Bachelor of Arts in Divinity, Chaplaincy, Christian Counseling

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Divinity, Chaplaincy, Christian Counseling

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Divinity, Chaplaincy, and Christian Counseling core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Divinity, Chaplaincy, and Christian Counseling offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for service in diverse institutional and community settings. Integrating rigorous academic study in theological foundations, human behavior, and organizational leadership, the program cultivates a holistic approach to understanding the complexities of the human condition and the necessity of compassionate service. Through a combination of historical, behavioral, and practical studies, students are equipped to engage with the social and spiritual needs of modern society through a lens of professional excellence and ethical responsibility. This degree provides a robust intellectual framework for students who seek to combine theological inquiry with the practical tools of counseling and pastoral care. By analyzing diverse societal structures and individual psychological development, students gain the analytical depth required to navigate contemporary challenges in professional ministry and community outreach. The curriculum emphasizes the synthesis of rigorous research and compassionate practice, ensuring graduates are prepared to serve as effective leaders in an increasingly pluralistic world.

This program combines a robust liberal arts foundation with comprehensive study in theological and divinity theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 120
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Divinity, Chaplaincy, and Christian Counseling core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Composition | 3 | None
• THE101 | Introduction to Theological Studies | 3 | None
• PSY101 | Foundations of Psychology | 3 | None
• COM101 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG102 | Research and Writing | 3 | ENG101
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• MAT110 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• CHR105 | Spiritual Formation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU201 | Counseling Theory and Practice | 3 | PSY101
• MIN205 | Foundations of Chaplaincy | 3 | THE101
• HIS201 | World History of Ideas | 3 | None
• BUS210 | Organizational Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU220 | Lifespan Development | 3 | PSY101
• MIN210 | Ethics in Professional Ministry | 3 | THE101
• BIO150 | Human Biology | 4 | None
• HUM250 | Cross-Cultural Engagement | 2 | SOC101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU305 | Advanced Counseling Techniques | 4 | COU201
• MIN315 | Institutional Chaplaincy | 3 | MIN205
• RES301 | Social Research Methods | 3 | MAT110
• MGT320 | Leadership and Administration | 2 | BUS210
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE350 | Theology and Human Rights | 3 | THE101
• COU310 | Group Dynamics and Process | 3 | COU201
• EDU305 | Instructional Design | 3 | None
• ELECT1 | General Elective I | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU410 | Trauma-Informed Support | 3 | COU305
• MIN405 | Advanced Chaplaincy Strategy | 3 | MIN315
• ELECT2 | General Elective II | 3 | None
• ELECT3 | General Elective III | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | All prior core courses
• MIN450 | Professionalism and Ministry | 3 | None
• SOC405 | Community Advocacy | 3 | SOC101
• ELECT4 | General Elective IV | 2 | None

Career Opportunities

• Institutional Chaplain
• Non-profit Program Coordinator
• Community Outreach Liaison
• Pastoral Counselor Assistant
• Conflict Resolution Specialist
• Church Educational Administrator
• Social Advocacy Worker

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 | B.A. in Divinity, Chaplaincy, Christian Counseling
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years