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

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

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

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Counseling and psychology core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Christian Counseling program provides a rigorous academic foundation in psychological principles, behavioral science, and ethical practice. Students explore the intersection of human development, cognitive function, and social dynamics, while developing the competencies necessary for understanding complex interpersonal relationships. Through a curriculum rooted in scientific inquiry and ethical stewardship, the program emphasizes the practical application of psychological knowledge to diverse populations in various community and organizational contexts.

Students engage with foundational psychological theories and evidence-based methodologies to interpret human behavior and promote social flourishing. The curriculum fosters intellectual growth, encouraging students to analyze societal challenges through an analytical lens while maintaining a commitment to professional integrity. This interdisciplinary approach prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of contemporary social environments with proficiency, character, and a heart for service.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology Mental Health Counseling program combines a robust foundation in general education with a comprehensive study of counseling theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research methodologies, crisis awareness, referral processes, program development, and community-based support strategies.

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

• Counseling and psychology core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• ENG 101 | Academic Writing I | 3 | None
• THE 101 | Foundations of Christian Thought | 3 | None
• MAT 105 | Statistics for the Social Sciences | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 150 | Lifespan Development | 3 | PSY 101
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• ENG 102 | Academic Writing II | 3 | ENG 101
• COM 110 | Interpersonal Communication | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 201 | Counseling Theory and Practice | 3 | PSY 101
• BIO 210 | Biological Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• HIS 200 | World History and Culture | 3 | None
• MIN 205 | Servant Leadership Principles | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 220 | Social Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• COU 210 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | COU 201
• HUM 250 | Humanities and Values | 3 | None
• BUS 230 | Organizational Management | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES 301 | Research Methods | 3 | MAT 105
• COU 315 | Group Dynamics and Process | 3 | COU 201
• CHR 305 | Spiritual Formation and Character | 3 | THE 101
• PSY 330 | Personality Psychology | 4 | PSY 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 350 | Crisis Intervention Strategies | 3 | COU 201
• EDU 320 | Learning and Cognition | 3 | PSY 101
• PSY 360 | Multicultural Perspectives | 3 | SOC 101
• MGT 310 | Community Resource Management | 4 | BUS 230
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 410 | Counseling and Community Health | 3 | COU 201
• PSY 420 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• RES 400 | Advanced Research Seminar | 3 | RES 301
• CRJ 405 | Conflict Mediation | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 499 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES 400
• COU 450 | Advanced Interpersonal Support | 3 | COU 201
• PSY 480 | Contemporary Issues in Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• BUS 460 | Non-Profit Strategy and Stewardship | 3 | MGT 310

Career Opportunities

• Community outreach coordinator
• Social services caseworker
• Behavioral health technician
• Non-profit program administrator
• Human resources professional
• Youth and family support specialist
• Advocacy and policy consultant

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 Mental Health Counseling
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years