Master of Pastoral Studies and MS in Counseling
Loyola University, United States
Master of Pastoral Studies and Master of Science in Counseling (Dual Degree)
Loyola University New Orleans
Pastoral Studies & Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Program Overview: Dual MPS / MS in Counseling
The Master of Pastoral Studies and Master of Science in Counseling is a 78 credit hour dual degree program facilitated through both the Department of Counseling and the Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIM). Together, these two degrees provide a breadth and depth of expertise that enhances both counseling practice and pastoral work, equipping graduates to address the spiritual, emotional, and psychological needs of the individuals they serve.
Spiritual and religious issues frequently arise in counseling settings, making a thorough grounding in theology and hermeneutics essential for appreciating the religious traditions and spirituality of clients. Similarly, pastoral ministers often encounter complex personal situations that require well-developed professional counseling skills, making this dual degree uniquely valuable for those working at the intersection of faith and mental health.
Graduates of this joint degree program who subsequently become licensed as professional counselors are eligible to become certified as professional Pastoral Counselors by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. The counseling component is CACREP-accredited, and the program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Key Program Highlights
- CACREP-accredited counseling program with accreditation through March 2028
- Pathway to Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in Louisiana
- Eligibility for certification as a professional Pastoral Counselor through AAPC
- Flexible LIM coursework available online asynchronous, with counseling courses primarily in-person
Curriculum & Modules
The 78 credit hour dual degree curriculum integrates coursework from the Department of Counseling and the Loyola Institute for Ministry. Students are advised to register for CNSL A702 Research and Statistical Methods in Counseling within the first 12 hours of counseling coursework and to take LIM 703 Introduction to Practical Theology as early as possible. Upon completion, students are awarded two separate degrees: the MPS and the MS in Counseling.
Research and Statistical Methods in Counseling (CNSL A702)
3 CreditsFoundational course in research design and statistical analysis applied to counseling settings. Students develop competencies in evaluating and conducting research relevant to clinical practice.
Introduction to Practical Theology (LIM 703)
3 CreditsExplores the foundations of practical theology and its application to ministry and pastoral care. Students examine how theological reflection informs professional practice in diverse settings.
Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling (LIM 849)
3 CreditsIntegrates pastoral care principles with foundational counseling techniques. Students learn to provide spiritually sensitive support within various ministry and community contexts.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Core
48 CreditsComprehensive core coursework covering counseling theories, techniques, ethics, group counseling, assessment, psychopathology, human development, and multicultural counseling. Includes practicum and internship requirements.
Pastoral Studies Core
18 CreditsTheological and ministerial coursework providing biblical, theological, and spiritual grounding. Students choose concentration areas such as spirituality, youth ministry, or pastoral care.
Comprehensive Examination
0 CreditsAll counseling students must pass a comprehensive examination covering all coursework completed in the counseling program before being permitted to graduate.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to this dual degree program requires separate admission to both the Counseling and Loyola Institute for Ministry programs. The counseling faculty use a holistic admissions matrix that equally weighs GPA, test scores, references, interview performance, and writing samples to evaluate applicants. Reach out to Uni4Edu for personalized guidance through the application process.
Academic Requirements
- Prior EducationBachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- GPA Requirement3.0 GPA recommended; applicants below 3.0 may be required to submit GRE scores
- GRE ScoresWaived for applicants with 3.0+ GPA in last 60 undergraduate hours or a completed graduate degree; recommended combined score of 300+ if required
- InterviewIn-person individual and group interview required; Skype interviews available for international applicants
- Ongoing GPAStudents must maintain a 3.0 GPA in counseling coursework throughout the program
Language Requirements
- TOEFLRequired for international applicants; contact Uni4Edu for minimum score details
- IELTSAccepted as an alternative to TOEFL; contact Uni4Edu for minimum score details
- Duolingo English TestAccepted as an alternative English proficiency test; contact Uni4Edu for minimum score details
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Loyola University New Orleans and the Loyola Institute for Ministry offer several funding opportunities to support students pursuing graduate degrees. Students in the dual MPS/MS program may also be eligible for federal student financial aid and private student loans. Contact Uni4Edu for help identifying the best funding options for your situation.
LIM Graduate Assistantship
Full TuitionEach academic year, LIM awards one full-tuition graduate assistant scholarship for an on-campus or fully online student in the Master of Pastoral Studies program. The recipient works up to 5 hours per week as a graduate assistant and is responsible for university fees.
LIM Ministry Scholarship
USD 200 - USD 500 per semesterA limited number of partial scholarships are available to graduate students working full-time in ministry (paid or volunteer), taking a minimum of three LIM courses per year, and enrolled in a program requiring 12 or more credit hours for completion.
Haciendo Caminos Fellowship
VariesThis fellowship is available to students admitted into the MPS program. Candidates are nominated by LIM to the national Haciendo Caminos steering committee, which evaluates nominations and communicates decisions within 2-3 weeks.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the dual MPS/MS in Counseling program are uniquely prepared for careers that integrate clinical mental health counseling with pastoral and ministerial leadership. The program meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Louisiana and eligibility for certification as a Pastoral Counselor through the AAPC, opening doors to diverse professional opportunities in both clinical and faith-based settings.
Potential Career Roles
Potential Employers
Rankings & Recognition
Loyola University New Orleans is a private Jesuit institution established in 1912, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). While the university is not ranked by major international bodies such as QS or Times Higher Education, it holds a strong national reputation, particularly for its counseling, law, business, and music programs. The counseling program holds dual CACREP accreditation in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Mental Health Counseling | CACREP | Accredited |
| Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling | CACREP | Accredited |
| Pastoral Studies | SACSCOC | Accredited |
| Graduate Primary Care Medicine | U.S. News | #109 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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