Associate of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (Specialization in Psychology & Mental Health Counseling)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Christian Counseling and Psychology provides a foundational academic exploration of human behavior through the lens of psychological theory integrated with ethical stewardship and servant leadership. Students engage in a rigorous study of developmental psychology, interpersonal communication, and foundational counseling theories, all designed to foster professional growth within a supportive learning community. The curriculum emphasizes the application of psychological principles in non-clinical settings, encouraging students to consider how personal character, ethical decision-making, and community-centered values contribute to effective service and leadership.

Throughout the program, students analyze the intersection of psychological inquiry and Christian worldview perspectives, cultivating an understanding of how to serve diverse populations with empathy and integrity. By examining human development, social dynamics, and the complexities of human motivation, graduates develop a robust framework for navigating the challenges of modern helping professions. The program balances theoretical depth with practical skill-building, ensuring that graduates are prepared to contribute thoughtfully to community-based organizations and faith-informed initiatives.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology provides a comprehensive foundational study in the subject, emphasizing human development, communication, ethics, community resources, and supportive service practices. Through an integration of psychological principles and faith-based perspectives, students are prepared to understand the complexities of human behavior and the delivery of supportive care in a variety of institutional and community environments.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 101 | Foundations of Psychology | 3 | None
• ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Composition | 3 | None
• CHR 101 | Spiritual Formation and Ethics | 3 | None
• COM 101 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 105 | Human Development | 4 | PSY 101
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• MAT 120 | Applied Statistics | 3 | None
• COU 201 | Foundational Counseling Concepts | 3 | PSY 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 210 | Social Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• MGT 201 | Nonprofit Organizational Stewardship | 3 | None
• RES 201 | Introduction to Social Research | 4 | MAT 120
• COU 215 | Crisis Intervention Strategies | 3 | COU 201
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 250 | Personality and Character Formation | 3 | PSY 105
• COU 250 | Ethical Issues in Helping Professions | 3 | COU 201
• CAP 299 | Applied Service Capstone | 4 | RES 201, COU 215
• MIN 250 | Community Leadership and Service | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Administrative Assistant
• Youth Ministry Support Specialist
• Crisis Support Navigator
• Case Management Liaison
• Volunteer Services Manager
• Peer Mentoring Coordinator

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