Doctor of Faith-Based Major: Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychology

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychology

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Maximum approved transfer credit

Up to 40 semester credit hours

Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer

80 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project

Advanced Faith-Based Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychology and specialization courses

30 credit hours

Leadership, administration, and professional practice

21 credit hours

Research methods and program evaluation

18 credit hours

Professional application and doctoral residency

15 credit hours

Advanced electives or concentration courses

12 credit hours

Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy

6 credit hours

Applied doctoral project and defense

18 credit hours

Total

120 semester credit hours

The Doctor of Faith-Based Leadership in Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychology provides a comprehensive, high-level academic framework for scholars and practitioners seeking to integrate advanced behavioral science with stewardship and servant leadership. The curriculum emphasizes the application of rigorous theoretical models to complex human needs, focusing on the intersection of psychological theory, professional counseling standards, and chaplaincy best practices within diverse social contexts. Through sustained inquiry, students engage in deep analysis of the human condition to foster holistic growth and resilient support structures within organizations and communities. The program is designed to cultivate academic excellence alongside personal and professional formation, grounded in a commitment to ethical integrity and service. Participants are encouraged to synthesize diverse disciplinary perspectives to develop evidence-based approaches that align with institutional and organizational goals while navigating the complexities of modern service environments.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychology is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based chaplaincy, counseling, and psychology knowledge, organizational leadership, ethical stewardship, program development, community-care systems, higher-education instruction, and evidence-informed professional practice.

Students may receive up to 40 semester credit hours of approved graduate or doctoral transfer credit. Accepted transfer credits are applied toward the 120-credit graduation requirement and may reduce the number of courses and the amount of time required to complete the degree. A student receiving the maximum transfer-credit award must complete at least 80 semester credit hours through the University.

The applied doctoral project must address a documented faith-based chaplaincy, counseling, and psychology-support, educational, organizational, or community-care need. The project must include scholarly research, an implementation model, measurable outcomes, ethical safeguards, an evaluation plan, and a successful oral defense.

DOCTORAL TRANSFER-CREDIT POLICY: The Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy programs each require 120 semester credit hours. Students may transfer up to 40 semester credit hours of eligible graduate or doctoral coursework toward either degree. Transfer credit is not automatically awarded. Each request is evaluated individually according to: The academic level of the previous coursework; The relevance of the coursework to the doctoral curriculum; Course content and learning outcomes; Credit-hour equivalency; Grades earned; The age of the coursework; Official institutional documentation; The University's residency and transfer-credit policies. Accepted transfer credit may reduce the number of courses and the amount of time required to complete the degree. Students awarded the maximum 40 transfer credits will have 80 semester credit hours remaining in the 120-credit doctoral program. Comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidacy, doctoral residency, the applied doctoral project, dissertation research, and the final oral defense must ordinarily be completed through the University. These requirements may not be satisfied through transfer credit unless expressly permitted under a published University policy.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 120
• Duration: 3 years
• Degree Level: Doctorate

Dissertation Prospectus Development

• 3
• RES745
• PSY805 — Trauma-Informed Care Models: Explores the psychological impact of trauma on individuals and communities, emphasizing resilience and recovery. Students apply trauma-informed frameworks to organizational support strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU810 — Cross-Cultural Counseling Competencies: Investigates the intersection of cultural diversity, identity, and clinical practice. Students gain tools for effectively supporting diverse populations within faith-based organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN815 — Ecclesiological Foundations of Care: An advanced study of the history and development of care models within faith-based organizations. Students analyze historical patterns to inform contemporary practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES820 — Dissertation Prospectus Development: Guided instruction for developing a feasible, research-based dissertation proposal. Includes literature review, methodology selection, and proposal defense. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation I

• 3
• RES820
• PSY830 — Advanced Behavioral Assessment: Focuses on the sophisticated analysis of behavioral patterns and wellness metrics in institutional contexts. Students learn to utilize assessment data for systemic improvement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU835 — Counseling Supervision and Training: Prepares doctoral students to supervise junior practitioners in counseling settings. Focuses on pedagogy, feedback, and mentoring. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN840 — Organizational Conflict Resolution: Examines strategies for mediation and reconciliation within high-stress organizational environments. Students analyze conflict dynamics and implement resolution techniques. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP850 — Dissertation I: Initiation of the primary research project including data collection and initial analysis under the guidance of a dissertation chair. Focuses on structural integrity of the project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation II: Defense and Completion

• 4
• CAP850
• PSY860 — Systems Thinking and Change Management: Applies systems theory to drive change within nonprofit and social service organizations. Focuses on sustainability and mission-driven growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU865 — Professional Integration Seminar: Synthesizes coursework in psychology, counseling, and chaplaincy to prepare for advanced professional practice. Focuses on articulating a personal leadership philosophy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN870 — Advanced Global Perspectives in Service: Analyzes cross-cultural service delivery models and the impact of globalization on local community missions. Encourages comparative analysis of global service initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP899 — Dissertation II: Defense and Completion: Completion of the final dissertation manuscript and successful oral defense before a faculty committee. Demonstrates professional synthesis of doctoral-level research and ethical leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience for the doctoral program, providing students the opportunity to conduct original, independent research that contributes substantively to the fields of chaplaincy, counseling, and psychology. Students must identify a critical issue within their field and utilize rigorous methodology to explore, analyze, and propose evidence-based solutions that reflect academic excellence. The dissertation must be defended before a faculty committee, demonstrating mastery of the research process and the ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical, ethical application.
• Beyond research proficiency, the dissertation requires the synthesis of a Christian worldview with the student's area of study, ensuring that findings are interpreted through the lenses of servant leadership, stewardship, and ethical commitment. This capstone project serves as a vehicle for demonstrating the student’s readiness to lead with both academic authority and spiritual maturity. It requires students to articulate how their proposed models or frameworks facilitate human flourishing and organizational health, underscoring the vital role of faith-informed character in high-level professional practice.

Career Opportunities

• Hospital or Healthcare Chaplaincy Director
• Clinical Counseling Program Administrator
• Nonprofit Behavioral Health Executive
• University Faculty or Academic Researcher
• Organizational Ethics Consultant
• Community Outreach Program Director
• Faith-Based Pastoral Counselor

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 | Ed.D. in Faith-Based Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychology
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours
• Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 80 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project
• Advanced Faith-Based Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychology and specialization courses | 30 credit hours
• Leadership, administration, and professional practice | 21 credit hours
• Research methods and program evaluation | 18 credit hours
• Professional application and doctoral residency | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives or concentration courses | 12 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
• Applied doctoral project and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
• COU705 | Advanced Counseling Theory | 3 | None
• MIN710 | Leadership in Chaplaincy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY715 | Foundations of Human Psychology | 4 | None
• RES720 | Statistical Analysis in Behavioral Science | 3 | RES701
• COU725 | Ethics and Professional Practice | 3 | None
• MIN730 | Spiritual Formation and Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY740 | Social Psychology and Community Systems | 4 | PSY715
• RES745 | Qualitative Research Design | 3 | RES701
• COU750 | Crisis Intervention Strategies | 3 | COU705
• MGT755 | Stewardship and Resource Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY805 | Trauma-Informed Care Models | 4 | PSY715
• COU810 | Cross-Cultural Counseling Competencies | 3 | COU705
• MIN815 | Ecclesiological Foundations of Care | 3 | None
• RES820 | Dissertation Prospectus Development | 3 | RES745
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY830 | Advanced Behavioral Assessment | 4 | PSY715
• COU835 | Counseling Supervision and Training | 3 | COU705
• MIN840 | Organizational Conflict Resolution | 3 | None
• CAP850 | Dissertation I | 3 | RES820
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY860 | Systems Thinking and Change Management | 4 | PSY715
• COU865 | Professional Integration Seminar | 3 | None
• MIN870 | Advanced Global Perspectives in Service | 3 | None
• CAP899 | Dissertation II: Defense and Completion | 4 | CAP850