Master's in Christian Ministry and Leadership (Pastoral Care & Counseling)

Biola University, stands as a distinguished private Christian institution located in La Mirada, California. Committed to integrating faith with education, Biola offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning diverse disciplines such as theology, arts, sciences, business, and health sciences. At Biola University, the fusion of rigorous academics and Christian values is at the heart of its mission. The campus provides a nurturing environment where students can engage in intellectual inquiry while deepening their spiritual understanding. With a dedicated faculty, a commitment to service, and a strong sense of community, Biola equips students with the knowledge, character, and ethical foundation necessary to excel in their chosen careers and make a meaningful impact in the world. Through its distinctive approach to education, Biola University prepares graduates to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and service, guided by their faith.

The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Leadership with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling is a professional degree program that prepares you to serve the pastoral needs of people in various ministry settings, including church, parachurch or missions organizations. Through this program — offered on campus or in a hybrid format with up to half the coursework available online — you will be equipped with practical training in care and counseling, undergirded by a biblical and theological education. You’ll learn how to wisely and ethically care for people dealing with common pastoral needs, including spiritual wounds, emotional pain, family challenges and mental illnesses, and develop a sense of when to refer individuals to professional help. This degree is geared to those who desire training to provide pastoral care and counseling in their place of ministry, but desire a program that is focused on preparing for vocational ministry instead of the more intensive training involved with becoming a licensed therapist through a marriage and family therapy program or a doctoral program in clinical psychology.