Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology, Specialization 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 faith-based christian 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 Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology, and Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is an advanced academic program designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to integrate rigorous psychological study with a commitment to faith-based service. This program explores the intersection of behavioral science and ethical stewardship, preparing graduates to navigate complex human dynamics within a variety of organizational and community settings. Through a curriculum rooted in professional excellence, students engage with high-level theory, empirical research methods, and the application of servant leadership principles in clinical mental health contexts. The program fosters a deep understanding of psychological phenomena, equipping students with the tools to analyze human development and wellness through a lens of integrity and compassion. As scholars, students contribute to the academic discourse by developing original research that addresses contemporary behavioral and emotional challenges. By emphasizing ethical practice and the cultivation of character, the program provides a comprehensive framework for those dedicated to advancing the field of counseling while maintaining a strong institutional commitment to faith-informed professional development.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based christian counseling, psychology, specialization in 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 faith-based christian counseling, psychology, specialization in 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 Development

• 4
• RES801
• COU855
• Advanced Clinical Supervision
• 3
• COU705
• THE860
• Ethical Stewardship and Human Wellness
• 3
• None
• COU865
• Family Systems and Relational Health
• 3
• COU705
• RES850 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Guided instruction in the development of the formal dissertation proposal, including literature review synthesis and methodology planning. Students finalize their research direction under faculty supervision. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU855 — Advanced Clinical Supervision: Explores the theory and practice of clinical supervision in professional mental health settings. Students examine models of mentorship and the development of future practitioners. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE860 — Ethical Stewardship and Human Wellness: Integrates concepts of biblical stewardship with modern models of holistic wellness. Explores how theological inquiry informs sustainable and compassionate professional practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU865 — Family Systems and Relational Health: Analyzes family systems theory and its application to individual and collective wellbeing. Students evaluate therapeutic interventions designed to strengthen relational stability and family communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES850
• COU910
• Advanced Intervention Strategies
• 3
• COU705
• COU920
• Organizational Mental Health Policy
• 3
• None
• COU930
• Professional Identity and Advocacy
• 3
• None
• RES901 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phase of independent dissertation research involving data collection and preliminary analysis. Students maintain regular contact with their committee to ensure academic rigor and feasibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU910 — Advanced Intervention Strategies: Examines specialized therapeutic interventions for diverse mental health populations. Focuses on the synthesis of empirical evidence to inform professional practice in dynamic environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU920 — Organizational Mental Health Policy: Addresses the development and implementation of policies within behavioral health organizations. Students analyze the impact of regulatory frameworks on service delivery and organizational success. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU930 — Professional Identity and Advocacy: Focuses on the emergence of the scholarly practitioner and the importance of professional advocacy in the mental health field. Emphasizes character development and public engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Defense and Finalization

• 4
• RES901
• COU960
• Professional Practice Seminar
• 3
• None
• COU970
• Advanced Ethics and Community Engagement
• 3
• COU720
• MIN980
• Leadership and Character Development
• 3
• None
• RES950 — Dissertation Defense and Finalization: The concluding stage of the dissertation process, involving final writing, editing, and the oral defense of scholarly work. Candidates present their research findings to a panel of faculty experts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU960 — Professional Practice Seminar: Integrates all aspects of the doctoral journey into a practical professional framework. Students demonstrate readiness for advanced roles through presentations and case studies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU970 — Advanced Ethics and Community Engagement: Evaluates the practitioner's role in engaging with community systems to foster systemic change. Focuses on the application of moral values to professional advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN980 — Leadership and Character Development: Explores the synergy between personal character development and effective professional leadership. Emphasizes the long-term impact of servant leadership on individual and organizational sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the final, cumulative expression of doctoral-level scholarship and research competence. Students are expected to identify a significant problem within the field of clinical mental health, design an original study, and execute a rigorous investigation that contributes new insights to the discipline. This project requires the systematic application of research methodology, critical data analysis, and the formal defense of scholarly findings before a faculty committee. The process is designed to refine the student’s identity as an independent researcher and scholarly practitioner.
• Integration of faith-based perspectives is a foundational component of the dissertation, requiring students to articulate how their work reflects ethical reasoning, servant leadership, and stewardship of human dignity. Students must demonstrate how their research findings inform their professional practice and contribute to the well-being of the broader community. Through this process, candidates demonstrate the successful synthesis of rigorous academic achievement and faith-informed character development, proving their readiness to impact their professional fields with integrity and purpose.

Career Opportunities

• Clinical Counselor in Private Practice
• Mental Health Program Director
• Behavioral Health Consultant for Faith-Based Organizations
• Academic Researcher in Psychology
• Director of Community Outreach and Development
• Nonprofit Organization Executive
• Clinical Supervisor

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 Christian Counseling, Psychology, Specialization 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 faith-based christian 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
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
• COU705 | Advanced Counseling Theory | 3 | None
• PSY710 | Advanced Psychology and Human Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES715 | Qualitative Research and Inquiry | 3 | RES701
• COU720 | Ethics in Clinical Practice | 3 | None
• MGT730 | Servant Leadership in Behavioral Health | 3 | None
• COU740 | Crisis Intervention and Resilience | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 4 | RES701
• COU810 | Advanced Psychopathology | 3 | COU705
• PSY820 | Social Psychology and Community Systems | 3 | None
• COU830 | Multicultural Competencies in Counseling | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES801
• COU855 | Advanced Clinical Supervision | 3 | COU705
• THE860 | Ethical Stewardship and Human Wellness | 3 | None
• COU865 | Family Systems and Relational Health | 3 | COU705
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES901 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES850
• COU910 | Advanced Intervention Strategies | 3 | COU705
• COU920 | Organizational Mental Health Policy | 3 | None
• COU930 | Professional Identity and Advocacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES950 | Dissertation Defense and Finalization | 4 | RES901
• COU960 | Professional Practice Seminar | 3 | None
• COU970 | Advanced Ethics and Community Engagement | 3 | COU720
• MIN980 | Leadership and Character Development | 3 | None