<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>Liberty University's Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counseling program is designed to offer study in psychology, counseling, theology, and spiritual growth as well as help you develop an integrative understanding of these subjects. This program is presented entirely online. You will have the opportunity to learn how to take a spiritual approach to counseling by applying biblical knowledge and Christian perspectives. You could also study counseling theories, methods for integrating concepts in psychology and theology, and various approaches developed by leading Christian counselors. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>Students who are interested in applying to Liberty University's Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counseling program must have already earned their high school diploma or GED. You should also hold a bachelor's degree and possibly have a professional background in counseling or church ministry. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>You must complete three courses totaling nine credits to earn the Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counseling. Completion of these courses could satisfy some requirements of Liberty University's Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling program. </p> <p><u>Courses for a Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counseling</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Number</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td><b>Required Courses</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>PACO 500</td><td> Introduction to Pastoral Counseling</td></tr> <tr><td>PACO 506</td><td> Integration of Psychology and Theology</td></tr> <tr><td>PACO 507</td><td> Theology and Spirituality in Counseling</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>Once you have earned Liberty University's Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counseling, you may apply methods and techniques studied in the program to a new or current position in the field. You could explore opportunities working with senior pastors, chaplains, or counselors to provide support to congregational members seeking spiritual guidance or advice to cope with personal issues or crises. In many cases, however, a master's degree would be required to work in pastoral counseling. </p> <p>Positions you might pursue include: </p> <ul><li>Pastoral Assistant </li><li>Spiritual Care Coordinator </li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4> <p>After completing the Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counseling program, you might consider continuing your studies in Liberty University's Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling program. In some cases, a master's degree could be required to advance to directorial or executive positions or even to assume counseling responsibilities in churches or related settings. </p> <p>Other degrees include, but are not limited to: </p> <ul><li>Master of Arts in Counseling </li><li>Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling </li><li>Master of Arts in Christian Counseling</li></ul>