Bachelor of Arts in Divinity, Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychology

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Divinity, Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychology

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Divinity, Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychology core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Divinity, Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychology program at HBI University is designed to equip students with a robust interdisciplinary foundation relevant to spiritual care, human development, and interpersonal support. This program integrates theological understanding with practical skills in counseling and psychology, preparing graduates for diverse roles within faith-based and community service environments. Students will explore the complexities of human experience through the lens of a Christian worldview, emphasizing ethical practice, compassionate service, and the application of psychological principles within a theological framework.

The Bachelor of Arts in Divinity, Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychology, combines a robust general education curriculum with comprehensive study in theological theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support. This integrated approach equips students with the foundational knowledge and analytical skills necessary to navigate the intersections of divinity and clinical application.

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, Counseling, and Psychology core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I | 3 | None
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• THE 101 | Introduction to Christian Thought | 3 | None
• HUM 101 | Foundations of the Humanities | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II | 3 | ENG 101
• PSY 201 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• BIB 101 | Introduction to Biblical Studies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 201 | Introduction to Counseling | 3 | PSY 101
• PSY 210 | Social Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• THE 201 | Christian Ethics | 3 | THE 101
• HIS 101 | World Civilizations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 301 | Theories of Counseling | 3 | COU 201, PSY 101
• PSY 220 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• COM 201 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• MIN 201 | Introduction to Ministry | 3 | THE 101, BIB 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 310 | Counseling Skills and Techniques | 4 | COU 301
• PSY 301 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• CHR 301 | Foundations of Chaplaincy | 3 | MIN 201
• PHI 201 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 320 | Group Counseling | 3 | COU 310
• PSY 310 | Psychology of Religion and Spirituality | 3 | PSY 101
• THE 301 | Theology of Ministry and Service | 3 | THE 201, BIB 101
• RES 201 | Introduction to Research Methods | 3 | PSY 101, SOC 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 401 | Marriage and Family Counseling | 3 | COU 301, PSY 201
• CHR 401 | Pastoral Care and Counseling | 3 | COU 310, MIN 201
• PSY 320 | Introduction to Psychotherapy | 3 | COU 301, PSY 220
• BUS 101 | Introduction to Business and Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 499 | Senior Capstone Project | 6 | RES 201, All other core courses for the major
• COU 410 | Ethics and Professional Practice in Counseling | 3 | COU 301, THE 201
• CHR 410 | Chaplaincy in Specialized Settings | 3 | CHR 301
• MGT 301 | Nonprofit Management and Leadership | 3 | BUS 101, SOC 101

Career Opportunities

• Chaplaincy in healthcare settings
• Pastoral care roles in congregations
• Counseling support in faith-based non-profits
• Community outreach coordination
• Youth and family ministry leadership
• Crisis intervention services
• Volunteer coordination
• Advocacy for marginalized populations

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, Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychology
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years