Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Counseling Psychology Specialization in Christian Helping Ministries Pastoral Care

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Counseling Psychology

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Counseling Psychology core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Christian Helping Ministries and Pastoral Care provides a rigorous academic foundation in the behavioral sciences while emphasizing the integration of psychological theory with principles of servant leadership. The program explores human development, social dynamics, and the psychological dimensions of well-being within the context of interpersonal support and community service. Students engage with foundational psychological frameworks, ethical decision-making models, and evidence-based interpersonal communication strategies suitable for helping ministries. By bridging academic inquiry with ethical and spiritual formation, the curriculum prepares students to navigate the complexities of human behavior through a lens of compassion, stewardship, and academic excellence. The program cultivates a deep understanding of the diverse factors influencing individual and communal health, fostering an environment where rigorous empirical study meets the practical application of pastoral and social care. Graduates are prepared to contribute effectively to various humanitarian, educational, and service-oriented organizations that prioritize holistic human development and community engagement.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Counseling Psychology program combines a foundational general education curriculum with a comprehensive study of counseling theory, behavioral science, human development, ethical standards, and research methodologies. The program provides students with essential knowledge in crisis awareness, effective referral practices, program development, and the implementation of community-based support services within a pastoral care context.

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 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 and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• THE 101 | Foundations of Christian Thought | 3 | None
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 150 | Lifespan Development | 3 | PSY 101
• COM 120 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• MAT 150 | Statistics for Behavioral Science | 4 | None
• MIN 101 | Introduction to Pastoral Care | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 210 | Social Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• COU 201 | Helping Skills and Ethics | 3 | PSY 101
• HIS 205 | World History of Religions | 3 | None
• BIO 200 | Biological Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 250 | Personality Theory | 3 | PSY 101
• COU 220 | Introduction to Group Dynamics | 3 | COU 201
• CHR 210 | Ethics and Stewardship | 3 | THE 101
• RES 250 | Research Methods | 4 | MAT 150
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 301 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• COU 310 | Family Systems Theory | 3 | PSY 150
• MIN 305 | Ministry and Community Service | 3 | MIN 101
• PSY 320 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 350 | Crisis Intervention and Support | 3 | COU 201
• SOC 310 | Social Justice and Inequality | 3 | SOC 101
• BUS 300 | Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• PSY 360 | Advanced Research Practicum | 4 | RES 250
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 410 | Addiction and Recovery | 3 | PSY 320
• MIN 400 | Advanced Pastoral Counseling Theory | 3 | MIN 101
• EDU 420 | Adult Learning and Mentorship | 3 | None
• PSY 405 | Professional Ethics and Law | 3 | COU 201
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 499 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES 250
• COU 450 | Conflict Management and Mediation | 3 | COU 201
• SOC 420 | Community Advocacy and Policy | 3 | SOC 101
• CHR 450 | Spiritual Formation and Character | 3 | THE 101

Career Opportunities

• Community Support Coordinator
• Pastoral Care Assistant
• Family Support Specialist
• Social Service Case Aide
• Non-profit Program Coordinator
• Youth Ministry Director
• Behavioral Health Technician Assistant

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