California Southern University

Program Information

Degree Offered

Certificate in Pastoral Counseling

Format: Online

Program Description:

More and more churches are developing counseling programs to help and minister to the aged and disabled populations in their congregations and to provide grief counseling and other services to church members. CalSouthern’s pastoral counseling certificate is ideal for ministers, church staff, and members of the congregation who are interested in developing counseling expertise and increasing their skills.

Learners in the pastoral counseling certificate program will take six courses on compelling subjects including the psychology of aging, human sexuality, marriage and family systems, and the psychology of religion. You’ll also gain an appreciation for ethical issues such as the maintenance of therapeutic boundaries.

All certificate programs offered by CalSouthern are at the post-baccalaureate level, which means you need to have earned a bachelor’s degree to enroll. However, the degree does not have to be in psychology, which is great for lay people who are drawn to counseling, but have no prior academic experience in the field. And should you find your coursework rewarding, you can apply the credits you earn in the pastoral counseling certificate to a master’s degree at CalSouthern and continue in your studies.
When you enroll in the certificate program, you’ll join the CalSouthern community which is comprised of faculty, administration, and staff that are eager to provide you with all the guidance and support you need to earn your certificate and accomplish all your educational goals.

Accreditation:

California Southern University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council. The Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No