Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Psychology, Specialization in Mental Health Advocacy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Psychology, Specialization in Mental Health Advocacy

Total program length

126 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Psychological and faith-based studies core

69 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor's in Psychology with a Minor in Faith-Based Mental Health Advocacy equips students with a robust understanding of psychological theories, mental health practices, and the integration of faith-based approaches to mental health. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes critical thinking and ethical considerations, preparing students for roles in diverse settings such as counseling, community services, and healthcare environments. Students will engage in practical experiences that combine psychological principles with advocacy, aiming to support mental health within faith communities. With a total of 72 credits over two years, graduates will emerge with both the academic knowledge and hands-on skills needed to influence positive change in the field of mental health and advocacy.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Psychology, Specialization in Mental Health Advocacy, combines rigorous general education with comprehensive study in psychological theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support. The program provides a multidisciplinary foundation designed to cultivate professional competencies through the integration of faith-based principles and psychological practice.

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: 126
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Psychological and faith-based studies core | 69 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 101 | Public Speaking | 3 | None
• ENG 101 | College Composition I | 3 | None
• HIS 101 | U.S. History I | 3 | None
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• ENG 102 | College Composition II | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS 102 | U.S. History II | 3 | None
• BIO 105 | Human Biology | 3 | None
• MAT 110 | College Algebra | 3 | None
• PSY 120 | Human Growth & Development | 3 | None
• ANT 210 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 | None
• FBH 210 | Foundations of Faith-Based Mental Health Advocacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FBH 220 | Spirituality and Mental Health | 3 | None
• PSY 220 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | None
• PSY 230 | Social Psychology | 3 | None
• PSY 240 | Personality Theories | 3 | None
• PSY 250 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 | None
• PSY 260 | Biological Psychology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 270 | Psychological Testing & Measurement | 3 | None
• PSY 280 | Multicultural Psychology | 3 | None
• PSY 290 | Psychology of Gender | 3 | None
• FBH 300 | Faith-Based Counseling Principles | 3 | None
• PSY 300 | Experimental Psychology | 3 | None
• FBH 310 | Advocacy in Faith Communities | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 310 | Learning & Behavior | 3 | None
• PSY 320 | Psychopathology | 3 | None
• FBH 330 | Ethics in Faith-Based Mental Health Advocacy | 3 | None
• PSY 330 | Health Psychology | 3 | None
• PSY 340 | Motivation and Emotion | 3 | None
• PSY 350 | Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 360 | Industrial-Organizational Psychology | 3 | None
• PSY 370 | Forensic Psychology | 3 | None
• PSY 380 | Psychology of Stress and Coping | 3 | None
• PSY 390 | Applied Psychology | 3 | None
• PSY 410 | Community Psychology | 3 | None
• PSY 420 | Applied Psychology Seminar | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 430 | Psychological Assessment | 3 | None
• PSY 440 | Ethics and Professional Issues in Psychology | 3 | None
• PSY 450 | Senior Capstone in Psychology | 3 | None
• PSY 460 | Internship in Psychology | 3 | None
• PSY 470 | Program Evaluation | 3 | None
• PSY 480 | Contemporary Issues in Psychology | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Mental Health Counselor
• Faith-Based Outreach Coordinator
• Community Service Manager
• School Psychologist
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Mental Health Advocate

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 Psychology, Specialization in Mental Health Advocacy
• Total program length | 126 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years