Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Pastoral Theological Training, Counseling

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Pastoral Theological Training, Counseling

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Pastoral Theological Training, Counseling core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Pastoral Theological Training and Counseling is a comprehensive 60-credit undergraduate program designed to bridge the gap between theological inquiry and interpersonal support practices. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of humanities, social sciences, and pastoral wisdom to equip students with a robust foundation for effective service in various community-based settings. Students engage in rigorous academic analysis of human behavior, ethical systems, and organizational dynamics, fostering a holistic approach to service that respects individual dignity and community health. By blending foundational psychology and sociology with theological reflection, the program encourages students to cultivate a servant-leader mindset while developing practical competencies necessary for navigating the complexities of modern social landscapes. Through a commitment to academic excellence and ethical rigor, the program provides a framework for integrating intellectual growth with a deepened sense of professional and vocational purpose, ensuring graduates are prepared to address the needs of diverse populations with empathy, integrity, and informed stewardship.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Pastoral Theological Training, Counseling provides students with a foundational study in faith-based counseling, human development, effective communication strategies, ethical standards, community resources, and best practices for supportive services. This curriculum is designed to equip learners with the theological and practical framework necessary to serve individuals within diverse ministry and community settings.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Associate

General education | 18 credit hours

• Faith-Based Pastoral Theological Training, Counseling core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours

Capstone Project

• 4
• RES301, CHR220
• SOC410
• Community Sociology
• 3
• SOC101
• COU420
• Crisis Intervention Strategies
• 3
• COU201
• THE450
• Theology of Stewardship
• 3
• THE101
• CAP490 — Capstone Project: This course requires students to design and implement a comprehensive service project that integrates their academic learning and faith-based values. Students deliver a final presentation reflecting on their growth as practitioners. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC410 — Community Sociology: This course focuses on the dynamics of modern communities, social stratification, and the role of social intervention. Students analyze current trends affecting communal health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU420 — Crisis Intervention Strategies: This course introduces standard crisis response models and techniques for supporting individuals during acute periods of distress. The curriculum emphasizes safety and stabilization protocols. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE450 — Theology of Stewardship: This course explores the historical and philosophical concepts of stewardship regarding time, talent, and organizational resources. Students connect these values to modern public service and philanthropy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• THE101 | Introduction to Theological Studies | 3 | None
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU201 | Foundations of Counseling | 4 | PSY101
• MIN205 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• COM210 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | ENG101
• CHR220 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | THE101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES301 | Applied Research Methods | 3 | ENG101, SOC101
• COU310 | Developmental Psychology | 4 | PSY101
• MIN330 | Spiritual Formation and Character | 3 | THE101
• MGT340 | Nonprofit Management Principles | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Capstone Project | 4 | RES301, CHR220
• SOC410 | Community Sociology | 3 | SOC101
• COU420 | Crisis Intervention Strategies | 3 | COU201
• THE450 | Theology of Stewardship | 3 | THE101

Career Opportunities

• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Support Specialist
• Pastoral Care Assistant
• Youth and Family Service Advocate
• Chaplaincy Support Staff
• Community Liaison for Faith-Based Organizations
• Social Services Casework Assistant

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 | A.A. in Faith-Based Pastoral Theological Training, Counseling
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years