Bachelor of Arts in Theology Specialization in Counseling & Psychology

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Theology Specialization in Counseling & Psychology

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Theological and behavioral science core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Theology with a specialization in Counseling and Psychology at HBIU Seminary is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program designed to equip students with a robust foundation in theological study and the behavioral sciences. This degree program facilitates an academic environment where the study of human behavior, mental processes, and development is synthesized with theological inquiry and ethical reasoning. Students engage in rigorous scholarship that explores the intersection of spiritual formation and psychological principles, preparing them for roles that prioritize servant leadership and ethical stewardship in various human service environments.

Throughout the four-year curriculum, learners are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills that bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application. The program emphasizes the importance of understanding the human condition through a multifaceted lens, incorporating sociocultural, biological, and historical perspectives. By fostering an intellectual environment that values both academic excellence and ethical integrity, the program prepares graduates to serve as informed, compassionate leaders who can contribute meaningfully to the well-being of their communities.

The Bachelor of Arts in Theology Specialization in Counseling & Psychology integrates a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in theological principles, behavioral science, and human development. The curriculum provides students with essential knowledge in ethical standards, research methodology, crisis awareness, professional referral protocols, program development, and the implementation of community-based support systems.

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

• Theological and behavioral science core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone Research Project

• 4
• None
• THEO303
• Financial Integrity and Stewardship
• 3
• None
• THEO304
• Current Issues in Psychology
• 3
• None
• THEO305
• Pastoral Care & Counseling
• 3
• None
• THEO400 — Capstone Research Project: The Capstone Research Project experience requires students to integrate theology, psychology, and ethical practice into a significant research project. Deliverables include a comprehensive manuscript and professional presentation reflecting servant leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THEO303 — Financial Integrity and Stewardship: A reflection on the Financial Integrity and Stewardship and religious dimensions of service and community outreach. Students synthesize their academic journey with future professional goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THEO304 — Current Issues in Psychology: Seminar-style discussion on contemporary trends and dilemmas in the Theology of Worship. Focus on the application of research to current societal problems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THEO305 — Pastoral Care & Counseling: Instruction on facilitating Pastoral Care & Counseling in non-traditional settings. Students gain insights into how to foster growth in adults within community or organizational contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENGL101 | Composition Writing | 3 | None
• THEO100 | Introduction to Theology | 3 | None
• PSYC101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• THEO101 | Foundations of Faith | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THEO102 | Knowing God's Voice | 3 | None
• THEO103 | Biblical Management Principles | 3 | None
• THEO104 | Excellence in Leadership | 3 | THE101
• THEO105 | Leaven Like Evangelism | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THEO106 | Evangelism Teacher | 3 | None
• THEO204 | Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 | None
• THEO107 | Strategies for Spiritual Harvest | 3 | None
• THEO108 | Biblical Prophecy | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THEO200 | Mobilization Methodologies | 3 | None
• THEO201 | Spiritual Strategies-Warfare | 3 | None
• THEO202 | Basic Bible Survey Old Testament | 3 | None
• THEO203 | Basic Bible Survey New Testament. | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIBC101 | Introduction to Biblical Counseling | 3 | None
• ELCM101 | Essentials of Leadership | 4 | None
• THEO205 | Acts of the Apostles | 3 | None
• THEO206 | Homiletics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THEO207 | Marriage-And-Family-Manual | 3 | None
• THEO208 | Motivation and Emotion | 3 | None
• THEO209 | Marriage-counseling | 3 | None
• THEO210 | Marriage-Leaders-Guide | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THEO211 | Premarital Counseling Manual/Premarital-Counseling-Questionnaires | 3 | None
• THEO301 | Pauline Epistles: Romans | 3 | None
• THEO302 | Christian Higher Education Faith teaching and learning in the evangelical tradition | 3 | None
• GEN308 | Research Methods in Theology | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THEO400 | Capstone Research Project | 4 | None
• THEO303 | Financial Integrity and Stewardship | 3 | None
• THEO304 | Current Issues in Psychology | 3 | None
• THEO305 | Pastoral Care & Counseling | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THEO306 | Effective Church Leadership | 3 | None
• THEO309 | Christian Ethics | 3 | None
• TEDU 402 | Curriculum Development for Faith-Based Schools | 3 | None
• TEDU 403 | Teaching Strategies for Biblical Studies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THEO307/COU C102 | An Introduction to Counselling | 3 | None
• THEO308 | Leadership Challenge | 3 | None
• TEDU 404 | Faith-Based Classroom Management | 3 | None
• THEO310 | Women in Ministry & Biblical Leadership | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Administrator
• Youth Ministry Director
• Pastoral Care Assistant
• Human Services Case Specialist
• Volunteer Services Manager
• Family Support Liaison

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