Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Psychotherapy, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Psychotherapy, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Psychotherapy and Clinical 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 Psychotherapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to ground students in the foundational theories of psychology and counseling while integrating principles of ethical stewardship and servant leadership. This program equips learners with the analytical tools to understand human behavior, developmental transitions, and the complexities of social interactions within diverse populations. By combining rigorous academic research with an emphasis on compassion-based service, the curriculum facilitates an environment where students examine the intersection of mental health practices and faith-informed personal and professional growth. Students engage in critical discourse regarding historical and modern frameworks of counseling, ensuring they are prepared to serve with integrity and intellectual rigor. The program emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the application of moral reasoning in professional settings, fostering a holistic approach to student development. Through a balanced study of humanities, behavioral sciences, and specialized counseling techniques, graduates will develop the professional acumen necessary to serve within various community and organizational contexts.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Psychotherapy, Clinical Mental Health Counseling combines rigorous general education requirements with a comprehensive study of psychotherapeutic theory, behavioral science, human development, professional ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, clinical referral protocols, program development, and community-based support systems.

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 Psychotherapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Composition I | 3 | None
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• PSY105 | Introduction to Human Development | 3 | None
• MAT101 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG102 | Academic Composition II | 3 | ENG101
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• COU110 | Communication in Helping Relationships | 3 | PSY101
• BIO105 | Human Biology and Wellness | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY201 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• SOC205 | Professional Ethics and Social Justice | 3 | THE101
• COU210 | Foundations of Counseling Theory | 3 | PSY101
• BUS200 | Organizational Stewardship | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY250 | Social Psychology | 3 | SOC101
• RES210 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 3 | MAT101
• COU225 | Cross-Cultural Competency in Practice | 3 | SOC101
• EDU205 | Principles of Adult Learning | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY310 | Personality Theory | 3 | PSY201
• COU305 | Group Dynamics and Facilitation | 3 | COU210
• MGT301 | Nonprofit Administration and Leadership | 3 | BUS200
• HUM310 | Philosophy of Service and Community | 4 | CHR205
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU350 | Crisis Intervention Techniques | 3 | COU210
• PSY340 | Motivation and Behavior Change | 3 | PSY310
• CRJ320 | Restorative Justice Systems | 3 | SOC101
• MIN330 | Leadership in Diverse Communities | 4 | CHR205
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU410 | Professional Ethics and Law | 3 | COU305
• PSY420 | Trauma-Informed Care Frameworks | 3 | PSY201
• COM405 | Advocacy and Public Communication | 3 | COU110
• RES450 | Program Evaluation and Impact | 4 | RES210
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES450
• COU480 | Advanced Case Management | 3 | COU410
• MGT450 | Strategic Planning in Social Service | 3 | MGT301
• PSY495 | Contemporary Issues in Mental Health | 3 | PSY340

Career Opportunities

• Community outreach coordinator
• Social service case manager
• Nonprofit program developer
• Mental health support specialist
• Human resources representative
• Family resource counselor
• Faith-based organizational administrator

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