.0703partial data42 graduates / yr8 institutions
See all Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries programs →
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, or a Doctor's degree.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a Director of Religious Activities, Community Service Specialist, or Counselor.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with 2.1% growth and 13,800 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries?+
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries is CIP 39.0799 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (CIP 39.07). NCES defines it as: Any instructional program in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries not listed above.
How many institutions offer Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries programs?+
57 U.S. institutions reported Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 23 states & territories, awarding 594 credentials in the year. That is 19.9% of all Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries graduates.
How much do Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Directors, Religious Activities and Education occupation, which Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries most directly leads to, pays a median of $52,100 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries field report median earnings of $33,407 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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