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

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

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

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Counseling, Psychology 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 Counseling, Psychology Mental Health Counseling provides students with a robust foundation in psychological theory, human development, and evidence-based behavioral science. Integrating scientific inquiry with a commitment to human flourishing, the curriculum explores the cognitive, social, and emotional factors that influence human behavior, equipping students with the tools to navigate complex interpersonal and societal challenges. The program is designed to develop compassionate professionals who view the human condition through a holistic lens, prioritizing ethical integrity and scholarly rigor. Through a synthesis of psychological research and foundational values, students examine the intersection of mental health and the human experience within diverse community contexts. The program fosters an environment where academic excellence is paired with character formation, encouraging students to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to engage effectively in social service, research, and organizational leadership.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Counseling, Psychology Mental Health Counseling integrates foundational general education with a comprehensive study of counseling theory, behavioral science, human development, and ethical standards. Students engage in rigorous coursework addressing research methodologies, crisis awareness, professional referral processes, program development, and the implementation of community-based support systems within a faith-based framework.

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 Counseling, Psychology Mental Health Counseling core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• PHI101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 | None
• MAT110 | Mathematics for Social Sciences | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY150 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• COM105 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Principles of Sociology | 3 | None
• HIS200 | World History and Ethics | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY210 | Social Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• COU201 | Foundations of Counseling | 3 | PSY101
• BIO205 | Human Biology | 4 | None
• HUM210 | Ethics and Values | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY220 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• COU225 | Group Dynamics | 3 | COU201
• RES250 | Research Methods | 3 | MAT110
• EDU200 | Educational Psychology | 3 | PSY150
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY310 | Personality Theory | 3 | PSY210
• COU305 | Crisis Intervention | 3 | COU201
• BUS315 | Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• RES350 | Data Analysis in Psychology | 4 | RES250
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY350 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• COU340 | Family Systems | 3 | COU201
• MIN300 | Stewardship and Community Engagement | 3 | THE101
• CRJ310 | Juvenile Delinquency | 3 | SOC101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY410 | Motivation and Emotion | 3 | PSY220
• COU420 | Advanced Counseling Techniques | 3 | COU305
• MGT450 | Non-Profit Management | 3 | BUS315
• RES400 | Research Seminar | 4 | RES350
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES400
• PSY450 | Current Issues in Psychology | 3 | Senior Standing
• COU480 | Professional Ethics | 3 | COU201
• CHR495 | Integrative Seminar | 3 | Senior Standing

Career Opportunities

• Social and Human Services Coordinator
• Community Outreach Specialist
• Residential Care Program Manager
• Non-Profit Program Administrator
• Behavioral Health Technician
• Case Management Assistant
• Organizational Development Specialist

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