Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Christian Counseling and Psychology core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Christian Counseling & Psychology equips students with a solid understanding of psychological principles intertwined with Christian teachings. Over four years, students will develop skills in counseling, conflict resolution, and ethical decision-making, preparing them for roles that require a blend of psychological insight and spiritual sensitivity. The program emphasizes practical experience through internships and community service, enhancing students' readiness for the workforce. Graduates will gain a comprehensive view of human behavior through a Christian framework, valued by both secular and faith-based organizations.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology combines foundational general education with a comprehensive study of counseling theory, behavioral science, human development, professional ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, referral protocols, program development, and community-based support structures.

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

• Faith-Based Christian Counseling and Psychology core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSYC 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• COUC 102 | An Introduction to Counseling | 3 | None
• PSYC 102 | Human Learning Principles | 3 | None
• SOCI 102 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• COUC 103 | Counseling Techniques | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSYC 103 | Human Growth & Development | 3 | None
• COUC 104 | Christian Counseling | 3 | None
• PSYC 105 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | None
• COUC 106 | Effective Counseling Techniques & Skills | 3 | None
• GEN 106 | Introduction to College Research | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSYC 106 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | None
• PSYC 107 | Psychology of Human Relationships | 3 | None
• GEN 108 | Ethics & Moral Reasoning | 3 | None
• PSYC 108 | Cultural Psychology | 3 | None
• PSYC 109 | Research Methods I | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSYC 110 | Physiology of Psychology | 3 | None
• MGIS 120 | Introduction to Microcomputers | 3 | None
• COUC 201 | Goal Setting in Psychotherapy & Counseling | 3 | None
• PSYC 201 | Health Psychology | 3 | None
• COUC 202 | Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSYC 202 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 | None
• COUC 203 | Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 | None
• PSYC 203 | Parenting Psychology | 3 | None
• COUC 204 | Addictions & Substance Abuse Counseling | 3 | None
• COUC 205 | Vocational & Career Counseling | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COUC 206 | Counseling the Aging | 3 | None
• COUC 207 | Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis | 3 | None
• PSYC 207 | Community Psychology | 3 | None
• COUC 208 | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) | 3 | None
• PSYC 208 | Social Psychology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COUC 209 | Group Counseling & Facilitation | 3 | None
• PSYC 209 | Statistics for Psychology | 3 | None
• PSYC 210 | Ethics & Professionalism in Psychotherapy | 3 | None
• SOCI 210 | Foundations of Gerontology | 3 | None
• COUC 211 | Crisis Intervention & Trauma Healing | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COUC 213 | Integrating Theology & Counseling | 3 | None
• COUC 214 | Neuropsychology & Spiritual Healing | 3 | None
• COUC 215 | Child & Adolescent Christian Counseling | 3 | None
• GEN 309 | Biology of Clinical Counseling | 3 | None
• GEN 310 | Cross-Cultural Communication in Counseling | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Christian counselor
• School counselor
• Marriage and family therapist
• Mental health coordinator in faith-based organizations
• Substance abuse counselor
• Life coach
• Community service manager
• Psychological researcher

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 Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years