Bachelor of Science in Divinity, Chaplaincy, Christian Counseling

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. 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 Science in Divinity, Chaplaincy, and Christian Counseling is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program designed to cultivate intellectual rigor, ethical maturity, and practical competency. By integrating theological inquiry with the social sciences, the curriculum challenges students to examine the complexities of human experience through both academic and faith-informed lenses. Students engage with foundational literature, research methodologies, and organizational frameworks necessary for effective leadership in diverse community settings. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, cultural humility, and communicative proficiency, providing a robust intellectual base for those called to service-oriented vocations. By fostering an environment of collaborative learning, the program encourages students to bridge the gap between academic theory and the practical demands of organizational life.

This program combines a robust foundation in general education with a comprehensive study in divinity, chaplaincy, and christian counseling 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 Science. 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 Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Theology | 3 | None
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG102 | Research and Critical Thinking | 3 | ENG101
• CHR105 | Spiritual Formation and Character | 3 | None
• MAT110 | Statistical Methods in Social Sciences | 3 | None
• COM101 | Principles of Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU201 | Foundations of Counseling | 3 | PSY101
• THE210 | Biblical Studies and Hermeneutics | 3 | THE101
• MGT200 | Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• HIS201 | History of Christian Thought | 3 | THE101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU220 | Human Development Across the Lifespan | 3 | PSY101
• MIN205 | Introduction to Chaplaincy | 4 | None
• SOC215 | Community Outreach and Social Advocacy | 3 | SOC101
• HUM250 | Cultural Diversity and Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU305 | Crisis Intervention and Support | 3 | COU201
• MIN310 | Pastoral Care and Leadership | 3 | MIN205
• BUS315 | Non-profit Management | 3 | MGT200
• RES300 | Applied Research Methodologies | 4 | MAT110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU350 | Family Systems and Dynamics | 3 | COU201
• THE320 | Ethics and Moral Theology | 3 | THE101
• EDU305 | Facilitation and Curriculum Design | 3 | None
• SOC350 | Urban Sociology and Social Needs | 3 | SOC101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU410 | Advanced Counseling Theory | 3 | COU201, COU305
• MIN420 | Advanced Chaplaincy and Advocacy | 3 | MIN310
• MGT450 | Strategic Planning for Service Organizations | 3 | BUS315
• SOC405 | Global Issues and Community Response | 3 | SOC101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES300, Senior Standing
• COU480 | Professional Ethics in Practice | 3 | THE320, COU410
• MIN495 | Faith and Public Policy | 3 | None
• CHR499 | Integrative Seminar in Professional Identity | 3 | Senior Standing

Career Opportunities

• Non-profit Program Coordinator
• Community Outreach Manager
• Chaplaincy Assistant in Healthcare Settings
• Christian Counseling Support Specialist
• Church Educational Administrator
• Social Advocacy Strategist
• Volunteer Services Director

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