Master of Arts (M.A.) in Christian Education

Advance Your Calling in Christian Education and Biblical Counseling

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Christian Education and Counseling at Eldermont University is designed for educators, ministry leaders, and counselors who seek a deeper theological and practical foundation in faith-based education and biblical counseling. Whether you are called to teach, disciple, lead Christian institutions, or provide biblical guidance, this program equips you with the advanced knowledge, research skills, and applied biblical wisdom necessary for professional and ministry success.

Through our unique Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and Thesis-Based model, students earn 30 credits through PLA (recognizing their ministry, teaching, and counseling experience) and complete a 30-credit Master’s Thesis, demonstrating advanced research and application in Christian education or biblical counseling.

Program Features
✅ 100% Online, Self-Paced Format – Learn at your own schedule.
✅ Earn 30 Credits Through PLA – Get credit for prior teaching, ministry, or counseling experience.
✅ 30-Credit Master’s Thesis – Conduct original research in Christian education or biblical counseling.
✅ Faith-Based & Research-Driven Curriculum – Rooted in biblical truth and practical application.
✅ Accelerated Completion in as Little as 90 Days – Most students finish in 6-12 months.
✅ No Semester Deadlines – Progress at your own pace.

What Will You Study?
This program integrates theological insight, educational leadership, and biblical counseling strategies, preparing students to serve effectively in faith-based institutions, churches, and Christian counseling settings.
📖 Biblical Foundations for Education & Counseling – Understand Scripture’s role in teaching and counseling.
🛐 Christian Leadership & Administration – Develop strategic leadership skills for faith-based schools and ministries.
📚 Theology of Christian Counseling – Explore pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and faith-centered mental wellness.
🛠 Curriculum Design & Discipleship Training – Learn how to develop engaging, biblically sound educational materials.
✍ Ethics in Biblical Counseling – Examine ethical considerations in Christian counseling and pastoral care.
🗣 Effective Communication & Teaching – Master public speaking and instructional methods for Christian educators.

Degree Structure
The 60-credit program consists of:
📌 Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) – 30 Credits
Students can earn credit through a comprehensive PLA portfolio, including:
✅ Experience in Christian education, biblical counseling, ministry leadership, or faith-based administration.
✅ Previous work in teaching, discipleship, pastoral care, or mentoring.
✅ Completion of professional ministry certifications or counseling training.
✅ Published works, developed curricula, or leadership in faith-based education programs.
📢 PLA allows students to accelerate degree completion based on prior experience.
📌 Master’s Thesis – 30 Credits
Students complete an advanced research thesis in Christian education or counseling, demonstrating critical analysis and application of theological principles.

Career Paths with an M.A. in Christian Education and Counseling
Graduates are equipped for leadership roles in Christian education, biblical counseling, and ministry administration.
🏛 Christian School Administrator or Educator
🛐 Pastoral Counselor or Biblical Guidance Specialist
📚 Director of Christian Education or Discipleship Programs
🎓 Faith-Based Curriculum Developer
🤝 Marriage, Family, or Youth Counselor (Non-Licensed)
🌍 Missionary or Faith-Based Community Outreach Coordinator

📢 This degree does not lead to state licensure in counseling but is ideal for biblical counseling, pastoral care, and faith-based education roles.

Master’s Thesis – Your Research Focus
Students conduct independent research on a specialized topic in Christian education or biblical counseling, applying Scriptural principles to contemporary challenges.
Examples of Master’s Thesis Topics:
📝 Faith-Based Counseling Strategies for Anxiety and Depression
📝 The Role of Christian Schools in Spiritual Formation
📝 Biblical Models of Mentorship in Christian Leadership
📝 The Impact of Theological Education on Church Growth
📝 Pastoral Counseling and Emotional Healing: A Biblical Approach

📢 The Master’s Thesis positions graduates as experts in Christian education and counseling, equipping them for leadership and research roles.

Admission Requirements
📌 Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field (Theology, Ministry, Education, Counseling, etc.)
📌 Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Submission (Resume/CV + Supporting Documentation)
📌 Master’s Thesis Proposal Submission
📢 Eldermont University offers a streamlined admissions process and does not require standardized test scores.

Why Choose Eldermont University?
🌍 100% Online & Self-Paced – Study at your own pace, from anywhere.
📖 Faith-Centered & Research-Driven – Grounded in biblical truth and practical application.
✍ Thesis-Based Program – No traditional coursework, just impactful research.
🏛 Earn Credit for Ministry & Teaching Experience – Maximize PLA credits.
⏳ Flexible Completion Timeline – Graduate in 6-12 months, or accelerate to finish in as little as 90 days.

At Eldermont University, we prepare Christian educators, counselors, and leaders to teach, guide, and transform lives through biblical wisdom and academic excellence.

Take the Next Step in Your Christian Education & Counseling Journey
📌 Apply Now – Start your M.A. in Christian Education and Counseling today.
📌 Request More Information – Speak with an advisor about PLA + Thesis.
📌 Explore Our Programs – See how Eldermont University prepares leaders for faith-based education and counseling.