Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Clinical Pastoral Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Clinical Pastoral Education

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Clinical pastoral education core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Clinical Pastoral Education provides a rigorous interdisciplinary approach to pastoral care and supportive counseling within clinical and community environments. The curriculum integrates behavioral science, social systems, and theological reflection to prepare students to serve effectively in institutional settings where holistic care is required. Students examine the intersections of psychology, human development, and ministerial practice through a framework of servant leadership and ethical stewardship.

Students engage with diverse populations through evidence-based practices while maintaining a focus on the spiritual dimensions of health and healing. By examining the history and methodology of clinical pastoral models, graduates learn to bridge the gap between institutional support services and the spiritual needs of the individuals they serve. This program fosters an environment of inquiry, encouraging students to develop the critical thinking and compassionate presence necessary for professional service.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Clinical Pastoral Education combines a rigorous general education foundation with comprehensive study in subject 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

• Clinical pastoral education core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
• PSY101 | Foundations of Psychology | 3 | None
• THE101 | Spiritual Formation and Ethics | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Principles of Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT150 | Statistics for Behavioral Science | 3 | None
• COU101 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• BIO120 | Human Biology | 4 | None
• MIN110 | Introduction to Pastoral Care | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY210 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• HIS200 | History of Christian Thought | 3 | None
• COU220 | Crisis Intervention Strategies | 3 | COU101
• CHR205 | Biblical Studies for Ministry | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC250 | Social Problems and Social Policy | 3 | SOC101
• PSY250 | Social Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• MIN250 | Grief and Loss Counseling | 4 | MIN110
• BUS200 | Nonprofit Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES300 | Research Methods | 3 | MAT150
• COU310 | Counseling Theory and Practice | 3 | COU101
• EDU320 | Principles of Adult Education | 3 | None
• MIN330 | Ethics in Pastoral Care | 4 | THE101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY350 | Group Dynamics | 3 | PSY250
• SOC360 | Community Organizing | 3 | SOC250
• COU350 | Trauma-Informed Care | 3 | COU220
• MIN380 | Systems of Ministry | 3 | MIN110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU410 | Advanced Pastoral Counseling | 4 | COU310
• MGT420 | Servant Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | BUS200
• MIN440 | Cross-Cultural Ministry | 3 | SOC101
• HUM400 | Contemporary Ethical Issues | 3 | THE101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES300
• COU450 | Professionalism in Practice | 3 | None
• MIN480 | Integrated Pastoral Care Internship | 3 | MIN440
• SOC490 | Applied Sociology and Ethics | 3 | SOC360

Career Opportunities

• Chaplaincy Assistant
• Nonprofit Community Liaison
• Pastoral Care Coordinator
• Behavioral Health Support Specialist
• Human Services Case Manager
• Faith-Based Program Manager
• Community Outreach Coordinator

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 Clinical Pastoral Education
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years