Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Psychology (Specialization in Mental Health Advocacy)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Psychology

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Psychology core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Psychology with a specialization in Mental Health Advocacy offers a foundational exploration of human behavior through a lens of ethical service and community stewardship. Students investigate the biological, cognitive, and social determinants of behavior while developing essential skills in communication, advocacy, and interpersonal relations. This program emphasizes the integration of psychological theory with principles of servant leadership and social responsibility.

Designed for students committed to serving in community-based and faith-centered organizations, the curriculum balances rigorous academic inquiry with practical application. Students engage with contemporary issues in psychology to understand how to support individual well-being and strengthen community resilience. The program provides a platform for both intellectual growth and the cultivation of character-based leadership.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Psychology (Specialization in Mental Health Advocacy) provides a comprehensive foundational study in faith-based psychology, human development, and effective communication. Students explore the intersection of psychological principles and spiritual care, examining key areas including professional ethics, the utilization of community resources, and the delivery of compassionate supportive service practices within diverse populations.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone: Advocacy in Action

• 4
• Completion of 48 credits
• PSY310 — Ethics in Advocacy: Advanced study of ethical dilemmas frequently encountered in community advocacy settings. Focus on boundary management, confidentiality, and the stewardship of trust. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT305 — Servant Leadership in Practice: Exploration of leadership models that prioritize service and organizational well-being over self-interest. Emphasis on developing character-based leadership skills for nonprofit environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU240 — Community Outreach and Education: Design and implementation of educational programs that promote community well-being and mental health awareness. Techniques for creating accessible resources for diverse populations are explored. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP299 — Capstone: Advocacy in Action: The final integrative project requiring students to develop an evidence-based advocacy strategy for a specific community problem. Students must demonstrate competency in psychological principles, ethical reasoning, and servant leadership in their final report and presentation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 | None
• ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 | None
• PHI105 | Foundations of Ethical Theory | 3 | None
• SOC110 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY201 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• COM120 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• MAT150 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• COU210 | Foundations of Mental Health Advocacy | 4 | PSY101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY250 | Social Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• RES200 | Introduction to Social Research | 4 | MAT150
• BUS220 | Nonprofit Administration | 3 | None
• HUM230 | Cultural Diversity and Community Service | 3 | SOC110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY310 | Ethics in Advocacy | 3 | COU210
• MGT305 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | None
• EDU240 | Community Outreach and Education | 3 | PSY250
• CAP299 | Capstone: Advocacy in Action | 4 | Completion of 48 credits

Career Opportunities

• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Assistant
• Human Services Advocate
• Case Management Aide
• Mental Health Support Specialist
• Community Liaison for Faith-Based Organizations
• Peer Support Facilitator

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 Psychology
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years