Bachelor of Arts in Divinity, Specialization in Counseling

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Divinity, Specialization in Counseling

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Divinity and counseling core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Divinity, Specialization in Counseling, offers a rigorous academic framework that merges theological inquiry with the study of human behavior. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that explores the intersection of sacred traditions and psychological principles, fostering a holistic understanding of the individual within various community contexts. The program emphasizes ethical reasoning, scholarly research, and the cultivation of empathetic communication skills necessary for navigating complex interpersonal dynamics. Through a balanced blend of theoretical coursework and applied learning, the curriculum provides students with a robust foundation for effective service in diverse organizational settings. Students are challenged to synthesize their understanding of divine principles with contemporary analytical models to address human needs with compassion and integrity. This program promotes intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, and a commitment to servant leadership, equipping graduates to serve effectively in secular and faith-based environments.

The Bachelor of Arts in Divinity, Specialization in Counseling, combines a rigorous foundation in liberal arts with comprehensive study in divinity, theological 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 and counseling core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Composition I | 3 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Christian Thought | 3 | None
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• COM101 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG102 | Academic Composition II | 3 | ENG101
• MAT110 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• CHR105 | Spiritual Formation I | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS201 | Western Intellectual History | 3 | None
• COU201 | Introduction to Counseling Theory | 3 | PSY101
• THE210 | Ethics and Moral Reasoning | 3 | THE101
• BIO200 | Human Biology | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CHR205 | Spiritual Formation II | 3 | CHR105
• COU220 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• BUS210 | Organizational Stewardship | 3 | None
• HUM205 | Literature and the Human Condition | 3 | ENG102
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU305 | Counseling Techniques and Skills | 4 | COU201
• RES301 | Research Methods | 3 | MAT110
• THE310 | Theology of Community and Service | 3 | THE210
• SOC320 | Sociology of the Family | 3 | SOC101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU350 | Crisis and Intervention Strategies | 3 | COU305
• MGT315 | Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 | BUS210
• MIN305 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | CHR205
• COU360 | Group Dynamics | 3 | COU305
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU410 | Advanced Ethics in Support Services | 3 | THE210
• THE420 | Theological Reflections on Culture | 3 | THE101
• COU430 | Counseling for Diverse Populations | 3 | COU305
• RES400 | Advanced Senior Research Project | 3 | RES301
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES400
• COU450 | Community Outreach and Program Development | 3 | MGT315
• MIN410 | Advanced Ministry and Social Engagement | 3 | MIN305
• SOC440 | Social Policy and Advocacy | 3 | SOC101

Career Opportunities

• Chaplaincy Support Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Administrator
• Community Outreach Liaison
• Social Services Case Aide
• Faith-Based Youth Director
• Human Services Coordinator
• Ministry Operations Specialist

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