Doctor of Philosophy in Divinity Specialization in Chaplaincy Counseling & Psychology

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Divinity Specialization in Chaplaincy Counseling & 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 divinity 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 specialization in Chaplaincy Counseling & Psychology is a rigorous, research-intensive program designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to integrate advanced theological inquiry with the behavioral and social sciences. The program emphasizes the development of specialized knowledge in pastoral care, ethical decision-making, and psychological frameworks, fostering an environment where academic research serves the broader mission of faith-based community support. Participants engage in deep scholarly examination of the intersection between human development and spiritual formation, preparing them to address complex social, moral, and emotional needs in institutional and organizational settings. By prioritizing interdisciplinary study and advanced analytical methodologies, this doctorate equips graduates to provide leadership that is both intellectually robust and grounded in ethical stewardship. The program curriculum balances theoretical foundations with practical application, ensuring that students are proficient in addressing the challenges of contemporary society through a lens of service and integrity. Scholars are encouraged to produce original, high-quality research that contributes to the field of chaplaincy and counseling, upholding the academic standards necessary for scholarly excellence.

The Doctor of Education in Divinity Specialization in Chaplaincy Counseling & Psychology is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced divinity specialization in chaplaincy counseling & 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 divinity specialization in chaplaincy counseling & 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 Proposal Development

• 4
• RES740
• THE820
• Advanced Spiritual Formation
• 3
• THE702
• COU830
• Trauma-Informed Pastoral Care
• 3
• COU715
• COU800 — Advanced Group Dynamics and Systems: Analyzes how groups and institutional systems impact psychological health and community resilience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES810 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Guides students through the creation of a formal research proposal for the doctoral dissertation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE820 — Advanced Spiritual Formation: Evaluates the historical and theological development of character through reflective practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU830 — Trauma-Informed Pastoral Care: Examines the intersection of trauma studies and theological understandings of healing and support. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES810
• COU855
• Advanced Topics in Chaplaincy Leadership
• 4
• COU800
• RES860
• Advanced Writing for Scholarly Publication
• 3
• RES810
• THE870
• Global Perspectives on Divinity
• 3
• THE820
• CAP850 — Dissertation Research I: Commences data collection and analysis phase for the doctoral dissertation under faculty guidance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU855 — Advanced Topics in Chaplaincy Leadership: Discusses emerging trends and leadership challenges in global and local chaplaincy contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES860 — Advanced Writing for Scholarly Publication: Provides intensive review of academic writing standards and journal publication strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE870 — Global Perspectives on Divinity: Examines the diversity of theological expressions and their impacts on community service models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly achievement, requiring students to conduct original research that advances the knowledge base of divinity and chaplaincy counseling. Candidates must identify a significant problem, develop a rigorous research methodology, and produce a dissertation that demonstrates high-level critical thinking, theological depth, and scientific rigor. This project requires the application of advanced research techniques to address issues impacting community support, organizational stewardship, and the delivery of pastoral care. By synthesizing academic theory with practical, faith-based insight, the dissertation reflects the candidate's mastery of the discipline and their readiness for specialized professional contribution. The final deliverable is an oral defense before a faculty committee, ensuring the work meets the highest standards of the academy and the mission of the institution. Through this process, students integrate their spiritual formation with academic practice, demonstrating character development and ethical integrity as they formulate solutions that reflect servant leadership and stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Career Opportunities

• Institutional Chaplaincy Director
• Clinical Chaplaincy Supervisor
• Nonprofit Organizational Consultant
• Seminary Faculty Member
• Community Advocacy Coordinator
• Spiritual Care Program Administrator
• Public Policy Advisor on Faith-Based Social Issues

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 Divinity Specialization in Chaplaincy Counseling & 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 divinity 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 Doctoral Research Methods | 3 | None
• COU701 | Theoretical Foundations of Chaplaincy | 3 | None
• THE702 | Theology of Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY710 | Advanced Human Development | 3 | RES700
• COU715 | Crisis Intervention and Pastoral Care | 3 | COU701
• RES720 | Quantitative Data Analysis for Social Research | 3 | RES700
• SOC725 | Sociology of Community and Faith | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU730 | Advanced Ethics in Counseling | 4 | COU715
• THE735 | Theological Anthropology and Psychology | 4 | THE702
• RES740 | Qualitative Research Design | 3 | RES700
• MGT745 | Strategic Organizational Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU800 | Advanced Group Dynamics and Systems | 4 | COU730
• RES810 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES740
• THE820 | Advanced Spiritual Formation | 3 | THE702
• COU830 | Trauma-Informed Pastoral Care | 3 | COU715
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP850 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES810
• COU855 | Advanced Topics in Chaplaincy Leadership | 4 | COU800
• RES860 | Advanced Writing for Scholarly Publication | 3 | RES810
• THE870 | Global Perspectives on Divinity | 3 | THE820
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP899 | Doctoral Dissertation | 4 | CAP850
• COU880 | Professional Practicum in Chaplaincy | 3 | COU855
• THE890 | Integration Seminar in Divinity and Psychology | 3 | THE870
• COU895 | Advanced Cultural Competency | 3 | SOC725