Eastern University’s Snapshot
~6
Online master’s programs
Contact university
Per credit hour
Small cohorts
Avg. class size
Progressive
Evangelical institution
Key policies
Institution type
Private, Christian (CCCU)
Regional accreditation
MSCHE
Admissions model
Rolling (MBA/leadership) · Deadline-based (counseling)
GRE/GMAT required
Not required
Faith integration
Embedded across all programs
Notable Programmatic Accreditations
- CACREP
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
Start Here: Compare Eastern University by What Matters Most
- Compare institutional strengths → Particularly strong in CACREP-accredited counseling, faith-integrated education, leadership, and theological studies
- Compare accreditation → MSCHE regional accreditation plus CACREP accreditation for both clinical mental health counseling and school counseling programs
- Compare learning environment → Small cohort-based online programs with substantial faculty interaction and a progressive evangelical educational framework
- Compare student fit → Strongest for students seeking counseling licensure pathways or values-driven graduate education within a Christian institutional setting
- Compare alternatives → Liberty University, Grand Canyon University, and Regis University
What Eastern University Is Known For
CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs.
Eastern’s strongest claim in online graduate education is its CACREP accreditation for both clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. CACREP accreditation is increasingly becoming a de facto requirement for licensure in many states and is preferred by most employers. Among smaller Christian universities, holding this accreditation for online-accessible programs is relatively uncommon and gives Eastern a measurable advantage over competitors that lack it. Students interested in exploring the broader landscape of clinical psychology and counseling programs will find Eastern’s CACREP credential particularly relevant.
Faith-Integrated Curriculum That’s Substantive, Not Performative.
Eastern’s approach to faith integration goes beyond adding a theology elective to an otherwise secular curriculum. Courses across programs incorporate ethical reflection, vocation, and justice-oriented perspectives drawn from the Christian intellectual tradition. The institution sits within the CCCU network but identifies with a progressive evangelical ethos — meaning students encounter faith-based dialogue that tends to emphasize social justice, inclusion, and community engagement rather than strict doctrinal conformity.
Smaller Cohorts and Faculty Access.
With a modest online graduate enrollment, Eastern’s cohort sizes are genuinely small. Students in counseling programs typically move through the curriculum with the same group of peers, building professional relationships that extend into clinical practice. Faculty-to-student ratios in online courses are notably lower than at large-enrollment online providers, and students report meaningful mentorship rather than transactional advising.
Palmer Theological Seminary.
Eastern’s theological programs are housed within Palmer Theological Seminary, which has its own reputation for ministerial formation and theological scholarship. For students pursuing ministry leadership or advanced theological study, Palmer offers a seminary experience through a university infrastructure — not a standalone divinity school operating in isolation.
Education Programs with an Equity Focus.
The MEd in Multicultural Education reflects Eastern’s institutional emphasis on diversity and social justice in education. This isn’t a generic master’s in education — it’s specifically designed around culturally responsive pedagogy and systemic equity, which positions it differently from general MEd programs at larger institutions.
Featured Programs / Top Picks
This is Eastern’s flagship online-accessible graduate program and the primary reason many students consider the university. The 60-credit curriculum meets CACREP standards, which means graduates are positioned for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in most states without needing additional coursework. The program integrates faith-based ethical reflection with evidence-based clinical training. Supervised practicum and internship hours are required, so students need to arrange local clinical placements — but the didactic coursework is online. For students specifically seeking clinical counseling programs with both CACREP accreditation and a faith-integrated lens, this is one of the more compelling options available.
The 48-credit school counseling program is also CACREP-accredited and leads to eligibility for school counselor certification. It’s designed for students who want to work in K-12 settings and combines developmental counseling theory with practical school-based intervention strategies. Field placement in a school setting is required. This program is a strong fit for current educators who want to transition into school counseling roles while maintaining employment.
Eastern’s MBA is a 36-credit, fully online program that offers concentrations including healthcare administration, nonprofit management, social impact, and general management. It doesn’t carry AACSB accreditation, but it provides a values-driven business education for students who want to lead in mission-oriented organizations. The healthcare administration concentration may interest students also considering MHA programs , though this is an MBA pathway rather than a dedicated MHA degree. No GMAT or GRE is required.
Online Master’s Programs by Subject
Eastern’s counseling programs are its academic centerpiece for online graduate education. The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 credits, CACREP-accredited) prepares students for LPC licensure and integrates clinical skill-building with faith-based ethical frameworks. The MS in School Counseling (48 credits, CACREP-accredited) targets K-12 counseling careers and includes required school-based field placements. Both programs require some in-person clinical components. Students exploring the full range of psychology and counseling master’s programs or specifically family therapy programs should note that Eastern’s counseling offerings are clinically focused rather than research-oriented.
The MEd in Multicultural Education (33 credits) is a fully online program focused on culturally responsive teaching, equity in education, and systemic change. It’s designed for practicing educators who want to deepen their understanding of diversity and inclusion in classroom and administrative settings. This is not a general curriculum-and-instruction degree — it has a specific pedagogical philosophy.
Eastern offers two fully online options in this area: the MBA (36 credits) with concentrations in healthcare administration, nonprofit management, social impact, and management; and the MA in Organizational Leadership (36 credits), a non-MBA pathway for professionals seeking leadership development within a values-driven framework. Neither program requires standardized test scores.
The MA in Theological and Seminary Studies (36 credits) is offered through Palmer Theological Seminary with concentrations in ministry leadership and theological studies. This is a fully online program designed for ministry professionals, church leaders, and individuals pursuing deeper theological formation. It’s seminary-level work delivered through a university platform.
Programs Table
The table below summarizes Eastern University’s confirmed online master’s programs with key decision-relevant data points.
How Eastern University Compares
Eastern University vs. Liberty University
Liberty University is the most obvious comparison as a large Christian university with an enormous online graduate catalog — more than 100 online master’s programs spanning business, education, counseling, nursing, criminal justice, and dozens of other fields. Eastern is the opposite: a focused portfolio of roughly six online master’s programs. The tradeoff is clear. Liberty offers breadth and the ability to find nearly any program within a faith-based framework. Eastern offers depth and specialization, particularly in CACREP-accredited counseling. Students who know they want counseling with CACREP credentials and small cohorts may prefer Eastern. Students who need variety, or who want to explore multiple fields before committing, will find Liberty’s scale more practical. Liberty’s tuition is also generally competitive for a private institution, while Eastern’s private-university pricing may be higher per credit.
Eastern University vs. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is another large-scale private Christian university with extensive online offerings across education, business, nursing, and behavioral sciences. GCU’s online enrollment dwarfs Eastern’s, and its program catalog is far broader. However, Eastern’s CACREP-accredited counseling programs are a meaningful differentiator — GCU’s counseling offerings have different accreditation profiles. Eastern also operates with significantly smaller class sizes and more personalized faculty engagement. GCU is better for students who want a wide range of online programs under one institutional roof with frequent start dates; Eastern is better for students who prioritize accreditation credentials and intimate learning environments in a narrower set of fields.
Eastern University vs. Regis University
Regis University is another smaller, faith-based institution with online graduate programs, but it’s Jesuit (Catholic) rather than evangelical Protestant. Both share a commitment to social justice and community-oriented education, but the theological frameworks and denominational traditions are different. Regis offers a somewhat broader online portfolio, including healthcare, education, and counseling programs. Eastern’s CACREP counseling accreditation and Palmer Seminary theological programs are distinguishing features. Students whose faith identity aligns with the Jesuit tradition may gravitate toward Regis; students in the evangelical or interdenominational Protestant space will likely find Eastern’s institutional culture a better fit.
Eastern University is
Best For
Eastern University’s online master’s programs are strongest for specific student profiles:
- Students pursuing CACREP-accredited counseling with faith integration. If licensure-ready counseling credentials and a faith-informed clinical training environment are both non-negotiable, Eastern’s counseling programs directly address that combination. This is the institution’s clearest competitive advantage.
- Working professionals who want a cohort-based, high-touch online experience. Students who feel lost in large-enrollment online programs — where discussion boards have 40 students and faculty interaction is minimal — will find Eastern’s smaller scale a genuine relief. Cohort models in counseling and education programs create sustained peer relationships.
- Educators focused on equity and culturally responsive practice. The MEd in Multicultural Education is specifically designed for educators who want graduate training centered on diversity, inclusion, and systemic equity rather than a general curriculum degree.
- Ministry leaders and church professionals seeking seminary-level graduate education online. Palmer Seminary’s MA in Theological and Seminary Studies serves a specific audience: ministry professionals who want rigorous theological education without relocating to a seminary campus.
- Students who value progressive evangelical institutional identity. Eastern’s CCCU affiliation and progressive evangelical ethos attract students who want faith-integrated education but may not feel at home in more theologically conservative institutions.
Not a Best Fit For
- You want a wide selection of online master’s programs. Eastern offers roughly six online master’s programs. If you’re undecided about your field or want options in STEM, data science, nursing, criminal justice, public health, or engineering, Eastern simply doesn’t have them. Larger institutions like Liberty University or Grand Canyon University offer far more breadth.
- You need a fully asynchronous, no-residency program. The counseling programs — Eastern’s strongest offerings — require supervised clinical practicum and internship hours at local sites. These are not exceptions you can skip. If you need a program with zero in-person requirements, the counseling degrees won’t work.
- You prefer a secular learning environment. Faith integration at Eastern isn’t optional or cosmetic. It’s embedded in course design, discussions, and assignments across programs. If you want a purely secular graduate education, this will feel like a mismatch — not because it’s heavy-handed, but because it’s consistently present.
- You’re prioritizing brand recognition from a large research university. Eastern is a well-regarded institution within its niche, but it doesn’t carry the name recognition of a state flagship or R1 research university. If employer perception and institutional prestige are top priorities, this may not be the right fit.
- You’re highly cost-sensitive. As a private university, Eastern’s tuition is higher than that of most public institutions. Students who need the lowest possible cost may find better value at public universities or competency-based models like Western Governors University . That said, students in counseling and ministry roles may benefit from student loan forgiveness programs that can offset the cost over time.
- You want AACSB-accredited business programs. Eastern’s MBA does not hold AACSB accreditation. If that credential matters for your career goals, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Admissions Snapshot
General Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Official transcripts from all prior institutions
- Minimum GPA expectations vary by program (typically 3.0, though some programs consider applicants below that threshold with additional documentation)
- Personal statement or essay
- Professional references (typically 2-3)
Counseling-Specific Requirements
The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the MS in School Counseling have additional admissions steps, which may include a personal interview, a writing sample, and evidence of prerequisite coursework in psychology or related behavioral sciences. These programs use deadline-based admissions (Fall and Spring cohorts) rather than rolling admission.
Business and Leadership Programs
The MBA and MA in Organizational Leadership use rolling admissions with Fall, Spring, and Summer entry points. No GRE or GMAT is required. These programs are generally more accessible in terms of admissions selectivity.
Theological Studies
The MA through Palmer Seminary uses deadline-based admissions with Fall and Spring starts. A statement of faith or ministry experience may be part of the application.
Standardized Tests
Eastern University does not require the GRE or GMAT for any of its online master’s programs. Students exploring online master’s programs with no GRE requirement will find Eastern’s entire portfolio qualifies.
Tuition & Cost Overview
Eastern University is a private institution, and its tuition reflects that positioning. Specific per-credit rates vary by program and are subject to annual adjustment, so prospective students should verify current rates directly with Eastern’s admissions or financial aid office.
General Cost Context
- Private-university tuition rates apply across all programs. Expect per-credit costs that are higher than those of public universities but potentially competitive with other small private institutions.
- Counseling programs (60 and 48 credits) represent a larger total investment than the 33-36 credit business, leadership, education, and theological programs. The higher credit loads for counseling reflect CACREP curriculum requirements, not arbitrary padding.
- The MBA and MA in Organizational Leadership are the most cost-efficient programs by total credit hours (36 each).
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Eastern University participates in federal financial aid programs, and graduate students may be eligible for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans. The university offers some merit-based and need-based scholarship opportunities for graduate students, though award amounts vary. Employer tuition reimbursement partnerships may also apply — check with Eastern’s financial aid office for current partnerships.
Cost Comparison
Compared to large-scale online providers with aggressive tuition pricing (such as Southern New Hampshire University or Western Governors University ), Eastern will likely cost more per credit. However, for counseling students specifically, the value proposition of CACREP accreditation — which affects licensure portability and employer preference — may justify the premium. Students in counseling, ministry, or nonprofit roles should also evaluate whether their career path qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness .
Visit Eastern University’s official online programs page
Related Rankings
Eastern University’s program portfolio connects to several OMC ranking and subject pages that can help you evaluate alternatives and compare options:
- Online Master’s Programs with No GRE Requirement — All of Eastern’s online master’s programs waive the GRE, making this ranking directly relevant for comparing test-optional options.
- Online Psychology Programs — Eastern’s counseling programs fall under the broader psychology and counseling umbrella. This hub page helps contextualize where CACREP-accredited options fit in the landscape.
- Clinical Psychology Programs — For students specifically comparing clinical mental health counseling pathways.
- CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs — Eastern does not offer an MSW, but students considering counseling vs. social work pathways will find this comparison useful for understanding accreditation differences (CACREP vs. CSWE) and career path distinctions.
- Online MHA Programs — Relevant for students considering Eastern’s MBA with a healthcare administration concentration who want to compare it against dedicated MHA degrees.
FAQ
A. Yes. Eastern University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), one of the six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This accreditation covers all programs offered by the university, including online master’s degrees.
A. Yes. Both the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the MS in School Counseling hold CACREP accreditation. This is significant because CACREP accreditation is increasingly required or preferred for LPC licensure in many states and is the standard credential recognized by most employers in clinical and school counseling settings.
A. It depends on the program. The MBA, MA in Organizational Leadership, MEd in Multicultural Education, and MA in Theological and Seminary Studies can be completed fully online. However, the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling require supervised clinical practicum and internship hours at approved sites, which involve in-person components. The didactic coursework for these counseling programs is delivered online.
A. No. Eastern University does not require the GRE or GMAT for admission to any of its online master’s programs. Admissions decisions are based on transcripts, personal statements, references, and (for counseling programs) interviews and writing samples.
A. Faith integration at Eastern is embedded in the curriculum across all programs rather than existing as a separate requirement like mandatory chapel attendance. In practice, this means coursework incorporates ethical reflection, vocation, and justice-oriented perspectives from the Christian intellectual tradition. Discussions and assignments may engage with theological concepts alongside disciplinary content. The approach is rooted in Eastern’s progressive evangelical identity — emphasizing social justice, inclusion, and community engagement. Students of all faith backgrounds are welcome, but the faith framework is a consistent presence in the learning experience, not something that can be opted out of.