The Certificate in Pastoral Counseling is designed to provide supplemental education for baccalaureate degreed professionals in the behavioral sciences, and also to provide other non-behavioral health graduates the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of existing knowledge within the discipline of psychology.

Specifically, this graduate certificate explores vital ethical, cultural, and professional topics of interest to those who want to work to develop a deeper understanding of theories within pastoral counseling. While pursuing the CPPC, learners are exposed to theoretical models and psychological concepts, supported by industry-relevant scientific research.

Quick Facts:

  • Credits required: 18
  • Cost per credit: $545
  • Program length: 1 year  (full-time status)

Time to certificate completion can be shortened by accelerating completion of courses and through credits accepted in transfer.

Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

What you’ll study

Promote the integration of practical psychological experience with formal academic learning.

Foster growth in intellectual accomplishment and an opportunity to develop an executive level perspective on practices in the behavioral sciences.

Promote the acquisition of psychological concepts, principles, standards, and processes as it relates to the behavioral sciences.

Encourage legal and ethical behavior as it relates to the behavioral sciences.

Encourage ethical behavior in regards to information technology skills as it applies to mental health environments.

Promote the analysis and evaluation of information critically and effectively.

Foster the integration of multicultural awareness of human diversity as it relates to the behavioral sciences.

Potential career paths may be found in the following industries:

Faith-based social services and support

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement.

Certificate in Pastoral Counseling Requirements

Certificate Requirements Credits
Required Core Courses 18
TOTAL FOR THE CPPC 18

Courses + Credits

CalSouthern’s Certificate in Pastoral Counseling is an 18-credit program comprised of the following six (6) required courses:

Required Core Courses

  • PSY 7541 Psychology of Religion — 3-credits
  • PSY 6801 Therapeutic Boundaries — 3-credits
  • PSY 6509 Systems of Family Therapy — 3-credits
  • PSY 7507 Advanced Human Sexuality — 3-credits
  • PSY 7517 Psychology of Aging — 3-credits
  • PSY 7533 Psychology of Death and Dying — 3-credits

Download the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.

I had a wonderful experience and loved the flexibility of the program. I could go at my own pace, was able to work ahead when I needed to, and to take extra time when I needed to. The faculty mentors were fantastic and very helpful and inspiring. I feel like I got an excellent education for an affordable price and I appreciate everything that it brought to my life.

– Jinxi C., School of Behavioral Sciences, 2020

Ready to pursue your educational goals? We can help!

Contact us to learn more about our online Certificate in Pastoral Counseling program.

Call us at: 1.800.477.2254 | Email: admissions@calsouthern.edu

Accreditation

California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. CalSouthern does not accept applications from residents of Massachusetts, New York, and certain foreign countries.

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