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degree · Bachelor · Admin revision 2026-10-13 16:24

Bachelor of Science in Christian Counseling Specialization in Psychology, Ministries and Pastoral Care

Academic unitHBIU College of Behavioral Social ScienceTotal credits120Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Counseling Psychology

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Counseling Psychology core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology with a Minor in Christian Helping Ministries & Pastoral Care prepares students to understand human behavior, mental health issues, and the integration of Christian values within counseling and pastoral care contexts. Through this program, students will develop essential skills in empathy, active listening, and therapeutic techniques while also exploring spiritual dimensions that influence mental wellness. This degree emphasizes a holistic approach to counseling, blending psychological principles with faith-based perspectives. Graduates will be equipped for careers that serve individuals and communities, with strong foundations in both psychological theories and Christian ethics, providing invaluable support in varied settings such as churches, community centers, and counseling agencies.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Counseling Psychology program combines a solid foundation in general education with comprehensive study in counseling theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research methods, crisis awareness, referral processes, program development, and community-based support. This integrated approach equips students with the academic knowledge and practical framework necessary to engage in diverse human services and ministry environments.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Science. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
B.S. in Faith-Based Counseling Psychology
Total program length
120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Four academic years
General education
36 credit hours
Professional application courses
15 credit hours
Capstone requirement
6 credit hours
Academic unit
HBIU College of Behavioral Social Science
Total credits
120
Duration
4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge of psychological theories and practices in counseling.
  • Integrate Christian principles and ethics into counseling practices.
  • Develop effective communication and counseling skills with diverse populations.
  • Assess and evaluate mental health needs using appropriate psychological methods.
  • Apply interventions based on sound psychological research and Christian values.
  • Effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in various settings.
  • Reflect critically on personal values and their impact on professional practice.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ENGL 101
  • College Composition I
  • 3
  • None
  • HUM 101
  • Critical Thinking & Communication
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 101
  • General Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • SOCI 101
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • 3
  • None
  • ENGL 102
  • College Composition II
  • 3
  • College Composition I (ENGL 101)
  • ENGL 101 — College Composition I: College Composition IThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HUM 101 — Critical Thinking & Communication: Critical Thinking & CommunicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSYC 101 — General Psychology: General PsychologyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOCI 101 — Introduction to Sociology: Introduction to SociologyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • ENGL 102 — College Composition II: College Composition IIThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BIOL 110
  • Human Biology
  • 3
  • None
  • COUN 200
  • Introduction to Counseling
  • 3
  • None
  • STAT 201
  • Statistics for Behavioral Sciences
  • 3
  • None
  • COMM 205
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • 3
  • None
  • COUN 210
  • Counseling Theories
  • 3
  • None
  • BIOL 110 — Human Biology: Human BiologyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUN 200 — Introduction to Counseling: Introduction to CounselingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • STAT 201 — Statistics for Behavioral Sciences: Statistics for Behavioral SciencesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COMM 205 — Interpersonal Communication: Interpersonal CommunicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUN 210 — Counseling Theories: Counseling TheoriesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ETHC 210
  • Ethics in Helping Professions
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 210
  • Lifespan Development
  • 3
  • None
  • RES 210
  • Research Methods in Social Sciences
  • 3
  • None
  • COUN 220
  • Helping Skills & Interviewing
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 220
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • ETHC 210 — Ethics in Helping Professions: Ethics in Helping ProfessionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSYC 210 — Lifespan Development: Lifespan DevelopmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • RES 210 — Research Methods in Social Sciences: Research Methods in Social SciencesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUN 220 — Helping Skills & Interviewing: Helping Skills & InterviewingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSYC 220 — Abnormal Psychology: Abnormal PsychologyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Submission of standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) and a personal statement is also required. Career Opportunities Counselor in Christian settings Pastoral care advisor Mental health counselor Crisis intervention specialist Youth ministry director Community outreach coordinator Marriage and family therapist Important Notices The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly. HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education. HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals. Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization. The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services. Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise. Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title. This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements. Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule. Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals. Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status. Degree abbreviation | B.S. in Faith-Based Counseling Psychology Total program length | 120 semester credit hours Normal completion time | Four academic years General education | 36 credit hours Faith-Based Counseling Psychology core | 63 credit hours Professional application courses | 15 credit hours Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites ENGL 101 | College Composition I | 3 | None HUM 101 | Critical Thinking & Communication | 3 | None PSYC 101 | General Psychology | 3 | None SOCI 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None ENGL 102 | College Composition II | 3 | College Composition I (ENGL 101) Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites BIOL 110 | Human Biology | 3 | None COUN 200 | Introduction to Counseling | 3 | None STAT 201 | Statistics for Behavioral Sciences | 3 | None COMM 205 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None COUN 210 | Counseling Theories | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites ETHC 210 | Ethics in Helping Professions | 3 | None PSYC 210 | Lifespan Development | 3 | None RES 210 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 3 | None COUN 220 | Helping Skills & Interviewing | 3 | None PSYC 220 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites COUN 230 | Multicultural Counseling | 3 | None PSYC 230 | Social Psychology | 3 | None COUN 240 | Group Counseling | 3 | None PSYC 240 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 | None PSYC 250 | Personality Theories | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites CHM 301 | Christian Helping Ministries (Minor) | 3 | None CHM 302 | Pastoral Care Foundations (Minor) | 3 | None COUN 310 | Psychological Assessment Basics | 3 | None PSYC 310 | Learning & Behavior | 3 | None COUN 320 | Case Management & Community Resources | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites PSYC 320 | Biological Bases of Behavior | 3 | Introduction to Psychology or equivalent COUN 330 | Crisis Intervention | 3 | None COUN 340 | Counseling Children & Adolescents | 3 | None COUN 350 | Career Development & Counseling | 3 | None COUN 360 | Family Systems & Counseling | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites CHM 401 | Clinical Pastoral Care & Crisis Support (Minor) | 3 | None CHM 402 | Spiritual Assessment & Care Planning (Minor) | 3 | None COUN 410 | Trauma-Informed Care Foundations | 3 | None PSYC 410 | Psychological Testing & Measurement | 3 | None COUN 420 | Addictions & Recovery Counseling | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites COUN 430 | Legal Issues in Counseling | 3 | None PRAC 480 | Practicum in Counseling Skills | 3 | None INTR 481 | Internship I: Counseling Psychology | 3 | Completion of introductory psychology courses INTR 482 | Internship II: Counseling Psychology | 3 | Internship I: Counseling Psychology or equivalent experience CAP 499 | Counseling Psychology Capstone | 3 | Completion of core counseling psychology courses

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Counselor in Christian settings
  • Pastoral care advisor
  • Mental health counselor
  • Crisis intervention specialist
  • Youth ministry director
  • Community outreach coordinator
  • Marriage and family therapist

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

Important Notices

  • The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
  • HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
  • HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
  • Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
  • The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
  • Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
  • Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
  • This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
  • Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
  • Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
  • Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
  • Degree abbreviation | B.S. in Faith-Based Counseling Psychology
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years