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Theology · Pastoral Counseling Rank #8 of 22

Pastoral Counselingat Southeastern University

Graduates earn $35,209/yr in their first year — about 10.0% above the national Pastoral Counseling average. Base-case 10-year earnings $447K; scenarios range from $428K to $446K depending on AI disruption.

Lakeland, FL Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
29 AT RISK
29
Optimistic
34
Pessimistic
Earnings
$35,209
1-year post-graduation
ROI
1.8x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$447K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
34% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Southeastern University

Southeastern University's Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries program notably prepares graduates for impactful roles, distinguishing itself nationally. This strength likely stems from its practical, dual-focus curriculum, blending spiritual leadership with tangible counseling and administrative skills. Lakeland, Florida's growing population and established network of large churches and faith-based non-profits create consistent demand for these specialized professionals, offering more structured career paths than in some other regions. Graduates often find roles within large church staffs, faith-based social service agencies, and private religious schools, leveraging the program's reputation within these communities. To maximize your potential, actively explore specific concentrations or internships early in your studies, aligning your specialized ministry focus with local needs.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$428K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score34/100
Earnings Multiple3.4x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$447K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score29/100
Earnings Multiple3.5x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$446K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score29/100
Earnings Multiple3.5x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Southeastern University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Pastoral Counseling graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary
+0.7% 10-yr growth · 2,000 openings/yr
$78,050/yr
High
2
Clergy
+1.0% 10-yr growth · 23,000 openings/yr
$60,820/yr
Moderate
3
Community and social service specialists, all other
+4.6% 10-yr growth · 13,100 openings/yr
$54,940/yr
Low
4
Directors, religious activities and education
+2.1% 10-yr growth · 13,800 openings/yr
$54,840/yr
Moderate
5
Counselors, all other
+12.6% 10-yr growth · 7,400 openings/yr
$49,830/yr
Low
6
Religious workers, all other
+0.6% 10-yr growth · 11,100 openings/yr
$45,120/yr
Low
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Pastoral Counseling

How Southeastern University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Grace Christian University
MI · Private nonprofit
45
DW Score
$49K
1-yr earn
7.2x
ROI
Evangel University
MO · Private nonprofit
32
DW Score
$41K
1-yr earn
2.7x
ROI
Lubbock Christian University
TX · Private nonprofit
33
DW Score
$38K
1-yr earn
2.5x
ROI
Life Pacific University
CA · Private nonprofit
30
DW Score
$37K
1-yr earn
4.0x
ROI
Taylor University
IN · Private nonprofit
30
DW Score
$37K
1-yr earn
1.4x
ROI
Also at Southeastern University

Other top programs at Southeastern University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Southeastern University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Pastoral Counseling offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Pastoral Counseling trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Pastoral Counseling at Southeastern University

What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Pastoral Counseling at Southeastern University?

At 29/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Pastoral Counseling programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.