Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Professional Counseling

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Professional Counseling

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Professional Counseling core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Professional Counseling offers a robust foundation in the behavioral sciences, integrating core psychological principles with a commitment to service and ethical stewardship. Students engage in a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical applications of interpersonal dynamics, social structures, and communication strategies within diverse community contexts. This program prepares individuals to serve as paraprofessional support staff in various social service, nonprofit, and faith-based settings. By focusing on developmental psychology, communication skills, and social dynamics, the curriculum fosters a holistic approach to understanding human behavior and community engagement. Graduates develop the academic and professional competencies necessary to contribute to organizations dedicated to the public good and community enrichment.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Professional Counseling provides a comprehensive foundational study in counseling, emphasizing the integration of biblical principles with human development, effective communication, and ethical standards. Students engage in coursework designed to cultivate an understanding of community resources and evidence-based supportive service practices, preparing them for entry-level roles within faith-based organizations and community outreach settings.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

• Faith-Based Professional Counseling core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours

Capstone: Professional Integration Project

• 4
• RES 201
• COU 220 — Contemporary Issues in Social Support: This course investigates modern challenges faced by community-based social service programs. Students analyze societal trends and formulate proactive approaches to provide support. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM 205 — Cultural Competence in Community Service: This course focuses on the development of cultural humility and the ability to serve diverse populations effectively. Students discuss strategies for inclusive service and community dialogue. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY 205 — Personal Development and Professional Ethics: This course examines the foundations of individual psychological growth, self-regulation, and the development of professional character within social service environments. Students explore theories of personal identity and the application of ethical standards in client-centered roles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP 299 — Capstone: Professional Integration Project: This culminating course requires students to produce a project that integrates academic theory, ethical practice, and community needs analysis. The final deliverable serves as a demonstration of readiness for professional service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• MIN 101 | Foundations of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• COM 105 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 102 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 | None
• COU 201 | Theories of Counseling and Support | 3 | PSY 101
• MAT 102 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• CHR 202 | Ethical Reasoning in Organizations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 205 | Developmental Psychology | 4 | PSY 101
• COU 210 | Group Dynamics and Facilitation | 3 | COM 105
• BUS 205 | Nonprofit Administration | 3 | None
• RES 201 | Research Methods for Social Services | 3 | MAT 102
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 220 | Contemporary Issues in Social Support | 3 | SOC 102
• HUM 205 | Cultural Competence in Community Service | 3 | None
• PSY 205 | Personal Development and Professional Ethics | 3 | None
• CAP 299 | Capstone: Professional Integration Project | 4 | RES 201

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Program Assistant
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Social Services Support Specialist
• Church Ministry Support Staff
• Youth Program Assistant
• Volunteer Services Coordinator
• Case Management 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 Professional Counseling
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years