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Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Christian Counseling Psychology Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Academic unitCollege of Addiction CounselingTotal credits120Estimated duration4 yearsSource documentBachelor_of_Science_in_Faith_Based_Christian_Counseling_Psychology_Clinical_Ment.docx

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling Psychology Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Christian Counseling Psychology Clinical Mental Health Counseling core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Christian Counseling Psychology provides students with a rigorous academic foundation in psychological theory, behavioral health, and interpersonal dynamics. The curriculum integrates empirical research with a commitment to the ethical, spiritual, and holistic development of the individual within a community context. Students engage with complex social and psychological phenomena through a lens of stewardship and servant leadership.

By emphasizing the intersection of behavioral science and faith-informed ethical decision-making, the program prepares graduates to serve diverse populations with integrity. The coursework fosters critical thinking regarding the application of psychological principles to real-world community challenges, encouraging students to view their professional practice as a form of ministry and service to their neighbors.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Christian Counseling Psychology Clinical Mental Health Counseling combines foundational general education with comprehensive study in 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 Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
B.S. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling Psychology Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Total program length
120 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 Addiction Counseling
Total credits
120
Duration
4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze psychological theories and their application to behavioral health and interpersonal dynamics.
  • Evaluate the intersection of faith-based ethical frameworks and professional behavioral science practices.
  • Apply research methodologies to address community-based social and psychological challenges.
  • Demonstrate servant leadership through the development of collaborative community interventions.
  • Communicate complex behavioral information effectively to diverse audiences in professional settings.
  • Design ethical strategies for community engagement that reflect a commitment to human dignity.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students are required to submit an academic essay detailing their commitment to ethical leadership, community service, and personal spiritual formation as it relates to their intended field of study. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative academic experience, requiring students to design a comprehensive community service initiative that applies psychological principles to a real-world social issue. This project mandates that students demonstrate both academic mastery and the ability to synthesize their professional training with a Christian worldview. Deliverables include a formal research paper and a strategic implementation plan for their proposed organization or program. Central to the capstone is the intentional application of servant leadership, spiritual formation, and biblical stewardship. Students must articulate how their proposed intervention reflects a commitment to justice, reconciliation, and the holistic restoration of the individuals they intend to serve. The project provides evidence that the student has reached a level of academic maturity and character development appropriate for service in the nonprofit sector.

Program Structure

Official program structure

Program Details

  • Total Credits: 120
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Degree Level: Bachelor

Semester-by-Semester Curriculum

Official course sequence

Year 1

Semester 1

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
PSY101Introduction to Psychology4None
View Description

This course covers the history, theories, and fundamental principles of psychological study. It emphasizes human development and cognitive processes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

ENG101Academic Writing and Rhetoric3None
View Description

Students practice formal essay writing and analytical research techniques. Focus is placed on clear, persuasive communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

THE101Introduction to Christian Theology3None
View Description

This course examines fundamental Christian doctrines and their historical significance. It explores the relationship between faith and cultural engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

MAT101Foundational Statistics3None
View Description

This course introduces statistical analysis and data interpretation. Students learn to evaluate quantitative research data. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 2

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
PSY102Developmental Psychology4PSY101
View Description

This course explores human growth across the lifespan from birth to late adulthood. It covers physical, cognitive, and social development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

SOC101Introduction to Sociology3None
View Description

This course analyzes human social groups, institutions, and community structures. Students explore the dynamics of societal interactions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

COM101Interpersonal Communication3None
View Description

Students analyze communication styles and techniques for effective conflict resolution. Emphasis is on empathy and active listening. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

CHR101Spiritual Formation I3None
View Description

This course focuses on the disciplines of spiritual growth and personal reflection. It emphasizes the development of a heart for service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 3

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
PSY201Social Psychology4PSY101
View Description

This course investigates how social influences impact human cognition and behavior. Topics include group dynamics and prejudice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

COU201Foundations of Counseling3PSY101
View Description

This course outlines the history and theoretical approaches to professional guidance and interpersonal support. It emphasizes the role of the helper. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

RES201Research Methods3MAT101
View Description

This course covers qualitative and quantitative methods for conducting psychological research. Students learn to critique published literature. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

MIN201Servant Leadership3None
View Description

This course explores the principles of servant leadership and stewardship in organizational settings. Students analyze leadership models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Year 2

Semester 4

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
PSY202Cognitive Psychology4PSY101
View Description

This course examines mental processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Students analyze how thoughts influence behavioral outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

COU202Interpersonal Helping Skills3COU201
View Description

This course focuses on basic counseling techniques, including reflection and questioning. Practical application is emphasized through role-playing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

BUS201Nonprofit Administration3None
View Description

This course introduces the management, budgeting, and fundraising aspects of nonprofit entities. It covers operational sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

CHR202Spiritual Formation II3CHR101
View Description

This course explores advanced themes in spiritual formation and community service. Students connect personal growth to service goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 5

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
PSY301Psychology of Personality4PSY202
View Description

This course reviews the major theories of personality and their influence on human identity. It explores differences in temperament and outlook. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

COU301Ethics in Counseling3COU202
View Description

This course examines legal, ethical, and moral standards within the helping professions. Students explore case studies in ethical decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

EDU301Educational Psychology3PSY202
View Description

This course analyzes how psychological theories inform teaching and learning processes. Students study motivation and classroom dynamics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

HIS301History of Christian Thought3THE101
View Description

This course covers the development of major theological traditions and their impact on Western culture. It highlights intellectual history. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 6

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
PSY302Behavioral Health Interventions4PSY301
View Description

This course focuses on evidence-based strategies for improving personal and community wellness. It explores preventative measures and health promotion. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

COU302Family Systems Theory3COU301
View Description

This course analyzes the family unit as an interconnected system. Students study communication patterns and systemic change processes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

CRJ301Restorative Justice3SOC101
View Description

This course explores the philosophy and practice of restorative justice in community contexts. It highlights conflict reconciliation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

MGT301Resource Stewardship3BUS201
View Description

This course examines the management and allocation of organizational resources with a focus on sustainability. Students practice financial oversight. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Year 3

Semester 7

14 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
PSY401Multicultural Perspectives4SOC101
View Description

This course analyzes the impact of cultural diversity on psychological development and social interaction. It emphasizes sensitivity and empathy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

COU401Crisis and Intervention3COU301
View Description

This course explores techniques for providing support during crises and traumatic events. It focuses on community disaster response. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

HUM401Faith and Modern Society3THE101
View Description

This course addresses the ongoing dialogue between modern science and historic Christian faith. It encourages philosophical inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

PSY402Advanced Behavioral Analysis4PSY302
View Description

This course deepens understanding of behavior through complex case analysis. Students evaluate long-term outcomes of intervention strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 8

9 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
COU402Group Dynamics and Process3COU401
View Description

This course explores the facilitation of group work in community or support settings. It emphasizes leadership and interaction. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

CAP499Senior Capstone Project3RES401
View Description

This course serves as the culminating academic experience where students complete their proposed community intervention project. It includes a final defense and written report. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

EDU402Professional Development Seminar3None
View Description

This course explores career pathways, portfolio construction, and professional networking in the nonprofit sector. Students prepare for future work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Major / Core Requirements

Major and core requirements

General education | 36 credit hours

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

Final Project Requirement

Final project requirement

Capstone Proposal Development

  • 3
  • RES201
  • PSY401 — Multicultural Perspectives: This course analyzes the impact of cultural diversity on psychological development and social interaction. It emphasizes sensitivity and empathy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU401 — Crisis and Intervention: This course explores techniques for providing support during crises and traumatic events. It focuses on community disaster response. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HUM401 — Faith and Modern Society: This course addresses the ongoing dialogue between modern science and historic Christian faith. It encourages philosophical inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES401 — Capstone Proposal Development: This course assists students in defining their senior project goals and initial research. It bridges theory and practical application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 | None
  • ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
  • THE101 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 | None
  • MAT101 | Foundational Statistics | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY102 | Developmental Psychology | 4 | PSY101
  • SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
  • COM101 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
  • CHR101 | Spiritual Formation I | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY201 | Social Psychology | 4 | PSY101
  • COU201 | Foundations of Counseling | 3 | PSY101
  • RES201 | Research Methods | 3 | MAT101
  • MIN201 | Servant Leadership | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY202 | Cognitive Psychology | 4 | PSY101
  • COU202 | Interpersonal Helping Skills | 3 | COU201
  • BUS201 | Nonprofit Administration | 3 | None
  • CHR202 | Spiritual Formation II | 3 | CHR101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY301 | Psychology of Personality | 4 | PSY202
  • COU301 | Ethics in Counseling | 3 | COU202
  • EDU301 | Educational Psychology | 3 | PSY202
  • HIS301 | History of Christian Thought | 3 | THE101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY302 | Behavioral Health Interventions | 4 | PSY301
  • COU302 | Family Systems Theory | 3 | COU301
  • CRJ301 | Restorative Justice | 3 | SOC101
  • MGT301 | Resource Stewardship | 3 | BUS201
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY401 | Multicultural Perspectives | 4 | SOC101
  • COU401 | Crisis and Intervention | 3 | COU301
  • HUM401 | Faith and Modern Society | 3 | THE101
  • RES401 | Capstone Proposal Development | 3 | RES201
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY402 | Advanced Behavioral Analysis | 4 | PSY302
  • COU402 | Group Dynamics and Process | 3 | COU401
  • CAP499 | Senior Capstone Project | 3 | RES401
  • EDU402 | Professional Development Seminar | 3 | None
  • CAP499Senior Capstone Project3 credits

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To graduate, students must complete the 120-credit program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and successfully defend their Senior Capstone Project. This academic achievement is paired with an expectation of ongoing spiritual formation, including the completion of specific coursework and participation in institutional community engagement requirements.
  • Graduation signifies that a student has met the high standards of academic proficiency while demonstrating a commitment to ethical integrity and servant leadership. Beyond coursework, students are evaluated on their readiness for faith-informed service, ensuring that they enter their professional careers as people of character who are prepared to honor their communities through excellence and compassion.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Nonprofit Program Manager
  • Social Services Caseworker
  • Human Services Specialist
  • Discipleship and Mentoring Director
  • Family Support Advocate
  • Mission Field Coordinator

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