Columbia International University Online Master’s & PhD in Counseling
Columbia International University offers online graduate counseling programs, including a 39-credit master of arts degree in care and counseling for non-clinical ministry roles, a 60-credit CACREP-accredited master of arts degree in clinical counseling for professional licensure, and a 60-credit PhD in counselor education and supervision for leadership in teaching, research, and supervision.
All programs blend a biblical worldview with counseling training through flexible online and residential delivery options. Students complete required campus residencies for skill-building. Students in the MA in clinical counseling program attend two four to five-day visits. PhD students complete three summer residencies plus an optional fourth. Programs include hands-on practicum and internship requirements. They focus on holistic care that addresses relational, emotional, spiritual, and mental health needs across ministry, clinical, and leadership settings.
The programs emphasize Christ-centered approaches to ethics, multicultural competence, trauma care, human growth, and professional identity formation. They prepare students for either non-clinical service or licensure pathways. Faculty mentorship supports personal and spiritual growth alongside clinical and academic excellence in diverse career environments from churches to mental health agencies.
The non-licensure MA in care and counseling program equips students for short-term pastoral counseling in churches or nonprofits, focusing on life-adjustment issues through biblical-theological and psychological approaches. Key courses include brief counseling theories and skills; care and counseling techniques; foundations of growth and development; theology and ethics; foundations of internships; and two focused internships. The program also has two specialization options in marriage and family care and mission care.
The CACREP-accredited MA in clinical counseling program prepares Licensed Professional Counselor Associates (LPC/A) in South Carolina with 700 clinical hours (100 practicum, 600 internship) for mental health practice. Courses cover counseling theory; psychopathology; advanced counseling technique and practicum; two internships, plus electives like addictive behaviors or family therapy.
The PhD in counselor education and supervision trains experienced counselors to move into roles such as counselor educator, clinical supervisor, researcher, and program leader. The program uses online courses with three short, focused residencies to build advanced skills in teaching, leadership, supervision, and research from a biblical worldview. Students complete coursework in areas like advanced counseling theories, clinical supervision and consultation; multicultural counseling; program evaluation, leadership, and publications; and teaching in counselor education, followed by internships in teaching and supervision and a multi-course dissertation sequence leading to an original research project.
Admission to the MA in care and counseling requires an online application and fee, a clear affirmation of Christian faith and agreement with the university’s statement of faith, official transcripts for completed degrees with at least a 2.5 grade point average, an essay of about 800 words, and a reference from a church leader. Admission to the MA in clinical counseling adds higher academic expectations, including a 3.0 grade point average, an introductory psychology course, a professional or professor reference, a resume or curriculum vitae, and a formal interview after application review.
The PhD program expects a licensure track master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field with at least 48 graduate credits, a minimum 3.5 grade point average, at least one year of experience in a mental health setting, three references, a detailed resume or curriculum vitae, a substantial research paper or thesis, an essay and research proposal, and a successful interview with the admissions committee, along with a demonstrated ability to study online and attend required residencies.
Columbia International University, founded in 1923, is a private Christian university located in Columbia, South Carolina. The university holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It also carries accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and the Commission on Accreditation of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). The MA in clinical counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
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MA – Care & Counseling
MA – Clinical Counseling
Ph.D. – Counselor Education & Supervision
7435 Monticello RdColumbia, South Carolina
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Spiritual Counseling
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
39
January, August
Complete in as few as 3 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
2.5
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
39
$550.00
$21,450.00
$550.00
$21,450.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Yes
0 – None required; students may take all courses either online or in person, as desired.
60
January, August
Complete in as few as 3 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
60
$625.00
$37,500.00
$625.00
$37,500.00
Program Essentials
Doctoral Degree
Counseling: Education & Supervision
No
3 – Students are required to attend 3-one-week residencies, one per summer, with an optional fourth writing intensive residency the final summer of dissertation
60
August
Complete in as few as 3 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.5
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
60
$625.00
$37,500.00
$625.00
$37,500.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Farheen Gani
WriterFarheen Gani has researched degree programs and salaries in counseling since 2020. She has written about topics such as genetic counselor salaries and family and human development bachelor’s degrees. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.