← Programs CatalogAuthoritative HBIU program data

degree · Bachelor · Persisted candidate preview

Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Psychology Minor in Faith-Based Mental Health Counseling

Academic unitCollege of Science and PsychologyTotal credits18Estimated duration4 yearsSource documentBachelor_of_Science_in_Counseling_and_Psychology_Minor_in_Faith_Based_Mental_Hea.docx

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Counseling and Psychology

Total program length

18 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Counseling and psychology core

-39 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Counseling with a Minor in Faith-Based Mental Health Counseling equips students with essential knowledge and skills in the fields of counseling, psychology, and faith integration. During the program, students explore theories and practices of counseling, human development, and psychological principles, while also examining how faith-based perspectives can enhance mental health practices. This program emphasizes hands-on learning and prepares graduates for meaningful careers in various settings, including community service organizations, churches, schools, and mental health providers. By integrating psychological concepts with faith-driven approaches, students are uniquely positioned to support individuals seeking holistic mental wellness. The value of this program lies in its commitment to foster compassionate, culturally responsive, and evidence-based practices in counseling.

The Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Psychology program combines a foundational general education curriculum with a comprehensive study of counseling and psychology theory, behavioral science, human development, professional ethics, and research methodologies. Students gain critical insights into crisis awareness, referral processes, program development, and the provision of effective, faith-informed, community-based support services.

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 Science. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
B.S. in Counseling and Psychology
Total program length
18 semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Four academic years
General education
36 credit hours
Professional application courses
15 credit hours
Capstone requirement
6 credit hours
Academic unit
College of Science and Psychology
Total credits
18
Duration
4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Understand the major theories and practices of counseling and psychology.
  • Apply counseling techniques in various settings, including faith-based contexts.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills tailored for therapeutic environments.
  • Evaluate the ethical and legal considerations in mental health counseling.
  • Integrate faith and spirituality into mental health practices.
  • Assess mental health issues from both psychological and theological perspectives.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

To be admitted to the program, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and submit official transcripts. Additionally, a personal statement outlining their interest in counseling and any relevant experiences is required.

Program Structure

Official program structure

Program Details

  • Total Credits: 18
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Degree Level: Bachelor

Semester-by-Semester Curriculum

Official course sequence

Year 1

Semester 1

12 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
GEN101English Composition I3None
View Description

Course description not provided in source.

GEN104Introduction to Psychology3None
View Description

Course description not provided in source.

GEN104Introduction to Psychology3None
View Description

Course description not provided in source.

GEN105Introduction to Sociology3None
View Description

Course description not provided in source.

Semester 2

6 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
GEN105Introduction to Sociology3None
View Description

Course description not provided in source.

GEN107GEN 107 Public Speaking and Communication3None
View Description

Course description not provided in source.

Major / Core Requirements

Major and core requirements

General education | 36 credit hours

  • Counseling and psychology core | -39 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Final Project Requirement

Final project requirement

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • GEN 101 | English Composition I | 3 | None
  • GEN 104 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
  • GEN 104 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • GEN 105 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
  • GEN 105 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
  • GEN 107 | GEN 107 Public Speaking and Communication | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Mental Health Counselor
  • School Counselor
  • Faith-Based Outreach Coordinator
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Substance Abuse Counselor

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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.S. in Counseling and Psychology
  • Total program length | 18 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years