Pastoral Care & Counseling

At Columbia International University, our Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care and Counseling prepares you to make a lasting impact in ministry by equipping you with both deep biblical-theological knowledge and hands-on counseling skills. Designed for those called to guide others through life’s emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges, this program trains you in pastoral care and counseling to serve effectively in churches, discipleship ministries, family and care ministries, para-church organizations, and cross-cultural settings. Through this program, you’ll gain the wisdom and tools needed to foster healing and transformation, applying gospel-centered care in any ministry God calls you to.

Our Master of Divinity program goes beyond academics—it immerses you in Scripture, helping you analyze and synthesize the themes of the Old and New Testaments while sharpening your ability to exegete and apply biblical truth to today’s world. You’ll grow in leadership, preaching, teaching, and pastoral care, all while addressing contemporary cultural and theological challenges. The Pastoral Care and Counseling emphasis integrates biblical wisdom with evidence-based counseling techniques, preparing you to provide compassionate, theologically sound care and counsel. Plus, a hands-on internship under expert faculty and in-the-field mentors ensures you graduate with real-world ministry experience, ready to step confidently into your calling.