Doctor of Philosophy in Divinity, Major in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

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 clinical mental health counseling 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 Philosophy in Divinity with a Major in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is an advanced academic program designed to integrate high-level psychological theory with theological reflection and ethical practice. Students engage in rigorous research, advanced clinical training, and the study of human development through a multidimensional lens that honors the complexities of the human experience. The curriculum focuses on preparing scholars who are equipped to address mental health challenges while grounding their professional identity in the values of service, justice, and character development.

This doctoral program emphasizes the synthesis of evidence-based psychological modalities with a foundational commitment to ethical leadership and stewardship. Through scholarly inquiry and clinical exploration, candidates develop the capacity to serve diverse populations, addressing the intersection of systemic wellness, spiritual formation, and communal resilience. Graduates emerge as reflective practitioners capable of providing leadership within academic, clinical, and community-focused sectors.

The Doctor of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced clinical mental health counseling 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 clinical mental health counseling-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 Proposal Seminar

• 3
• RES810
• COU860
• Neurobiology and Behavioral Health
• 3
• COU830
• THE870
• Spiritual Formation and Character Development
• 4
• COU710
• COU840 — Group Counseling and Systems Theory: Examination of group dynamics, facilitation techniques, and family systems theory. Students analyze the impact of interpersonal environments on individual development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES850 — Dissertation Proposal Seminar: Candidates develop the framework and methodology for their dissertation project. Emphasis is placed on research feasibility and theoretical alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU860 — Neurobiology and Behavioral Health: A study of the neurobiological correlates of mental health and the impact of intervention on biological processes. Students integrate findings into holistic treatment approaches. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE870 — Spiritual Formation and Character Development: Focus on the interior life and the intentional development of ethical character for counselors. Students discuss the relationship between personal maturity and clinical efficacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES850
• COU920
• Integrative Counseling Seminar
• 3
• COU860
• BUS930
• Organizational Stewardship
• 3
• MGT820
• COU900 — Clinical Supervision Practices: Exploration of models and ethics involved in supervising counseling practitioners. Students learn to provide effective feedback and foster professional development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP910 — Dissertation Research I: Candidates conduct independent research under faculty mentorship, focusing on data collection and preliminary analysis. This phase involves continuous progress monitoring and scholarly reflection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU920 — Integrative Counseling Seminar: A seminar synthesizing theoretical perspectives, clinical evidence, and ethical commitments. Students engage in peer review and critical discussions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS930 — Organizational Stewardship: Application of management principles to the fiscal and operational health of service-oriented agencies. Students learn to prioritize the mission while managing resources effectively. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Defense and Completion

• 8
• CAP910
• COU960
• Advanced Ethical Leadership
• 3
• THE720
• COU970
• Counseling and Public Policy
• 3
• SOC750
• COU980
• Future Trends in Counseling
• 3
• COU860
• CAP950 — Dissertation Defense and Completion: The final stage of the doctoral experience, involving the completion of the written dissertation and the formal defense before a faculty committee. Candidates demonstrate proficiency in original research and application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU960 — Advanced Ethical Leadership: A focus on navigating complex ethical landscapes in leadership roles within the counseling field. Students refine their philosophy of professional integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU970 — Counseling and Public Policy: Analysis of how public policy influences mental health services and community support structures. Students examine the advocate's role in influencing equitable outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU980 — Future Trends in Counseling: An examination of emerging challenges and technological advancements in the counseling profession. Students evaluate potential shifts in practice and research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation represents the culminating scholarly requirement of the doctoral program, carrying a weight of 12 credit hours. It serves as a rigorous opportunity for candidates to conduct original research that addresses contemporary issues in clinical mental health through a distinctively ethical and faith-informed perspective. Students are expected to produce a high-quality manuscript that contributes substantive knowledge to their field, demonstrating mastery of qualitative or quantitative research methods, critical analysis, and scholarly communication.
• Beyond technical competence, the dissertation project requires candidates to integrate their academic findings with principles of biblical stewardship, servant leadership, and spiritual formation. This process encourages students to reflect on how their scholarly contributions can foster communal healing and reflect the institution's commitment to social justice. The dissertation stands as a testament to the candidate's ability to navigate the complex intersection of psychological practice and character-driven, faith-informed service.

Career Opportunities

• Clinical Counseling Supervisor
• Nonprofit Mental Health Program Director
• Faith-Based Community Outreach Coordinator
• University Faculty in Behavioral Health
• Organizational Wellness Consultant
• Director of Pastoral Counseling Services
• Social Policy Researcher for Faith-Based Agencies

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 Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• 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 clinical mental health counseling 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
• RES700 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
• COU710 | Theological Foundations of Wellness | 3 | None
• THE720 | Ethics and Stewardship in Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU730 | Advanced Behavioral Interventions | 3 | COU710
• RES740 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 3 | RES700
• SOC750 | Community Systems and Resilience | 3 | None
• COU760 | Trauma-Informed Care Frameworks | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU800 | Multicultural Counseling Competencies | 3 | None
• RES810 | Qualitative Inquiry | 3 | RES740
• MGT820 | Servant Leadership in Nonprofit Settings | 3 | None
• COU830 | Advanced Psychopathology | 4 | COU730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU840 | Group Counseling and Systems Theory | 3 | COU830
• RES850 | Dissertation Proposal Seminar | 3 | RES810
• COU860 | Neurobiology and Behavioral Health | 3 | COU830
• THE870 | Spiritual Formation and Character Development | 4 | COU710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU900 | Clinical Supervision Practices | 3 | COU830
• CAP910 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES850
• COU920 | Integrative Counseling Seminar | 3 | COU860
• BUS930 | Organizational Stewardship | 3 | MGT820
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP950 | Dissertation Defense and Completion | 8 | CAP910
• COU960 | Advanced Ethical Leadership | 3 | THE720
• COU970 | Counseling and Public Policy | 3 | SOC750
• COU980 | Future Trends in Counseling | 3 | COU860