Cornerstone Online Clinical & Christian Counseling Programs
- MA in Christian Counseling
- Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Addictions Counseling
- Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Christian Counseling
- Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Marriage & Family Therapy
- Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Trauma Counseling
Cornerstone University offers online counseling programs that integrate academic excellence with a strong biblical worldview. The university provides a master of arts (MA) in Christian counseling and a master of science (MS) in clinical mental health counseling with specialized concentrations in addictions counseling, trauma counseling, marriage and family therapy, and Christian counseling. Each program emphasizes Christ-centered service and practical preparation in counseling and ministry settings.
Both online counseling degrees are designed for flexibility and accessible learning anywhere in the country. Courses are taught by experienced faculty who combine professional expertise with Christian values. Students build knowledge in counseling theory, ethical standards, human development, psychopathology, trauma intervention, and mental health assessment, supported by practicum and internship experiences that provide real-world application of classroom learning. The programs prepare graduates to serve individuals, couples, families, and communities through evidence-based practice rooted in faith.
The MA in Christian counseling is a 36-credit online program designed for lay leaders, ministry professionals, and pastors seeking to integrate biblical truth with counseling practices. While it is a non-licensure program, it equips students with practical and spiritual skills to guide individuals and families through personal and relational challenges. Courses include Christian counseling techniques; introduction to marriage and family; Christian spiritual formation; and theology for counseling. Graduates are prepared for ministry-focused roles, such as pastoral counseling, chaplaincy, nonprofit program leadership, and other pastoral support positions.
The MS in clinical mental health counseling is a comprehensive, 60-credit online degree that prepares students for licensure as professional counselors in Michigan. It blends scientific theory, hands-on practical training, and biblical principles. The program includes two in-person residencies and supervised field experiences totaling 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours. Core courses include counseling theories; psychopathology and diagnosis; trauma-informed advocacy and crisis intervention; and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. Students can pursue one of four optional concentrations: addictions counseling, trauma counseling, marriage and family therapy, or Christian counseling, each of which provides specialized training for targeted client populations.
- Addictions counseling concentration: Focuses on treating substance use and dependency through courses such as clinical diagnosis and assessment of addiction and sociology of addictions.
- Trauma counseling concentration: Develops skills for addressing individual and collective trauma through courses like sociology of trauma, and trauma counseling and recovery.
- Marriage and family therapy concentration: Prepares students to counsel couples and families through courses like advanced marriage and couples therapy and advanced family therapy, offering a dual-licensure pathway in Michigan.
Christian counseling concentration: Equips graduates to integrate theology with professional counseling through courses at Cornerstone Theological Seminary, including Christian counseling philosophy, theology for counseling, and biblical hermeneutics.
Applicants to the MA in Christian counseling must submit an online application, official undergraduate transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.5, and one letter of recommendation from a ministry leader or mentor. Applicants to the MS in clinical mental health counseling must submit an online application and deposit, official transcripts verifying a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7, two recommendations, a current resume, and participate in a virtual interview with counseling faculty. Students whose primary language is not English must meet minimum TOEFL or IELTS requirements. Graduate entrance exams are not required for either program.
Cornerstone University, a private evangelical Christian university in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Cornerstone Theological Seminary, which houses the MA in Christian counseling, is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). The MS in clinical mental health counseling program meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Michigan and aligns with state and CACREP standards. Both programs reflect Cornerstone’s mission to equip students to serve Christ in the Church and the world with compassion and excellence.
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MA in Christian Counseling
Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Addictions Counseling
Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Christian Counseling
Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Marriage & Family Therapy
Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Trauma Counseling
1001 E Beltline Ave NEGrand Rapids, Michigan
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Spiritual Counseling
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
36
Spring, Spring II, Summer, Summer II, Fall, Fall II
Can be completed in 2 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
2.5
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
36
$565.00
$20,340.00
$565.00
$20,340.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
No
2 – Two in-person residencies required
60
Spring, Summer, Fall
Can be completed in 2.5 – 3 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
2.7
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
60
$565.00
$33,900.00
$565.00
$33,900.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Counseling: Substance Abuse & Addiction
No
2 – Two in-person residencies required
66
Spring, Summer, Fall
Can be completed in 2.5 – 3 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
2.7
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
66
$565.00
$37,290.00
$565.00
$37,290.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Counseling: Spiritual Counseling
No
2 – Two in-person residencies required
75
Spring, Summer, Fall
Can be completed in 3 – 3.5 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
2.7
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
75
$565.00
$42,375.00
$565.00
$42,375.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy
No
2 – Two in-person residencies required
75
Spring, Summer, Fall
Can be completed in 3 – 3.5 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
2.7
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
75
$565.00
$42,375.00
$565.00
$42,375.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
No
2 – Two in-person residencies required
66
Spring, Summer, Fall
Can be completed in 2.5 – 3 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
2.7
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
66
$565.00
$37,290.00
$565.00
$37,290.00
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.