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2022 Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries

143 Colleges in the United States
1,068 Master's Degrees
$36,944 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you plan on getting your master's degree in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries, you won't be alone since the degree program is ranked #111 in the country in terms of popularity. As a result, there are many colleges that offer the degree, making your choice of school a hard one.

In 2022, College Factual analyzed 143 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 1,068 master's degrees in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries School for Your Master's Degree

Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries Your choice of school for getting your master's degree in pastoral counseling matters. We created our Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries ranking to make it a little easier to choose the right one for you.

A high popularity ranking isn't always a sign that a school has a great overall quality ranking for pastoral counseling and specialized ministries, but it does mean that many students are choosing the school for some reason. Sometimes this is because the school offers a great educational experience, it is a good value, or it is highly focused on the program.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Associate Degrees in Pastoral Counseling
Bachelor's Degrees in Pastoral Counseling
Doctor's Degrees in Pastoral Counseling
Overall Popularity in Pastoral Counseling

This is not our only ranking, nor the only degree level we have ranked. In addition to this ranking, you may want to take at the rankings for different degree levels as called out above. You can also narrow your search by location by filtering for a certain area of the country. Plus, you can view our other rankings for pastoral counseling and specialized ministries.

The following list ranks the most popular colleges and universities for pursuing a master's degree in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

21 Most Well Attended Schools for Pastoral Counseling Students Working on Their Master's

1
63 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In LA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is one of the most popular schools in the United States for getting a master's degree in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries. Located in the city of New Orleans, NOBTS is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were about 63 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries students who graduated with this degree at NOBTS in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

2
Andrews crest
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI
58 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MI
#1 Best Quality In MI

Any student pursuing a degree in a master's degree in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries has to check out Andrews University. Located in the town of Berrien Springs, Andrews is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries in Michigan.

There were about 58 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries students who graduated with this degree at Andrews in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Andrews University

3
55 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#1 Best Quality In TX

Dallas Theological Seminary is one of the most popular schools in the country for getting a master's degree in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries. DTS Dallas is a small private not-for-profit school located in the large city of Dallas. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries in Texas.

There were about 55 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries students who graduated with this degree at DTS Dallas in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Dallas Theological Seminary

4
54 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In PA
#3 Best Quality In PA

Westminster Theological Seminary is one of the most popular schools in the country for getting a master's degree in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries. Located in the large suburb of Glenside, Westminster Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school with a fairly small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for master's degrees in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries in Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 54 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries individuals who graduated with this degree at Westminster Theological Seminary in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Westminster Theological Seminary

5
39 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In GA
#2 Best Quality In GA

Located in the large suburb of Lithonia, Luther Rice is a private not-for-profit college with a fairly small student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for master's degrees in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries in Georgia.

There were roughly 39 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries students who graduated with this degree at Luther Rice in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their master's from the pastoral counseling program report average early career wages of $36,200.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Luther Rice College & Seminary

5
39 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In TX
#3 Best Quality In TX

DBU is a small private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Dallas. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for master's degrees in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries in Texas.

There were approximately 39 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries students who graduated with this degree at DBU in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their master's from the pastoral counseling program state that they receive average early career earnings of $34,100.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Dallas Baptist University

7
38 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MA
#1 Best Quality In MA

Located in the large suburb of South Hamilton, Gordon - Conwell Seminary is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries in Massachusetts.

There were about 38 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries students who graduated with this degree at Gordon - Conwell Seminary in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Gordon - Conwell Theological Seminary

8
37 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IL
#1 Best Quality In IL

Located in the large city of Chicago, Loyola Chicago is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries in Illinois.

There were about 37 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries individuals who graduated with this degree at Loyola Chicago in the most recent data year.

Master's graduates who receive their degree from the pastoral counseling program make an average of $36,800 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Loyola University Chicago

9
29 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In KY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type

SBTS is a small private not-for-profit school located in the large city of Louisville.

There were roughly 29 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries students who graduated with this degree at SBTS in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

10
28 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type

SEBTS is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Wake Forest.

There were approximately 28 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries students who graduated with this degree at SEBTS in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

11
22 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
#3 Best Quality In CA

The Master's University is a small private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Santa Clarita. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #3 in quality for master's degrees in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries in California.

There were approximately 22 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries individuals who graduated with this degree at The Master's University in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from The Master’s University and Seminary

11
Cornerstone crest
Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, MI
22 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In MI
#2 Best Quality In MI

Cornerstone is a small private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Grand Rapids. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for master's degrees in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries in Michigan.

There were approximately 22 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries students who graduated with this degree at Cornerstone in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Cornerstone University

13
21 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TN
#1 Best Quality In TN

Located in the city of Nashville, TNU is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries in Tennessee.

There were roughly 21 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries individuals who graduated with this degree at TNU in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Trevecca Nazarene University

13
21 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In PA
#2 Best Quality In PA

Located in the large suburb of Lancaster, Lancaster Bible College is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries in Pennsylvania.

There were roughly 21 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries individuals who graduated with this degree at Lancaster Bible College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Lancaster Bible College

13
World Mission University crest
World Mission University
Los Angeles, CA
21 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In CA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the city of Los Angeles, World Mission University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were approximately 21 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries students who graduated with this degree at World Mission University in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from World Mission University

16
19 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MD
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type

Loyola Maryland is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Baltimore.

There were about 19 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries individuals who graduated with this degree at Loyola Maryland in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Loyola University Maryland

17
17 Annual Master's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In CA
#1 Best Quality In CA

Vanguard is a small private not-for-profit university located in the medium-sized city of Costa Mesa. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries in California.

There were roughly 17 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries students who graduated with this degree at Vanguard in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Vanguard University of Southern California

17
17 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the city of Bronx, Fordham U is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population.

There were approximately 17 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries individuals who graduated with this degree at Fordham U in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Fordham University

19
16 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In TN
#3 Best Quality In TN

Located in the city of Cleveland, Pentecostal Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #3 in quality for master's degrees in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries in Tennessee.

There were about 16 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries individuals who graduated with this degree at Pentecostal Theological Seminary in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Pentecostal Theological Seminary

19
16 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IN
#1 Best Quality In IN

Grace College is a small private not-for-profit college located in the distant town of Winona Lake. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries in Indiana.

There were approximately 16 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries individuals who graduated with this degree at Grace College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Grace College and Theological Seminary

19
Gardner - Webb crest
Gardner - Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC
16 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the distant town of Boiling Springs, Gardner - Webb is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were about 16 pastoral counseling and specialized ministries individuals who graduated with this degree at Gardner - Webb in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in pastoral counseling and specialized ministries from Gardner - Webb University

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries students that almost earned our Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries award.

Rank College Location
26 Biola University La Mirada, CA
27 Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, CA
27 Bethel Seminary - San Diego San Diego, CA
22 Bethel University Minnesota Saint Paul, MN
22 Claremont School of Theology Claremont, CA
22 Seattle University Seattle, WA
22 Catholic Theological Union at Chicago Chicago, IL

Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries by Region

View the Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries is one of 7 different types of Theology & Religious Vocations programs to choose from.

Pastoral Counseling Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Pastoral Studies/Counseling 650
Lay Ministry 166
Other Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries 163
Youth Ministry 38
Chaplain/Chaplaincy Studies 27
Urban Ministry 22

Majors Similar to Pastoral Counseling

Related Major Annual Graduates
Theological & Ministerial Studies 10,027
Biblical Studies 774
Theology & Religious Vocations (Other) 579
Religious Education 506
Missionary Studies 332
Sacred Music 123
Religious Institution Administration and Law 18

Notes and References

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