by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 105 U.S. colleges awarded 1,285 degrees and certificates in Pastoral Studies/Counseling. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 58% of graduates. College Factual ranks 32 schools in its 2027 Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $37,962 one year after completing, rising to $45,950 after four years.
A major in Pastoral Studies/Counseling involves the study of Pastoral Studies/counseling. A Program That Focuses On The Theory And Principles Of Pastoral Care And Prepares Ordained Clergy To Provide Non-Clinical Pastoral Counseling To Individuals And Groups. Includes Instruction In Pastoral Leadership, Counseling Psychology; Crisis Intervention; Individual And Group Procedures; Theological And Spiritual Counseling; Pastoral Care; And Applications To Specific Types Of Ministry. Examples: [Christian Counseling].
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, pastoral studies/counseling draws strong interest, with 1,285 degrees awarded annually. 105 colleges award pastoral studies/counseling degrees, an average of 12 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 84.
By level, the 1,285 awards include 54 certificates, 91 associate degrees, 319 bachelor’s degrees, 746 master’s degrees and 75 doctorates.
Women earned 43% of pastoral studies/counseling degrees and certificates in the latest year (557 of 1,285). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (674) and Hispanic or Latino (215), and international students earned 52.
College Factual ranks 32 schools in its 2027 Best Pastoral Studies/Counseling Schools ranking, including 3 for associate degrees, 9 for bachelor’s degrees, 20 for master’s degrees and 3 for doctorates. It also ranks pastoral studies/counseling schools within 13 states. In all, 105 colleges offer pastoral studies/counseling programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Pastoral Studies/Counseling Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common pastoral studies/counseling credential is the master’s degree: 746 of the 1,285 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to pastoral studies/counseling call most for Reading Comprehension, Speaking and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Philosophy and Theology, English Language and Education and Training, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Speech Clarity and Written Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a pastoral studies/counseling degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 54 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 91 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 319 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 746 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 75 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to pastoral studies/counseling, at 57.8%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 57.8% |
| Master’s degree | 13.3% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 10.8% |
| Post-doctoral training | 9.8% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.8% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.5% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.5% |
| Some college courses | 0.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
6 occupations are related to Pastoral Studies/Counseling, with an average median salary of $67,020; the strongest outlook belongs to Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other, at 13.1% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Religious Educator, Religion Instructor, Adjunct Professor and Theology Teacher.
The occupation related to pastoral studies/counseling with the most projected jobs is Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,031,835.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,031,835 | 3.7% |
| Religious Workers, All Other | 258,483 | -1.4% |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education | 239,121 | -2.3% |
| Counselors, All Other | 229,390 | 4.5% |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | 38,623 | 13.1% |
| Clergy | 33,072 | -3.3% |
Pastoral Studies/Counseling graduates earn a median $37,962 one year after completing their program, $45,950 after four years and $44,763 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $37,962 |
| 4 years | $45,950 |
| 5 years | $44,763 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to pastoral studies/counseling is Counselors, All Other, with a median salary of $81,766.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Counselors, All Other | $81,766 |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | $75,358 |
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $71,584 |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $64,599 |
| Religious Workers, All Other | $58,956 |
| Clergy | $49,854 |
Pastoral Studies/Counseling has 6 similar majors in the Theology & Religious Vocations field, which together award 1,711 degrees a year; the largest are Lay Ministry (673), Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other (596) and Youth Ministry (256). Browse all Theology & Religious Vocations majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Lay Ministry | 673 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other | 596 |
| Youth Ministry | 256 |
| Women’s Ministry | 83 |
| Chaplain/Chaplaincy Studies | 61 |
| Urban Ministry | 42 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
