Associate of Arts in Pastoral Care

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Pastoral Care

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Pastoral care core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Pastoral Care is a foundational undergraduate program designed to cultivate essential skills in empathetic communication, organizational stewardship, and ethical leadership. Students engage with a curriculum that balances human behavioral sciences with core humanities, providing a rigorous intellectual framework for those called to serve in diverse community and ministry contexts. By integrating disciplinary academic study with principled reflection, the program facilitates a deep understanding of human need and social responsibility. The curriculum encourages students to examine historical, sociological, and communication-based perspectives, fostering a comprehensive view of service in contemporary settings. Through deliberate academic inquiry, learners develop the capacity to address complex interpersonal dynamics with integrity and professional maturity.

The Associate of Arts in Pastoral Care provides students with essential foundational study in pastoral care, ministry, human development, and effective communication. This program integrates rigorous theological frameworks with practical training in ethics, the utilization of community resources, and the implementation of supportive service practices, preparing students for ministerial engagement and supportive roles within faith-based settings.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

• Pastoral care core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours

Capstone Project

• 4
• All prior coursework
• MIN270
• Community Engagement Strategies
• 4
• None
• PSY280
• Human Development Across the Lifespan
• 3
• PSY101
• HUM295
• Global Perspectives on Humanitarianism
• 3
• None
• CAP290 — Capstone Project: The culminating project where students synthesize academic, ethical, and practical training into a final demonstration of competence. Students propose and execute a project related to their field of study. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN270 — Community Engagement Strategies: A study of collaborative models for building relationships between organizations and their local communities. Students design outreach initiatives that respect diverse cultural contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY280 — Human Development Across the Lifespan: An analysis of biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes from birth to end-of-life, with implications for social support. Students analyze development through a holistic lens. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM295 — Global Perspectives on Humanitarianism: Examination of worldwide challenges and the efforts of organizations to provide support and aid across borders. Emphasis is on cultural competence and systemic awareness. 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 Rhetoric | 4 | None
• PSY101 | Foundations of Psychology | 4 | None
• THE110 | Introduction to Worldview Studies | 3 | None
• COM120 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC201 | Principles of Sociology | 4 | None
• MIN210 | Foundations of Servant Leadership | 4 | None
• HIS220 | History of Humanitarian Service | 3 | None
• RES200 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 3 | ENG101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU230 | Principles of Pastoral Care | 4 | PSY101
• MGT240 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 4 | None
• CHR250 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | None
• EDU260 | Instructional Design for Adult Learners | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP290 | Capstone Project | 4 | All prior coursework
• MIN270 | Community Engagement Strategies | 4 | None
• PSY280 | Human Development Across the Lifespan | 3 | PSY101
• HUM295 | Global Perspectives on Humanitarianism | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Assistant
• Pastoral Care Support Specialist
• Chaplaincy Department Administrator
• Mission Field Logistics Assistant
• Faith-Based Advocacy Representative
• Human Services Administrative Associate

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